About Us
Mission
Mustard Seed Fair Trade is a locally planted non profit organization in Columbia, Missouri. We seek to engage the local community in the principles and practices of fair trade. Our primary function is to develop a successful fair trade retail store that connects Columbia with the global community. We promote sustainability for artisans and farmers living in developing countries through the marketing of their goods, working to alleviate poverty in those nations. Mustard Seed Fair Trade also seeks to build partnerships with disadvantaged artisans both locally and internationally to promote the principles of fair trade through personal connections.
Vision
Over the next three to five years, Mustard Seed Fair Trade will emerge as a leader in educating, transforming, and inspiring local consumers and businesses to move toward socially responsible practices.
Mustard Seed Fair Trade will educate consumers, broadening their awareness of fair trade. In doing so, we will create and understanding of underlying and related issues such as forced labor and marginalization of artisans and farmers.
Mustard Seed Fair Trade will provide consumers and opportunity to transform their purchasing power to promote and maintain dignity in the lives of artisans and farmers around the world.
Mustard Seed Fair Trade will inspire consumers to share the heart of our mission, creating a network of individuals and organizations committed to social justice.
Values
Mustard Seed Fair Trade operates according to the following organizational values in accordance with the principles developed by the Fair Trade Federation.
Personal Integrity All individuals involved with the organization will commit to upholding high standards of personal integrity through honesty, openness, and inclusiveness are valued.
Social Responsibility As an organization, we will reflect a deliberate interest in the local and global impact of our decisions.
Relationship Building We will engage in meaningful relationships with the artisans and farmers we support as well as the consumers we serve.
Self-Evaluation We will participate in continual evaluation of the implementation of our mission, vision, and values, working toward a more effective and efficient business operation.
Community Involvement We recognize the value in being connected to our local community and give back regularly.