Sojourn- v- to stay as a temporary resident; to travel about; n- travels of exploration. English Philosopher Alfred North Whitehead once defined civilized society as one that exhibits “the five qualities of truth, beauty, adventure, art, peace.”

Sojourns has heeded this statement and made it the heart of our day-to-day strategy.

Adventure Somewhere in each of us is an appreciation for, if not a lust, for adventure. But carpools, late nights at the office, orthodontist bills and many other details in our lives are directing our time and money away from taking that safari across the Serengeti, climbing up to Machu Picchu or seeing the Great Wall of China up close and personal. Adventure seems far away. But now you will be able to sojourn—visit temporarily—far away lands via our “global marketplace”.

Additionally, in cooperation with the Birmingham Multicultural Association, you can experience a glimpse of the cultures of our partner artisan groups through frequent cultural events which will highlight traditional food, music, drink and of course art. And together we’ll host travel lectures, classes, and many other events that will highlight global issues, promote sustainable travel, protect indigenous cultures and embrace the differences that create the tapestry that is the people of the world.

Art Art in all its forms—paintings, sculptures, carvings, pottery, embroidery and well, all the items you’ll find in the store, will help to convey an understanding of the people and cultures with whom we partner around the globe. In many cases, we have information about the traditional—and often ancient—methods used to create the art and artisans products you’ll find in Sojourns. And we even have information about the artists and how the opportunity to sell their products through the fair trade network here in US has improved their lives.

That’s where the peace part of the equation comes into play.

Peace By understanding the people and the traditions behind the art, we hope we’ll create more understanding about cultures that are vastly different from our own. This understanding, we hope, will help us embrace and even appreciate our differences rather than separate us. And this is the first step toward peace.

What is Fair Trade? We live in a world of gross social and economic inequalities which is leaving millions of people without basic necessities such as food, water, housing, education, and health-care. Millions are being dramatically affected by globalization, international trade policies, third-world debt, and are losing their farms, livelihoods and are unable to feed their families or provide for other basic necessities of life.

Fair trade, also known as alternative trade, plays by a different set of rules than normal commerce. Instead of exchanging goods or services based on clout and driving hard bargains, fair trade is based on economic and social justice. The key goals of fair trade are to empower low-income, disadvantaged artisans, laborers and farmers around the globe, and to promote understanding between them and industrialized nations.

Fair trade advocates for a fair and living wage to artists, artisans and producers and provides revenue to promote social and economic development for communities.

Fair trade advocates for democratic management of artist cooperatives

Fair trade advocates for environmentally friendly and sustainable products

Fair trade does not support forced or child labor

There are almost 200 fair trade stores around the country and Sojourns is proud to be the first wholly fair trade store in Alabama.(but not the only one anymore--check out Trade Fair Marketplace in Huntsville)