Volunteering at Global Gifts is a fun and rewarding experience that helps spread the mission of fair trade in our community... and beyond! As a nonprofit organization, we rely on the dedication and talent of volunteers - assisting customers, stocking shelves, creating displays, attending offsite events, helping with social media, and more. 

Our non-profit organization is committed to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in principle and in action. This includes both the way we operate our business and the way we further our mission and vision in line with the principles of Fair Trade. 

If this sounds like a place you'd like to be a part of, we encourage you to APPLY NOW and join our team at Nora, Mass Ave, Bloomington, or Short North! 

Prefer a paper application? Ask a volunteer for an application at your local store, or download a copy here.

Some fun facts about our volunteers:

• In 2020, many of our volunteers were unable to serve due to COVID. Still, we had 6,670 hours donated by volunteers throughout our four stores by over 180 volunteers!
• Most volunteers serve twice a month, but you're welcome to volunteer as often as you can - like Kaylynn Kenekham who gave over 400 hours last year (over 30 hours a month)! 
• We also have volunteers of nearly all ages, from middle and high school students through volunteers who are retired and have served with us since our opening in 1988. Mary Liechty (GG founder), Rhonda Sherer (board member), Lu Culp, Allen Mast, and Margaret Miller have been volunteering with us for 32 years! (Don't worry, we only ask our volunteers for a minimum commitment of 3 months.)
• We have a Volunteer Appreciation Program that rewards our volunteers for their service with gift cards! 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much time is required of volunteers?

Volunteers are required to complete 2 shifts each month, each 4-5 hours long, though you are welcome to complete more than 2 shifts. Our Volunteer Coordinators create monthly schedules which means you can easily update your availability. 

We request all volunteers commit to volunteering for a minimum of 3 months. Meet the team!

What training is provided?

You will be required to attend an in-store orientation for training. Additionally, you will always volunteer alongside a Key Volunteer or Global Gifts staff member who can provide assistance and ongoing training. 

Kinsey, the store manager at our Nora Plaza location, LOVES, her volunteers!

What is Fair Trade?

Fair Trade is a movement to reduce poverty, create safe and equitable working conditions, and provide fair wages to disadvantaged producers around the world. Unlike traditional production and labor models, fair trade is based on dialogue, transparency, and respect between the people who create products and those who purchase and distribute them. Learn More: What is Fair Trade?

How long has Global Gifts been operating?

Since 1988! You can read more about our stores and our mission here: About Global Gifts.         

Morgan, an intern at our Nora Plaza location, working at Summer Fun party and Cha'Noah, an intern at our Short North location, modeling one of our face masks and rings for a social media campaign.