About Us
![](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-6ciqma9a9h/images/stencil/original/image-manager/betterworld-tagline.jpg?t=1720561495)
Since 1949
Fighting global poverty through fair and ethical trade
One of the first fair trade organizations in the world, SERRV International began its mission in 1949 by helping displaced European refugees trade their handcrafts for income after the Second World War. Since then, we've extended our reach to countries worldwide, working to support over 8,000 artisans and farmers every year by selling their beautiful handcrafts and delicious foods.
Our Mission Statement
To empower small-scale global artisans and farmers through long-term trading partnerships, helping them build sustainable employment, resources, rights, and a vision of hope in their communities.
What we believe in
![](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-6ciqma9a9h/images/stencil/original/image-manager/employment-1.jpg?t=1720562211)
![](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-6ciqma9a9h/images/stencil/original/image-manager/employment-2.jpg?t=1720562229)
Creating employment
SERRV works to provide employment opportunities to all artisans, regardless of gender, race, religion, or sexuality.
We also work to prevent child labor, instead making sure artisans' children stay in school and have brighter futures.
Paying fair wages
Artisans working with SERRV are paid a fair income in advance, to ensure they can support themselves and their families while they work.
![](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-6ciqma9a9h/images/stencil/original/image-manager/fair-wages-image-about-us-page.jpg?t=1721058910)
Encouraging sustainable practices
SERRV cares about the planet, and encourages artisans to use sustainable crafting methods and recycled materials in their handcrafts.
Here at home, we also use recycled cardboard shreds to pack our products for safe shipping.
Supporting community development
SERRV provides loans and donations to help build workshops, fund healthcare and education initiatives, recover from natural disasters, and additional community improvement projects as needed.
![](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-6ciqma9a9h/images/stencil/original/image-manager/community.jpg?t=1720620242)
![](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-6ciqma9a9h/images/stencil/original/image-manager/techniques-1.jpg?t=1720620426)
![](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-6ciqma9a9h/images/stencil/original/image-manager/techniques-2.jpg?t=1720620445)
Preserving traditional crafting techniques
SERRV employs artisans who utilize traditional crafting methods, patterns, and materials to create their handcrafts.
With your support, we can continue to combat global poverty and work to help artisans and farmers build better lives for themselves, their families, and their communities.
fair trade • eco-friendly • nonprofit