Abstract

Working in small arts organizations that seek to help diverse peoples to understand and respect one another, as well as to create reparations for social and economic injustices, we bring together two sets of varied experiences to suggest alternatives for improving society through action research in the United States. We are graduate students in Cultural Policy and Arts Administration who also work as a professional diversity educator in small arts organizations and a Fair Trade organization leader who has refocused the organization's mission to enhance cultural education. As collaborators, we know Fair Trade organizations prioritize the economic needs of artisans in developing regions and the importance of marketing products as connected to peoples' stories in their success as organizations. In addition, we know diversity educators utilize educational institutions as the main locations for improving understanding of all peoples. We have already begun mapping terrain that brings together the needs for diversity education within Fair Trade organizations. However, these organizations are often non-governmental, not for profit, or start-up businesses that do not maintain funding to provide regular and consistent diversity programming. Approaching diversity education within Fair Trade organizations requires defining new priorities for both agendas as well as funding options to complete them.