Minga Marketplace

Description

What is Minga Marketplace?
Minga Marketplace has several goals: 1. It will be a place where professionals, agencies, and individuals can locate and purchase a comprehensive selection of resources and products on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) including published articles and books, packaged programs, CDs and DVDs, as well as crafts and gift items. 2. Using staff expertise, we will also be developing new resources to educate and support those who are working with clients and families living with FASD, in the fields of both prevention and intervention. 3. We hope to create opportunities for individuals with FASD to use their talents to create pieces of art to be sold through the store, as well as to provide employment opportunities for the community of youth and adults with FASD through the development of social and job skills. 4. There has been increasing awareness and growth in the FASD community, including rising interest in accessing materials for use in all sectors. It is our desire to develop this outlet into a centre which will benefit and build knowledge for the community to best serve those individuals with FASD and their families. 5. Profits from Minga Marketplace will be used both for expansion of the Marketplace and to contribute to the sustainability of the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Society for British Columbia (BC). What is a Minga? The concept of Minga has existed for centuries, since the time of Incan rule. In Quichua, an indigenous language of Ecuador, "Minga" means "the coming together of a community for the betterment of all", and was often considered each individual's obligation to the community. Community members can call a "Minga" if they are in need of assistance, and people will come from miles around to help. In modern times, Mingas may be called to build or repair roads, water systems, forests, community land, schools and more. The mood is always festive despite the demanding labour. Minga Marketplace was selected for a namesake to recognize the fact that the prevention of FASD and support for affected families is a community concern and requires a coordinated community response. It is a beautiful and hopeful message, and we hope that through the awareness efforts of the Asante Centre and the increased accessibility to appropriate resource materials we will see more positive changes for individuals with FASD and their families.