The Valparaiso International Center (The VIC) is an independent nonprofit organization that is located in downtown Valparaiso, yet serves all of Northwest Indiana.
 
The VIC serves as a forum to learn about different cultures through interactive events, festivals, classes and discussion groups. It also provides services that help international residents and visitors to feel welcome and to fully enjoy American culture and rights.
 
The VIC recently extended its mission to help artisans abroad through The Welcome Mat, an international fair trade home goods store located at the VIC. Items purchased both help fund the VIC's programming and help artisans abroad by equipping them with the tools to break free from the cycle of poverty. Click here to learn more about The Welcome Mat.
 
Recent News
  • Fourth Friday Event on Pakistan June 22nd Friday, 6.22.12 @ 7 pm  Join us as we experience Pakistan through the eyes of a Pakistani/American couple.   This week we will explore the culture, religion and the ...
    Posted Jun 11, 2012, 10:22 AM by Sara Little
  • 4th Friday Event on Sierra Leone Rescheduled to June 1st Join us as we explore the history and culture of Sierra Leone as well as her own personal journey.  Dr. E. Anne Christo-Baker is a native of Sierra Leone ...
    Posted May 25, 2012, 1:27 PM by Andrew Jones
Showing posts 1 - 2 of 36. View more »
  
Fair Trade Blog
  • Paper is as Paper Does Do you often put paper around your neck?  Do you keep your money and I.D. cards in the newspaper?  What about your flowers in a magazine?  Believe it or ...
    Posted Apr 26, 2012, 2:08 PM by Sara Little
  • Green and Fair Trade Clean     April is Earth month, and this Sunday April 22nd will be Earth Day!  It's this time of year when the sun is shining and the flowers bloom that we ...
    Posted Apr 19, 2012, 1:26 PM by Sara Little
  • Build a Garden That Grows Fair Spring is here! And with it the sun and the rain, perfect conditions for gardening.  Whether or not you've been blessed with a green thumb, The Welcome Mat would ...
    Posted Apr 14, 2012, 11:30 AM by Sara Little
Showing posts 1 - 3 of 29. View more »