Volunteer
Why Volunteer?
Connecting with The Ames Community and Communities Around the World.
Worldly Goods was founded in 1987 by Ames residents Holly and Larry Burkhalter. We wouldn’t be here without their vision to bring Fair Trade to Ames or without the support the community has given us.
If you would like to volunteer with Worldly Goods please enter your email in the form below, contact the store at 515-233-4568 or email hello@worldlygoods.org.
We have many volunteer opportunities at Worldly Goods. Volunteers operate the cash register from 11 am – 3 pm on Weekdays and Saturdays 1pm – 4pm. During the holidays we have additional weekday shifts of 5pm – 7pm.
We have volunteer committees:
Marketing– Help Worldly Goods plan their marketing and events
Display – Help keep the merchandise displays fresh and fun
Cleaning – Help dust and keep the store looking its best
Some of Our Outreach Programs are:
Shopping Benefit Events
Would you like to raise some money for a non-profit organization, while supporting Fair Trade? Contact us and we will host an in-store sale for your group and donate up to 20% of sales to your organization.
House Parties, Fair Trade Style
We bring our store to your home and you invite your friends. We start off with an overview of Fair Trade, and then highlight specific products and share stories of artisans. We sell items to you and your guests, and we’ll make a donation of up to 20% of the sales to the non-profit organization of your choice.
Educational Sessions
We are available to do a variety of presentations in different settings. We think that teaching about the benefits of Fair Trade can truly help build global understanding and peace.
VOLUNTEER BOARD MEMBERS
Cassie Clyde, President
Jeanne Warning, Vice President
Jeanne is retired from Iowa State University where she served many years as Assistant Director for Human Sciences Extension and Outreach in the College of Human Sciences. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Family Environment from ISU and a Masters of Continuing and Adult Education from University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is currently a volunteer at Worldly Goods.
“Since retiring, I have thoroughly enjoyed my weekly volunteer time in the store meeting others and helping market the beautiful and unique products created by artisans from over 50 different countries. It is particularly rewarding knowing that items purchased are helping artisans earn a living wage which benefits their families and communities. As a recent board member I hope to help sustain the future of this valuable resource in the community.”
Laine Ruse is a Professor of Computer Science at Des Moines Area Community College. She has a bachelor’s in Mathematics and French from the University of Northern Iowa, a masters in Applied Mathematics from Washington State University, and a PhD in Computer Science from Iowa State University.
Laine grew up in various states, graduating high school in Iowa. She has traveled extensively and also lived in Austria, France, and the Pacific Northwest, but has always been drawn back to Iowa. She raised her daughter in Ames. She enjoys contributing to her favorite store with a Fair Trade Mission she fervently supports.
Greg Bruna, Treasurer
Originally from the East Coast, Greg came to Ames by way of California 20 years ago. His first job in Ames was the Assistant Manager position at Worldly Goods. He now works at Wheatsfield Cooperative.
Greg has been serving on Boards of Directors for local non-profits for over 15 years, including the Friends of the Ames Public Library and the Prairie Flower Children’s Center, before joining the Worldly Goods board. He feels it is important to be an active member of one’s local community. As a longtime advocate for fair-trade, he was very happy to find work at the store and was determined to one day join the board as a way to give back and help Worldly Goods, and the many artisans it supports, thrive.
Jess Clyde, Board Member
Jess Clyde is the owner of London Underground in Downtown Ames. He has a Bachelors degree in Political Science and Sociology with a minor in Psychology from the Iowa State University.
Jess grew up in Ames and has been a supporter of Worldly Goods throughout the years. He is happy to be able to serve on the the Board of Directors for the store. He is looking forward to guiding Worldly Goods and the Fair Trade business model.