The fair trade movement is an alternative way of doing international business that is based on economic justice. Second World aims to create long-term partnerships between consumers in the North American market and producers in developing regions. The results of the current “free market” model are exploitation, the destruction of ancient cultures, sweatshops, a declining environment, among many far- reaching negative consequences.

Fair Trade involves the following principles:

• Producers receive a fair price - a living wage. For commodities, farmers receive a stable, minimum price.
• Forced labor and exploitative child labor are not allowed.
• Buyers and producers trade under direct long-term relationships.
• Producers have access to financial and technical assistance.
• Sustainable production techniques are encouraged.
• Working conditions are healthy and safe.
• Equal employment opportunities are provided for all.
• All aspects of trade and production are open to public accountability.

Second World is a place where people of all hemispheres will begin to feel the scales tip toward economic justice. After all, the barriers that have created different “worlds” among one humanity were made by men. Forget what you were told. Enter the Second World.

Second World will take its’ place in the fair trade movement to honor this mission through business practices that are based not on the dollar alone, but  instead on personal relationships and the humanity that will redeem this world -- as one world.

Second World began out of first hand experience in Jamaica between  1997 and 2000, when Valerie Parker began research and documentation while studying economics, gender and development through the School for International Training, and aquiring her degree in Media Arts from Emerson College.

They say, “Money talks.” So, let’s make it say something! Use your power as a consumer to create a better world for us all.