One World Craft Fair Fostering Economic Justice and Peace

By Polly Young

The story of how St. Pat's One World Craft Fair got started is an inspiring one. It makes me think of Margaret Mead's observation that, "A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

The year was 1984 and a small group of St. Pat's parishioners were studying the U.S. Catholic Bishops' Pastoral Letter on War and Peace entitled, "The Challenge of Peace: God's Promise and Our Response."

The bishops called on Catholics to consciously and actively reject war and violence in all its forms. "Peacemaking is not an optional commitment. It is a requirement of our faith." It's a message that's as relevant today as it was then.

The small group took those words to heart and decided to address violence as manifest in economic exploitation and oppression of the poor. They came up with the idea of creating a venue for internationally and locally based non-profit cooperatives to market their goods. Access to markets would help sustain peoples' livelihoods; the craft fair would be the venue where the goods were sold.

Over the years, our efforts have supported communities in Cambodia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Kenya, Morocco, Laos, Mongolia, Palestine, Southeast Asia, and here in the Puget Sound region. In addition, proceeds from the sale of baked goods are donated to local efforts to end homelessness and poverty.

This year's One World Craft Fair will be held on Sunday, November 4, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the church social hall. We invite you to come, purchase goods that help sustain communities, and foster economic justice and peace. For more information or to volunteer at the Fair, contact Polly Young at 206-323-4122, TTY Relay: 711.