We live in a world economy based primarily on wealth and materialistic need, fueled by planned obsolescence. At the same time most world leaders recognize a need for the intangibles—things that can’t be advertised, bought or sold. Character traits such as honesty, dignity and respect are often rooted in empathy. Why talk about empathy? Because the ability to care about another person’s well-being has consequences far beyond giving a gift at holidays or sending a Valentine. It is the basic skill required of peace-makers and the common thread of many world faiths. It is the ‘Golden Rule.”

That is also the key reason why Alternative Gifts International (AGI) staff and volunteers work to get Alternative Gift Markets established in schools—from elementary schools to graduate schools. Students of all ages learn lessons in a refreshing new way by studying the projects that are featured in our catalog. These pages should provide the seeds for curiosity and research. The answer to any student’s question ‘Can we do this?’ should be a resounding ‘Yes!’