BuzzFlash Reviews

BUZZFLASH REVIEWS

Recognize your luggage right away with a distinctive handwoven and hand made luggage tag. Or buy several of them. Proceeds benefit a Mayan women's cooperative in Guatemala, directly through the non-profit agency, Maya Works -- and, of course, you will be assisting BuzzFlash.com.

This is the ultimate win-win. You get an attractive luggage tag with a colorful Guatemalan design -- each one is different and distinctive -- and your purchase helps support indigenous Mayan women.


Our current luggage tags are all red, each with a distinctive design.

Here is a little more about Maya Works:

MayaWorks markets the work of Maya artisans who otherwise have no outlet for their handiwork. As a proud member of the Fair Trade Federation, MayaWorks pays artisans at prices they set, provides technical assistance and educational opportunities and meets other Fair Trade criteria.

MayaWorks is also much more than just an outlet for Mayan products. MayaWorks believes that community development happens through the economic development of women who otherwise have limited ways to participate or contribute to the economic stability of their families. Giving women an opportunity to earn an income from their skills gives them self-confidence and hope for themselves, their children, their family and their village.

And you can watch more about the women who make the luggage tags and Maya Works, interweaving lives, by watching this short online documentary.

In the coming months, BuzzFlash will be expanding its Fair Trade products, so that you can help improve the standard of living of those in economic need around the world. Many of these projects specifically benefit women eager to improve their lives, as does Maya Works.

A few highlights on the 10th anniversary of Maya Works in 2006:

In the past 10 years over $1.2 million has gone to MayaWorks artisans to purchase their work.

In 1996 sales totaled $45,400. In 2005 sales totaled $420,000.

In 1996 there were 24 volunteers who held sales. In 2006 there were 225 volunteers who hold sales and more who do other tasks.

In 1996 Pat Krause was the sole, unpaid "staff." In 2006 we had 3 full time staff in Guatemala and 1 full time and 2 part time staff in Chicago.

In 1996 the MayaWorks headquarters and warehouse was the Krause household in Norwalk. In 2006 and today, the MayaWorks Distribution Center in Chicago is a bustling place for staff, volunteers and customers.

In 1996 there was no MayaWorks office in Guatemala. In 2006 we had ample office space in the Behrhorst Fundacion in Chimaltenango.

In October 1996, the first MayaWorks tour hosted nine people. In January-February 2006, the 14th MayaWorks tour hosted 20 people.

In 1996 all communication was through the U.S. postal service.
In 2006 the MayaWorks website is viewed by hundreds of people each week, and takes product orders from volunteers, shops and individuals.

In 1996 communication with Guatemala was costly and carefully planned. In 2006 internet conversations are easy and inexpensive.

In 1997 the MayaWorks Education Fund began with $2000 and 9 scholarship girls in Comalapa. In 2006 the MayaWorks Education Fund was supporting 162 scholarship girls (from each of our groups), 6 tutors, and 2 Study Centers. The Education budget for this year is $21,500.



BUZZFLASH REVIEWS