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Global Alliance for Community Empowerment (GACE) is a non profit organization established by Alaffia and the Alaffia/Agbanga Karite Shea Butter Cooperative, with the help of volunteers around the world. Who We AreOlowo-n'djo Tchala, President
Olowo-n'djo is Co-Founder of Agbanga Karite, a fair trade womens' shea butter cooperative in Togo, West Africa. He grew up in Togo, West Africa under economically impoverished conditions. As an adult, Olowo-n'djo migrated to the U.S. with his wife, Rose, a former Togo Peace Corps volunteer. Depite having completed only his elementary education in Togo, Olowo-n'djo went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Theory from the University of California, Davis. Olowo-n'djo also co-founded Alaffia Sustainable Skincare. Located in Olympia, WA, Alaffia creates and markets skincare products from the Agbanga Karite fair trade shea butter. Alaffia also promotes fair trade for Africa and educates others about fair trade issues specifically relevant to Africa. He is fluent in Kaboli, French, English, Ewe and Kotikoli and is proficient in three other Togolese languages.
Prairie Rose Hyde, Vice President and Treasurer
Rose is Co-Founder of Agbanga Karite Women's Fair Trade Shea Butter Cooperative and Alaffia Sustainable Skincare. Rose earned a Master of Science in International Agricultural Development and a Master of Science in Integrative Ecology from the University of California, Davis. She was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Central African Republic and Togo. She is fluent in French.
Dick Meyer
Dick is Co-owner of a restaurant (Antique Sandwich Co., Tacoma) since 1976. He is Owner of a fair trade folk art retail store and café (Traditions Fair Trade Cafe, Olympia & Traditions @the Antique Sandwich Co.) since 1992. He has served on numerous Boards, including the Fair Trade Federation (6 years including Board Chair), the Fair Trade Resource Network (7 years including Board Chair and Treasurer), and Sweatfree Communities (5 years including Board Treasurer). He has taught as adjunct faculty at Evergreen State College courses on "Alternatives to Globalization”(2004, 2005). He has long-time involvements in community organizations including the South Sound Clean Clothes Campaign, the Olympia Child Care Center, and Fleetwood Low-Income Housing.
Maria Mason, Secretary
Maria has worked on Indoor Air Quality issues in schools since 1993. She is Co-director of The Coalition for Environmentally Safe Schools and a Member of IPM (Integrated Pest Management) in Schools since 1994. Maria worked with the Bainbridge Island School District in passing the first IPM Policy in the State of Washington, and with the City of Bainbridge Island, and the Bainbridge Parks District with their IPM policies to reduce the use of pesticides on the Island. She has worked as a parapro for the Bainbridge School District in Special Education. She is trained as an Osteo-Archeologist. She traveled to Togo with Olowo-n’djo Tchala in 1996 and delivered the first shipment of bicycles.
David Goldman
David earned his Master's of Arts in Environment and Community at Antioch University, Seattle, WA. He served as Peace Corps Volunteer in Benin, West Africa, worked as consultant/trainer for Peace Corp Benin's Environmental Action Program, and also served as Interim Associate Director in charge of Environmental Action and Rural Community Development for Peace Corps, Benin. He is fluent in French.
Our MissionOur mission is to empower African communities through the advancement of fair trade, education, sustainable living, and gender equality.
This mission statement explains what we do and guides all our actions - from the focus of our programs to how we allocate resources and report our results.
We will achieve our mission by:
1. Drawing upon a broad base of volunteers, working collaboratively with partners and complementing the activities of others engaged with related missions;
2. Working with our partners (Agbanga Karite Group and Alaffia Fair Trade Shea Butter) to keep abreast of needs and opportunities, help monitor the effectiveness of ongoing programs and projects, and assess the feasibility of developing new programs that reflect our values and mission;
3. Sharing our results in a wide variety of formats for different audiences, including the public, decision-makers, other organizations and the media;
4. Conducting education and training activities that are focused on the advancement of fair trade, education, sustainable living and gender equality.
Our VisionOur vision is to be an organization that aids communities in Africa to achieve a standard of living that is sustainable, ethical and fair.
This vision declares our aspirations and identifies what we are striving to become in the years ahead. Our vision draws upon the values and commitments that underlie our existence and provides guidance for dealing with essential matters arising from day-to-day events and preoccupations.
Our Values and PrinciplesThe following principles are our rules of conduct and are standards that guide our decisions, programs and resource allocation. These principles are based on the values and beliefs of people associated with our organization. Together, our beliefs and values constitute the essence of GACE culture and provide motivation, stability, and direction.
1. Integrity and Professionalism: The responsibility and trust placed in GACE by supporters, volunteers, partners, and the public must be earned every day. GACE will exercise the highest ethical and professional standards in all of its endeavors, provide self-evaluation, solicit feedback on progress, and be held accountable for results.
2. Commitment to People: Success in achieving our vision and mission depends upon the people of GACE. Our organizational culture must encourage individuals to achieve their potential, value their contributions, and provide opportunities to improve personal skills and knowledge through training and education.
3. Innovation and Resourcefulness: To accomplish our goals requires vision, resourcefulness, a responsible entrepreneurial spirit, and adaptability to change. We encourage innovative ideas that lead to practical applications grounded in credible knowledge and experience. 4. Effective Partnerships: Success relies on constructive and productive partnerships with a wide variety of individuals and organizations.
Our Strategic GoalsOur strategic goals identify and orient organizational efforts. GACE has chosen the following four strategic goals to enhance our organizational capacity and programs.
1. Develop and implement community programs that reflect our values and mission in our communities in Africa.
2. Focus on programs that address at least two of our special concerns (fair trade, gender equality, education and the environment) and that can be realistically achieved with our resources and means.
3. Work with other organizations and individuals across the globe who share our goals and values.
4. Serve as a model for other African and global organizations who wish to empower their communities.
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