Jeannette Rankin Peace Center — Local services in Missoula

I've had the privilege of getting to know both the shop and center folks and can say without a doubt that they are some of the most lovely people in Missoula. The shop is full of exclusively fair trade goods and has an astounding variety, from toys to table runners, prayer flags, meditation materials, coffee, and so much more. The shop exists to serve Missoulians, and not as some "contrived way" to change the world. Although fair trade goods are typically more sustainable and ethical than just about anything else on the market. As for the peace center itself, the volunteers and staffers are so dedicated and friendly! They're doing a fantastic job. I highly recommend stopping by for a browse through the store, a chat with the people making it all happen, and to give some pets to the shop's pup, Oliver. Most of all, save your assumptions about their mission and purpose untill you meet the people at the Peace...

The Peace Center is full of lovely handmade, international, and/or fair trade gifts and decorations. From notebooks made of leaves to Buddhist calendars and wooden animal carvings, this small but vibrant shop is full of interesting and unique gifts which can't be found anywhere else in Missoula. Your cravings for the exotic and eco-friendly will be satisfied as you gladly spend most of your own green.

Their premise that they can change the world through selling trinkets is laughably contrived; it's best just to see the Peace Center as a regular old gift shop.

There is also a library of sorts behind the store full of progressive or otherwise relevant literature and media. If they'll let you in, you might find something interesting to...

This shop celebrates the life of Ms. Rankin, famous for serving 2 terms in the US Congress, and the only Representative to vote against declarations of war in both World War I and World War II. They sell lots of posters and other Peace related materials, plus pamphlets and videos about Representative Rankin. Also see my review of the great Asian restaurant...