Sharing the Dream in Guatemala began in 1996 with the dream of promoting sustainable fair trade by providing fair wages and employment opportunities to low-income artisans. We work with over 20 cooperatives and small businesses that use traditional Maya techniques to create unique, handmade products. The purchase of these crafts not only provides an income for these artisans, but also supports community development projects in Guatemala.

Our ongoing projects include:

• Artisan development project that provides workshops and ongoing educational opportunities for artisans
• Elder center that feeds and provides medical care for over 60 Maya elders
• Educational scholarships for elementary, middle and high school students
• Financial support for a medical center and a health promoter in the jungle
• Maintaining an inn for volunteers, tour groups, and locals

We also support community based projects that vary according to the needs of the community, such as water, roofs, floors and stoves.

Friends of Sharing the Dream is a 501(c)(3) organization that accepts donations to support our projects, artisans and their families. 100% of our donations return to Guatemala to help advance our projects and mission. Sharing the Dream emphasizes creating equal relationships with Guatemalans and strives to promote education, independence and innovation in all of our projects.

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How can I help?

• Donate to a project! 100% will go to the project of your choice!
• Sponsor an elder! We’ll send you a biography and a picture so you know who you are supporting.
• Sponsor a scholarship student! Your donation will help a Guatemalan student achieve their dreams and become educated leaders.
• Host a sale in your community! Help spread our dream and sell unique fair trade gifts at the same time!​

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What is Fair Trade?

Fair trade organizations, like Sharing the Dream, are systems of exchange that seek to create greater equity and partnership in international trading system by:

• Paying fair wages in local context
• Supporting participatory workplaces
• Ensuring environmental sustainability
• Supplying financial and technical support
• Offering public accountability
• Respecting cultural identity
• Building direct and long-term relationships
• Educating consumers

Why Fair Trade?

With fair trade, everyone benefits. 

Consumers get a great, high quality product for a reasonable price because fair trade organizations work directly with producers, cutting out the middle-men that often increase prices.

Producers get a fair price for their labor and are able to support their families.

Communities see positive development, as health, nutrition, and education improve and other resources become more plentiful.  

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Sharing the Dream Staff Members

United States
Diane Nesselhuf, Founder & Director   
Michele Mechling, Store Manager Vermillion Store
Karen Kraus, Store Manager Sioux Falls Store
Gail Ament, Chairman of the Board of Directors  

​Guatemala
Lauren Vaske, Director in Guatemala 
Bernabela Sapalú, Elder Center and Bead Group Coordinator   
Juan Cali, Elder Center and Bead Group Assistant
Maria Tzina, Elder Center Kitchen Assistant
Esteban Sapalú, Inn Coordinator and Scholarship Tutor
Antonio Sol, Administrative Assistant and Tutoring Assistant
Ashley Ford, Artisan Development Director 
Isabel Churunel, Artisan Development Coordinator