How democratic is democracy? We take the pulse of today's body politic and find the patient in an enfeebled state. This book explores how democracy is constricted and deformed by economic power-brokers and a self serving political class, from Birmingham to Bangalore. A sterile consensus of technocrats, neo-liberals, and spin-doctors worldwide has usurped the hopes for a democratic future. This book is also a guide to the rich diversity of forms of elected government and contains some practical ideas for empowering today's voters. Chapters include: What is Democracy?; The democratic malaise; Weak and strong democracy; Democratizing the economy; Beyond the nation-state; Democratizing democracy; Democracy and Ecology; Strong democracy in the south. For more information, visit Global Exchange's Democracy campaign.
Building dams in India, planting trees in Burkina Faso, rescuing street children in Brazil - these are images of aid and international development with which we can all identify. What few people realise, as Maggie Black explains in this No-Nonsense Guide, is that the terms overseas aid and international development mask confusion, contradiction, and even downright deceit. All too often what passes for development improves life for the better-off, while actively hurting the very people the venture was meant to support. What we need for the future, she proposes, is more realism, less hypocrisy and a more accurate picture of what is happening in development's name. Only then can a process be established which truly defends the interests of the poor. For more information, visit Global Exchange's IMF/World Bank campaign. Paperback: 144 Pages Published: April 2003
Edited by: David RansomWorld trade was once the exclusive preserve of big business, run by transnational corporations more powerful than governments. Now the 'free' trade they favor is the focus of public concern everywhere. What’s the alternative? The No Nonsense Guide to Fair Trade gives you a good idea. Dispensing with the marketing spin of orthodox economics, it tells the human story behind the things we consume. In the divide between consumers and producers, rich and poor, North and South, it discovers positive options that are already available on supermarket shelves. The threads of a complex issue are pulled together into a summary of key concepts and factual evidence - a lively, digestible guide for the general reader as well as campaigners and specialists in development, globalization, and international affairs. Includes chapters on NAFTA, Fair Trade coffee, chocolate, and bananas, blue jeans, where to buy Fair Trade goods, and more. For more information, visit Global Exchange's Fair Trade Campaigns. Paperback: 144 Pages Published: 2001
Globalization: it's a buzzword you can't escape. But what on earth does it mean? For some it's the ticket to a democratic world of instant communications and global prosperity. While for others it's a money-mad juggernaut, spinning wildly out of control, threatening both cultural and biological diversity. The complex entanglement of cultures and economies has been growing since the colonial era and even before. So today commercial culture and the Western consumer model have seeped into every corner of the globe while gaps in wealth, food security and social provision continue to grow. The No Nonsense Guide to Globalization traces the journey towards a 'borderless' world. And in the process it shows that the promise of globalization is seductive, powerful - and ultimately hollow. Chapters include a history of globalization, the Bretton Woods Trio, debt and structural adjustment, corporations, global economics, poverty, environment, the market, and ideas for redesigning the global economy. For more information, visit Global Exchange's Economic Rights campaigns. Paperback: 144 Pages Published: 2001
Swahili Imports introduces the ultimate in salad serving accessories! Handmade in Haiti, the extra-large Centerpiece Bowl comes with a matching pair of Salad Servers. Unique in design and lovingly made to last a lifetime, this salad bowl collection is made to be enjoyed for years to come.
Country of Origin: Haiti Dimensions: Salad Centerpiece Bowl: 17 1/2" diameter; 9 1/2" tall Salad Servers: 15" long
Orange Spice Tea is a blend of carefully chosen organic ingredients. From the caravans and trade routes of Asia, sweet spices and pure citrus are immersed in fine black teas of select origin. The result is a re-creation of one of the most popular of teas, with a new dignity of ecological wisdom. Celebrate the Earth with organically grown tea.
Price: 4.20
Authors: Kim Bobo, Jackie Kendall, and Steve Max of the Midwest Academy for Activists
At last, here is a comprehensive manual for grassroots organizers! Whether you're working for social, political, environmental, or economic change many organizers call this their bible. Since 1973, the Midwest Academy has attracted more than 20,000 grassroots activists from unions, student advocacy groups, housing and tenant associations, church organizations, senior citizen networks, and citizen action coalitions. It has also been used as a textbook in classes at Harvard University, John Hopkins University, Boston University, Tufts, and Loyola of Chicago. Now you can benefit from the best of the Academy's training. Since its first edition in 1991, Organizing for Social Change has developed a reputation as the best book in print for helping grassroots organizers enhance their effectiveness in bringing public attention to the important issues of our times. Now, in its third edition, this indispensable manual for activists continues to provide guidelines for bringing together like-minded people, helping them to focus their energy on bringing about much needed changes to our neighborhoods, cities, states, country, and the world. With over 100 new pages of information, this updated edition includes current information on using computers and the internet for research purposes; intricacies of forming coalitions; labor and religion based organizing; and a new chapter on the economic climate that the United States faces in the new millennium. Whatever the cause, this is the manual that can help guide organizers and make sure that you continue to reach your goals with efficiency and dignity. Use it and organize!
Paperback: 425 Pages Published: 2001, Third Edition
(one pound) The first fair trade organic coffee, from Ethiopia - the birthplace of the bean! Dean's blends the best - Yrgacheffe, Sidamo and Ghimbi for a full, dark and wild ride. Omishagari! (Good Harvest!)
Price: 8.00
It's a traditional Mexican Party Streamer! Papel Picado is a traditional art handmade by artisans from Mexico. The brightly colored tissue (or in this case, booo-ti-ful black!) is handcut, using chisels and a top pattern as a guide. Although Papel de China (tissue paper) was originally brought to Europe from China and then to "New Spain" (Nuevo Espana), the indigenous people of Mexico had already been using hand made paper *(amatl), along with the tradition of cut decorative and ceremonial images, for centuries.
Today, papel picado is used as a decoration for all occasions; Weddings, Christmas, Easter or for altars during Day of the Dead. These party decorations give an immediate festive mood to any occasion. Simply open package, stretch the ends and tie wherever you wish to hang them. 18 dangling skeleton designs are in each set; 10 ft. long!
Support, share, and spread peace with this olivewood dove plaque from Palestine. This international symbol of peace comes ready to hang with an attractive metal chain. Brought to you by PCWF (Palestine Children's Welfare Fund), a portion of your purchase will go towards supporting children in refugee camps in Palestine. PCWF provides children with better educational opportunities, health facilities and a bright future without violence, hatred and discrimination, regardless of religious affiliation.
Country of Origin: Palestine Dimensions: 5.8" * 2.5"
As one of the seven precious substances and a wish fulfilling gem, the pearl has legendary powers. Cooling when the days are hot, warming when the nights are cold, this precious jewel brings to fruition everything the holder desires. This zena (beautiful) collection features cultured pearls surrounded by ornately crafted circlets made with sterling silver.
Choose a Native Leaf Jewelry Bag to make your gift extra special! Each pair of hand-crafted Starburst earrings features a natural gemstone, with its own individual fine silver bezel crafted to fit the individual stone. Surrounding the stone is a halo of finely crafted sterling granules, each one individually applied. Choose a Native Leaf Jewelry Bag to make your gift extra special!
As one of the seven precious substances and a wish fulfilling gem, the pearl has legendary powers. Cooling when the days are hot, warming when the nights are cold, this precious jewel brings to fruition everything the holder desires.
Contributions by: Naomi Klein, Paul Hawken, Julia Butterfly Hill, Ralph Nader, Vandana Shiva, David Korten, Maude Barlow, The Ruckus Society, Global Exchange, Rainforest Action Network, and many more.
From the protests in Seattle to the perseverance of people like Julia Butterfly Hill and Vandana Shiva, we're seeing a growing resistance to globalization and its negative effects. A consumer revolution is taking hold across the globe. Daily news reports tell us of the sweatshops that produce Gap clothing, the child labor that goes into Nike running shoes, and the deplorable demands that are put on the agricultural workers who bring us Starbucks coffee. People everywhere are starting to educate themselves on how they can take it personally by making conscious consumer choices that will make a difference in the world.
Through the work of reporters, photographers, underground investigators, and the testimony of people working in inhuman conditions, accounts of the sad and shocking working and living conditions of people in Third World countries and in the United States not only have surfaced but have provoked a humanitarian response.
As consumers become increasingly aware about what they but and where it comes from, they are making conscious choices about what they are---or are not---willing to have their money support. Anita Roddick presents here a vibrant collection of photographs, essays, montages, and quoted on the driving issues behind globalization from impassioned writers and activist organizations. This is the definitive handbook for the average consumer who wants to learn about the issues and make informed choices. Maverick businesswoman Anita Roddick is a role model in the world of business. She wants to play a positive role in the global marketplace and empower people rather than exploit them. Paperback: 256 Pages Published: 2001
