Travels and Transformation
My bags are packed for a week in one of my favorite countries–Mexico–where I first encountered Fair Trade a decade or so ago. The meetings I will be having with coffee farmers are hosted by the staff of CRS Mexico and supported in part by a grant from the CRS Fair Trade Fund. Last month the Fund was also able to support a delegation representing USD’s Students for Fair Trade and Sustainability.
A select group of students were able to meet directly with coffee farmers over the course of a week.
M. Sheridan/CRS
Here are some of their reflections:
“My expectations for the trip were very basic, as I simply expected to learn about [Catholic Relief Services]and the entire fair trade process. However, as I learned how these organizations worked in México and internationally, I was deeply and unexpectedly moved by the people we met at the Maya Vinic and Michizá communities. The kindness and dedication of the people to their vocation simply amazed me. Upon my return I have found myself discussing this trip with anyone willing to listen. I explain the fair trade process and the benefits the producers would reap because of it in an attempt to have more individuals purchase these products.”~ Erick Diaz, Freshman
I’m delighted to read of Erick’s enthusiasm and his help spreading the word about the benefits of Fair Trade. But I am also glad to read this from senior, Ashlen Nimmo, who I have had the pleasure of meeting a couple of times:
“….I had been expecting that all of the benefits of fair trade would be made obvious to me, and that simply was not the case. Especially while we were in Oaxaca we learned a lot about the challenges that the farmers still face, despite the fact that they are part of a fair trade cooperative. This was one of the biggest challenges for me on the trip. One of the farmers remarked that fair trade, although it was the best option for them, was still not completely fair. This conversation helped to open my eyes to the complexities of fair trade. I think this was a positive thing for me, though. Although it can be disheartening to see the flaws, it is also humbling and helps me to recognize that the fight against poverty is no easy battle and promoting and purchasing fair trade is just one part of that fight.”
Ashlen and another USD buddy of mine, Hannah Evans, along with the whole delegation, are humble but energetic leaders in the fight for economic justice in their campus and their community. The Fund is made possible by partner contributions we receive every time you purchase Work of Human Hands crafts, Fair Trade coffee and “Raise Money Right” chocolate. Thanks to all of you who made their trip–and mine–possible participating in CRS Fair Trade!
