The Village Experience

The Village Experience and YOGA

Sales Team — Thu, 16 May 2013 15:37:25 +0000

Being a yogi myself, it is very important to me that I make my living through supporting a company that is in line with my values. The Village Experience is a perfect match for me – it is in harmony with my view of the world, my ideas about what is important, and an opportunity to continue to serve, travel, and even do yoga!

The Village Experience is a socially pro-active business dedicated to uplifting impoverished communities in the developing world through efforts in international trade and tourism. The key theme that runs throughout all of our work is this concept of responsible consumerism. Fair trade provides opportunities for artisans that may otherwise be exploited. Responsible travel aims to keep the money in the local economy and suppor the local people.

(From left to right) Suzanne Sterling and Seane Corn, founders of Off the Mat, Into the World. Addison Demaree, TVE Travel Manager. Kelly Campbell, TVE Founder. India February 2013

There is intention behind every decision that we make – to ensure that we are causing no harm –and that we are EMPOWERING the communities that we serve. Our goal is to provide life changing experiences for our Western clients – as well as life changing opportunities for our international partners.

The Village Experience teams with a variety of groups from across the United States that are interested in this model of responsible consumerism, cultural immersion, and cultural education.

Our new growing market: the yoga community. We partner with Off the Mat, Into the World to operate the logistical travel and NGO partnership details of the annual Global Seva Challenge. We recently returned back from India with the leaders of Off The Mat, Into the World – and I was able to support other yogis in their practice as they witnessed first-hand the heart breaking reality of sex trafficking, as well as the awe-inspiring work of the organizations that are offering refuge and rehabilitation for the rescued girls.

We were able to do what we do best – partner service and travel in a way that leaves the passengers inspired, motivated, and hungry for more. We were able to offer our hands in service – but also spent time dancing and practicing yoga with the women of Kolkata, visited Mother Theresa’s living quarters and tomb, and explored the markets of artisans from all across India.

Or goal is to continue to deepen our bond with the yoga community through offering similar types of experiences for yoga instructors and their students. Traveling to third world countries is truly an outstanding opportunity to take your yoga off the mat. You are able to feel connected to other cultures – and see the union in all. You will be challenged – but that is why we develop our tools and practice as practioners – to face the adversity of the world with a loving hand and brave smile.

The Village Experience is a conscious company – a company with a goal of bringing people together to work towards a better world. To get started in building your yoga and service retreat – contact me at Addison@experiencethevillage.com

By: Addison Demaree, TVE Travel Manager and Yogi

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Coco~s Pure and TVE team up in Thailand!

kelly — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 18:41:50 +0000

Cocos~Pure of Vancouver, Canada has joined forces with The Village Experience (TVE) to assist in an economic development project for victims of the 2004 tsunami in rural Thailand. The Village Experience has been working with an artisan group and orphanage in the small village of Takapua, Thailand for the past 4 years to help families recovering from devastation find their footing again. Measured in lives lost, the disaster of 2004 is one of the ten worst earthquakes in recorded history, as well as the single worst tsunami in history. Thailand’s tourism and fishing industries were devastated – two of the main industries based in the South. Thousands of lives were lost, families were torn apart, others were displaced, and many lost their livelihoods.

Now, eight years after the tsunami, villages in the South are attempting to make their way back to economic sustainability. That is where The Village Experience steps in. TVE stumbled upon The Baan Than Namchai Foundation on a trip to the country 4 years ago. Upon learning the story of the foundation, TVE founders, Anne and Kelly Campbell, were hooked. Baan Than Namchai Foundation runs an orphanage for children affected by the tsunami. Over 70 children are housed, clothed, fed, and provided with an education through the foundation. This enterprising group has also started great income-generating activities such as oyster mushroom gardens, orchid farms, rice paddies, catfish ponds, and hydro-ponic greenhouses. TVE noticed that several of the women in the community and one gentleman were making handicrafts from a rented space in the orphanage. The products were beautiful and immediately TVE got to work thinking of ways to partner.

The Village Experience began importing and carrying products from this artisan group in their fair trade retail store in the United States and online. The response to the products and the artisan stories were so enthusiastic that TVE decided to help take the artisan group to the next level. After several trips and many skyping sessions, a plan was put in place to fund a highly skilled fashion designer from New York to come work with the artisans on developing an entirely new line of high quality fair trade products. TVE’s plan is to get the artisans making new products and then distribute them throughout retail establishments around the world. The more TVE can sell, the more they can purchase from the artisans. This results in more money coming in for the foundation and more artisans being trained and employed. The artisan group has made a commitment to the orphanage to donate a percentage of everything they make directly to helping the children. Yes – the artisans are giving back to the children…we love it!

As TVE set about making this plan a reality, they realized they would need some outside help in securing funding for specialized, industrial sewing, leather, and binding machines. TVE immediately thought of the team at Cocos~Pure, who have been involved in Thailand for many years, including their great outreach during the flooding in Bangkok earlier this year. “I knew if I reached out to the team at Cocos~Pure and told them we would be creating jobs for those recovering from the tsunami, they would want to be involved. Cocos~Pure has a great reputation for being involved in the community, and we couldn’t ask for a better partner in making this dream a reality for the community of Takapua.” Says TVE co-founder, Kelly Campbell.

Cocos~Pure and The Village Experience are proud of this partnership and encourage other companies to follow this example and find ways to make a positive contribution to the world. If you would like to get involved, please contact one of the following people:

Aron Tegenfeldt – Cocos~Pure

aron@cocospure.ca

Tiffin Clark – Cocos~Pure

tiffin@cocospure.ca

Jim Dunn – Cocos~Pure and Dunn Global

jim@dunnglobal.com

Kelly Campbell – The Village Experience

Kelly@experiencethevillage.com

Be sure to look for new products from this much deserving artisan group this fall at tve.springboardmarketing.com.

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Reflections for our Passengers: Laura Grannan aka The Foodie!

kelly — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 18:30:12 +0000

When I told people that I had received the opportunity of a lifetime to go to Thailand, their reactions were mostly surprise as well as jealousy. With a culinary degree and many years in the culinary industry, I knew that this was going to be a trip I’d never forget. Thailand is a mecca for foodies, and I was there to experience it in all of its wonder. There are blocks of fresh, open-air markets, street vendor after street vendor and more restaurants to choose from than one could ever possibly eat at.

On our first day in Thailand we headed out to take it all in…see the sights, meet the people and get a little “lost.” Not only was the first day so amazing simply because I was in Thailand, but we were able to go on an adventure to find a NY Times reviewed restaurant called Chotechitr. I had been told that it was a “must-visit,” and so with the crew in tow Kelly got us there. It was amazing to sit in a place that is 100 years old, family-owned and where so many have sat before. Thank you to Kelly for making that happen for me!

The Chatuchak weekend market is also definitely worth seeing and experiencing. Imagine drinking coconut water out of a young coconut that is cut open in front of your eyes, eating pork belly that was freshly cooked just for you and fruits and vegetables that you only see on TV, as well as some of the freshest fish you’ll ever have. The markets are teeming with people, clothing, crafts, art, food and drinks. Anything you could possibly want was there! These types of markets are everywhere in Thailand. And they aren’t just weekend farmers markets; rather they are a part of the Thai culture and way of life.

After experiencing these grand markets in Bangkok, we had the chance to see a smaller version in Khao Lak. The orphanage there took us under their culinary wing, invited us into their kitchen and home and taught us how to make some traditional Thai dishes. You can’t get more personal than that! When it comes to food, one thing I have learned is that there is no language barrier; we all speak the same language. Great food comes from the heart and through love, and Thai people sure have a lot of both. Love comes through in the time they take carefully preparing each item and in their appreciation for the food that nourishes them. It was very humbling to see, and it was a day/memory that will forever be a favorite of mine. Thank you to The Village Experience for giving me the opportunity to experience my culinary passion in a completely new way. It truly was a life changing experience, and I would recommend a trip through TVE to anyone!

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Reflections from our Passengers: Betsy Gailbraith

kelly — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 18:25:08 +0000

On our first day in Bangkok, our group overheard a rather free-spirited European man saying that the reason he came to Thailand was “to find his spiritual self”. It quite possibly could have been one of those situations that you just had to be there to rationalize the humor behind the exact setting/details of the encounter; but either way, this situation was something that stuck with me for the rest of our trip because spirituality is a topic that I find rather interesting. I wondered about what this man’s story was and if that had something to do with him choosing Thailand to find his spiritual self.

I have read that true spirituality is something that is found deep within oneself-it is your way of loving, accepting, and relating to the world and people around you. After experiencing Thailand with TVE, I can better understand why this country would be at the top of this fella’s destinations to find his spiritual self. Thai people are incredibly kind and genuine. They are a people who have and/or are experiencing devastating circumstances (specifically pertaining to the 2004 Tsunami, human trafficking, poverty, etc.), but still manage to be living examples of what resilience looks like. We all have our own stories that pertain to suffering/pain, but the Thai people I encountered were obviously passionate about expanding their hearts out by helping those around them to be strong with whatever the situation was. They are committed to living out their beliefs in Buddhism or whatever religion or enlightened path they choose to follow that encourages them to fully appreciate life and each other. The women, men, and children I met reminded me just how precious our lives are.

As humans we share the commonality of not fully knowing what tomorrow may bring. My experiences in Thailand made me realize I need to be more intentional about seizing each and every day. In the past, I have kept certain ambition about my life within for fear of failing. What use would my dreams, goals, and aspirations be if I did not act upon them soon enough? They would be worthless. Each day we are alive we have the chance to make a difference by spreading hope, awareness, encouragement, and love to fellow human beings. Regardless of where I am or what I am doing, I have a passion deep within that desires to use my energies to benefit others as much as I can. We should not allow self debt, fear, anxiety, or anything else to prevent us from fully living out all our capabilities. Overall, this trip opened my eyes to realizing that I do have the capability of being comfortable with living out the spirituality I have always had within myself.

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Reflections from our Passengers: Jessie Wolfe

kelly — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 18:20:40 +0000

Thailand: the land of smiles. Not exactly the slogan one would anticipate considering our trip was to a land renowned for its sex slave trafficking – not to mention, the same country rebuilding from the unforgettable tsunami in 2004 that rocked the southern coasts and left the land devastated and the people distraught. But you’d be surprised. Thailand is far from socioeconomically developed (from a Western perspective) and it certainly has its obstacles. But what makes the country so incredible is its welcoming ethos, strong pride in its history, and (my favorite) its people.

“I came to Thailand to find my inner self.” Humorously spoken by an incapacitated hippie on Khao San Road, yet there is truth in his proclamation. I haven’t seen the world but in all of my travels thus far, I have to admit that I find myself searching for some experience that will help make meaning of my life, perhaps even justify the purpose in my existence. Deep? Philosophical? Call it what you will, but it’s true. I think it’s easy for travelers to be allured by the exoticism of international tourism. However, the authenticity of Thailand’s culture and traditional Asian hospitality provided me with a humbling experience.

What made its mark on me the most was the Baan Than Namchai Orphanage. The best part about the orphanage was the incredible sense of family ties between all of the children as well as between the children and the staff. Left by parents, abandoned, orphaned by the tsunami … deeply unfortunate stories as to why each child was there, but never once did you see disdain, anger, or even sadness on any of the children’s faces. In fact, what we saw was just that – a bunch of kids! Though their energy levels were exponentially higher than any of ours, there is no better feeling than hearing laughter and seeing smiles … simply from just spending time with them. It always amazes me that traveling to Thailand was necessary to really understand it, but it’s true: life’s pleasures are in simple forms. In a society where capitalism and materialism tend to define our status, the Thai kids at the Baan Than Namchai Orphanage really prove that what’s most important in life is the relationships and people we have. When I think about the kids, the slogan really is true. Thailand is the land of smiles, at least in my memories.

Lesson learned, Thailand. Cherish the people in life and relish the opportunities that present chances for new relationships.

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Ethiopia

admin — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 20:48:52 +0000

Immerse yourself in the culture of the local tribes of Southern Ethiopia and experience Africa as never before. Meet and interact with locals from the Dorze, Tsemay, Ari, Mursi, Hamar, Geleb, Konso, and Elbore tribes � imagine what you will learn from your interaction with these humble and diverse people! Explore local community development projects and donate to much needed organizations along the way.

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Jillian Jenkins

admin — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 20:51:49 +0000

Jillian is a senior at Anderson University studying Sociology and Business Management with a concentration in Global Business. Her position at The Village Experience is focused on assisting with socially responsible tourism and travel projects.

Post-graduation, Jillian is pursuing grad school opportunities in England and France with the intention of studying Museum Studies.

In her spare time, Jillian enjoys frufoo coffee drinks, running, traveling, and DIY projects.

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Aryn Schounce

admin — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 20:51:03 +0000

Aryn is a summer intern with The Village Experience from Indiana UniversityIndianapolis. She graduated from IU with a BA in womens studies and political science with minors in French and international studies in 2007 and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Affairs and a certificate in social entrepreneurship at the IU School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Her professional background is in non-profit fund development and she plans to work in international relations and policy advocacy for womens rights in developing nations.

Aryns main focus at TVE is with The Village Cooperatives microenterprise work in Mbita, Kenya. She is conducting a program evaluation of the projects in place and will produce a cost-benefit analysis as well as project templates for each of TVCs programs in Mbita.

When she is not working hard at TVE, Aryn enjoys reading, going to movies, yoga, being an Indianapolis foodie, taking in the arts scene, vintage shopping, and spending time with her partner, Nick, and their dog, Roxy.

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Tony Rojas

admin — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 20:50:05 +0000

Tony has over 15 yrs of international travel experience. Originally from Mexico City, Tony has traveled and worked throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe. He was previously the International Business Coordinator for PrincetonOne, and has recently taken a sales position for an interntaional food distribution company, Indianpolis Fruit Company. Tony is a graduate of the University of Indianapolis with a B.A. in International Business and minor in Spanish.He is fluent in Spanish and excited to utilize his skills with The Village Experience. His passion for travel coupled with the opportunity to help those in need has drawn him to be a part of the Village Experience..

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Joshua Kirsh

admin — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 20:48:53 +0000

Joshua Kirsh grew up enjoying expedition type trips into the back country of the United States and Canada. At 19, he lead his first leadership school trip for teens. Kirsh has traveled to over 16 countries throughout the world. Some of the more notable experiences: studying peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland, Walk-about/Trekking through New Zealand and Australia, bumming around Europe, and most recently, a mad dash around China. Kirsh does sales,marketing, and community relations for a law firm in Indianapolis after having lived in Boulder, Colorado for nearly 10 years, where he graduated from the University of Colorado. For fun Kirsh is working on getting his book “Elmer Prewitt” published, adventure races, and loves naps on the couch. You can guarantee that Kirsh will be exciting, engaging, and above all funny while you are on trip with him. He also knows how intimidating this can be, and hell be there to help.

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