Global Visionaries

Seattle’s thing is grassroots efforts, and Global Visionaries (GV) is a great example of great success from a small start. GV is different to me in that it leads service trips, like many other organizations, but unlike them, has a high rate of continuing alumni involvement. They’ve grown from serving a few students, to serving hundreds a year. I’d definitely recommend checking out their website if you want to find out more.
From a Unilocal perspective, GV is actually a great place to get Fair Trade coffee that not only benefits sustainable coffee growers in Guatemala, but actually supports a student-​run (fresh out of high school I think) business in Guatemala. The business, Espresso De Esperanza, routinely ships fresh batches of coffee to GV (you won’t be able to buy directly from Esperanza, as they have a minimum 300 pound order requirement. But then again, maybe you’re just that hyper :)). GV has pound bags of coffee available for purchase, and you can find info about this as well through their site.
The final Unilocal-​related thing about GV is their annual auction. It takes place once a year in May, and is a great place not only to go support their work, but also to find some great steals on things you need, from gifts to vacations. Check them out!