Posts Tagged ‘equal exchange’

It’s Lent…So Why Think About Chocolate?

Thursday, February 18th, 2010

We certainly don’t want to be the source of any additional temptation during Lent, however we did want to make sure everyone was taking advantage of Equal Exchange’s chocolate sale that only runs through February. For those of you that like to plan ahead, purchase your Equal Exchange chocolate at a discount and be ready for stuffing Easter baskets, spring chocolate sales or just stock up and avoid the summer shipping charges that hit when the weather gets warmer.

To see the sale, visit the Equal Exchange Interfaith Program online store.

Photo courtesy of Equal Exchange.

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Job Opening at Equal Exchange

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

Equal Exchange just announced a jop opening within their fabulous Interfaith Program. How do we know it’s fabulous? Because CRS is a part of it! If you’re interested in joinging the Interfaith Program team, check out the job description below!

Equal Exchange Interfaith Program Representative
Equal Exchange seeks highly motivated individuals to work as Interfaith Program Representatives.   Equal Exchange’s Interfaith Program works in partnership with 12 national faith-based organizations and thousands of congregations across the country to involve communities of faith in Fair Trade. Our work includes sales, outreach and education.

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to:
Susan Sklar, Interfaith Program Hiring Committee
Equal Exchange
50 United Drive
West Bridgewater, MA 02379
ssklar@equalexchange.coop
fax:  508-587-5955

Completed applications are due Monday, March 1st, 2010


1. Job Description:

Employment Status: Full-time, regular exempt position on worker-owner track
Hours: 40-45 hrs per week
Starting Salary: $29,700
Benefits: Health/dental/vision insurance coverage, vacations, holidays, sick days, eligibility for worker ownership
Department: Interfaith Program
Report to: Interfaith Program Manager
Responsible for: Interfaith Program account development, sales and outreach

2. Qualifications:

  • Ability to communicate well and problem solve with program customers, team members and staff
  • Ability to effectively manage time and responsibilities
  • Ability to work well with others
  • Ability to work independently and in a team
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Sensitivity to different faiths and religious traditions
  • Previous experience with basic word processing and database programs preferred
  • Previous experience with faith-based/social/environmental activism or public speaking/presentations preferred
  • Experience with or interest in working for a cooperative organization preferred
  • Ability and willingness to travel, including some weekends

3. Responsibilities:
Account Development and Sales (approx.  90%)

  • Develop and refine partnership/program strategies, goals, marketing initiatives and outreach materials in coordination with Program Manager.
  • Coordinator for specific partnership communication, program projects, initiatives and accounts, as determined with Program Manager.
  • Effectively communicate mission of Equal Exchange and our faith-based partnerships to customers and contacts.
  • Develop and communicate strong Equal Exchange product knowledge (coffee, tea, chocolate, snacks, etc.)
  • Increase sales in existing congregational accounts and bring on new accounts through direct contact, marketing initiatives, events and outreach.
  • Accountable for individual sales and program participation goals, as set with Program Manager.
  • Represent Equal Exchange, the Interfaith Program and faith-based partnerships at congregations, conferences and events, including conducting workshops and other presentations on the Program and Fair Trade.
  • Coordinate Program presence, product sampling and sales for national, regional and local faith-based events.
  • Provide partnership contacts and customers with the information, materials and products they need to represent the program and partner projects at events and gatherings.
  • Support program team members as needed or directed.
  • Maintain accurate notes and database records for customers, partner organizations, events and projects.
  • Communicate effectively with customer service team.
  • Flexibility to perform other tasks as necessary, such as occasional support for customer service team, packing/shipping.
  • Participate in on-going training in products, equipment, marketing; help train peers as needed.

Fair Trade & Worker Ownership Development (approx.  10%)

  • Participate in staff, department and educational (Exchange Time) meetings.
  • Understand our producer partners and trading policies and the Fair Trade movement.
  • Understand and participate effectively in our worker cooperative model.

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Posted in Fair Trade movement | 2 Comments »

Back to School with Fair Trade!

Wednesday, September 9th, 2009

It is back to school time.  Lessons to study, clubs to join, and sports to play.  While he was probably talking about adults, Pope Benedict has noted that, “Consumers should be continually educated” about their social responsibility when making purchases.   Here at CRS Fair Trade we think that young people are some of the best students of Fair Trade.  The youth we work with easily connect with the “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” logic of work and trade,  especially as they take on more responsibilities with family chores, part-time jobs, and career planning.  They enjoy learning about the farmers responsible for treats like Fair Trade chocolate, and artisans who create the latest cool jewelry and fashion accessories.

With the school season upon us, CRS Fair Trade offers some ideas for learning more about Fair Trade:

  • View a video and download a reflection guide about the coffee farmers of La Fem in Nicaragua.  You’ll hear directly from two cooperative leaders about why Fair Trade is important to them and their families.  These materials are made possible thanks to a partnership between CRS and RENEW International.
  • Send student off in style and solidarity with a uniform from Fair Trade Uniforms.  Over the years, students have led the way in confronting sweatshop abuses.  CRS Fair Trade is proud to recommend this  clothing project of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd.
  • Raise Money Right because youth fund-raising is about more than just dollars.  With Divine and Equal Exchange Fair Trade chocolate you can earn dollars for your local causes and support  farmers globally.

Whether as consumers here in the States or as members of producer families, children are often the beneficiaries of Fair Trade.   Help your students experience the fun and justice of Fair Trade this school year.

Children of cocoa farmers attend summer camp. Photo by Jackie DeCarlo/CRS

Children of cocoa farmers attend summer camp. Photo by Jackie DeCarlo/CRS

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Sowing Fair Trade Seeds and Nurturing Blossoms

Friday, August 7th, 2009

One of my favorite New Testament stories is the parable of the sower, where we learn about how seeds flourish depending on the type of soil they fall on.  The scattering of seeds, knowing that some will dry up and blow away and others will take root and prosper, is a motivating image for me as CRS tries to spread the message of economic justice far and wide to U.S. Catholics.

This week CRS Fair Trade is at the Catholic Marketing Network trade show. Religious bookstores and schools come to the event to make purchases from publishers such as St. Benedict’s Press, iconic images, vestments and we hope, some day, Fair Trade items.  Offering samples of Equal Exchange coffee, chocolate, and snacks, a team of CRS Fair Traders- Dennis Fisher of the CRS-Northeast office, Global Fellows Msgr. Joe Ciampaglio  and Fr. Tom Fenlon, and Charitable Giving and Awareness staffer Rob Kearney, talked to Catholic business owners about CRS’s work in more than 100 countries and the power of Fair Trade.  Yesterday we were joined by Sr. Maureen McGowan, of Fair Trade Uniforms and Handcrafting Justice, who displayed unique handcrafted items from countries such as the Philippines.  Sr. Maureen’s organization is a member of the Fair Trade Federation, and we were also proud to distribute the FTF’s  “Does your Gift Shop Make Change” handout made possible in part through the Fair Trade Fund.

It is hard to know at these types of events what impact, if any, you are making.  Some people listen intently to why Fair Trade is important and how products will appeal to U.S. Catholics.  Others breeze by, picking up a bit of chocolate or two.  The vast majority of people politely pick up materials and walk away.

For me, though, the only thing better than talking directly to consumers is the chance to get away from my desk and be with colleagues.  Away from the cubicle, and with several hours together, you learn about the great work people are doing in ways large and small, hidden and popular.  You trade travel stories and favorite tales of producers who touched your heart.   You munch on yummy chocolate, and you feel so grateful to do work you love with people you care about.  Great colleagues and good times are not exclusive to the Fair Trade world, of course  But through the CRS network of fully committed Fair Trade companies, I’ve been blessed to know many good, dedicated people who make justice bloom for the disadvantaged and marginalized around the world! We are glad you are part of our work, and we look forward to some retail stores joining us.

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Let the Fair Trade Counting and Celebrating Begin!

Tuesday, May 5th, 2009

Our first World Fair Trade Day dispatch from Jeanine Boucher-Colbert, Youth Programs Officer in Catholic Relief Services-West:

Nearly 2,000 Catholic women and a few brave men gathered for the fourth NW Catholic Women’s Convocation in Bellevue, WA on May 1-2, 2009. On Friday night a group of women volunteers and CRS staff* organized a World Fair Trade Day chocolate tasting for all the participants, thanks to a donation from Equal Exchange, our new chocolate partner. An announcement was made about the CRS Fair Trade Fund support of World Fair Trade Day as the participants enjoyed the chocolate and read about CRS Fair Trade with information cards we provided. Great solidarity moment and effort to help regain the title of World’s Largest Fair Trade Break!

If you want to participate in the World’s Largest Fair Trade Break, be sure and check out the organizing materials of FTRN.

* Far left is CRS Zambia staff Carol Mumba, former CRS volunteeer Margaret Johnson and CRS West staff Jeanine Boucher-Colbert; Far right is Called To Witness alum Ann Labeck. Also in the group: Margie Ames, Archbishop Murphy High School and CRS Cyberbridges teacher, and many Just Faith graduates, friends and parishioners of St, Andrew parish, Portland, Oregon. Photo thanks to Maggie Maggio!

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Business Week Reports on Faith-based Fair Trade

Wednesday, June 18th, 2008

I confess I am behind on my blog postings. But Business Week did my job for me today by posting a story about faith-based commitment to Fair Trade. Check out this news about our friends at Lutheran World Relief and Presbyterian Church USA, as well as how the Adrian Dominican Sisters helped get our partner Equal Exchange started. There’s even a quote from yours truly about why CRS partners with fully committed Fair Trade companies:

Church Groups Espouse Fair Trade: Religious organizations are spreading the fair trade gospel to their congregations, and even investing in some like-minded enterprises

by Pallavi Gogoi
Under the carved wooden arches and the soft glow of the gothic St. John’s Lutheran Church in downtown Des Moines, Pastor Rachel Mithelman delivers sermons to about 500 worshipers every weekend on how to live better lives as Christians. She also tells them to buy fair trade coffee and chocolate so that poor farmers around the world are paid a reasonable price for the goods they produce. “We live our lives unjustly in so many avenues, but fair trade is one way to ensure justice, and there is no reason to buy cheap coffee on the backs of poor farmers,” says Mithelman. To back up her point, she serves fair trade coffee during the church’s fellowship hour. And fair trade chocolate is on sale through a baker’s rack display.

It’s easy to attribute the popularity of fair trade products in the U.S. to the growing tide of granola-crunching foodies who shop at Whole Foods (WFMI) and carefully allocate their spending to “ethical” products. After all, gourmet industry commentators at the popular Web site Epicurious refer to fair trade as “the new organic.” But while that group of buyers is certainly growing, fair trade has some of its most loyal supporters in religious organizations. Pastors like Mithelman, and scores of others in denominations ranging from Catholic to Episcopalian, Mennonite to Methodist, are not only heavily promoting fair trade but investing in companies that walk the fair trade line.
Religious Orders

For many church groups, fair trade’s principles, ensuring that more of the retail price for a product goes to the small farmer, and less to retail and wholesale giants, align closely with their religious teachings. Currently, fair trade buyers pay farmers an average of about $1.35 for a pound of coffee, compared to about 70¢ a pound that conventional large companies are paying their farmers.

“People who come to church regularly hear the message of spreading God’s love—with fair trade there is a tangible way of putting their faith and love into action,” says Kattie Somerfeld, fair trade projects coordinator for the Lutheran World Relief, a nonprofit organization based in Baltimore that is also a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. About 3,100 Lutheran congregations around the nation buy fair trade coffee, teas, chocolate, sugar, pecans, and cranberries.

One company benefitting greatly from this religious connection is Equal Exchange, a cooperative based in West Bridgewater, Mass., outside of Boston. About 30% of the company’s annual $30 million in sales comes from faith-based churches. Equal Exchange has even established a separate division that handles such orders. The company also gives back a percentage of such sales to religious nonprofit groups.

For each pound of coffee that Presbyterian churches and churchgoers purchase through the project, for instance, Equal Exchange donates 15¢ to the Presbyterian church to support small-farmer projects in coffee-growing regions. In 2007, Presbyterian purchases generated $23,591 for the fund, which is administered by the Presbyterian Hunger Program. Similarly, Lutheran World Relief receives 20¢ for every pound its members buy.
Youth Appeal

“This program encourages our churchgoers to give back to their church,” says Melanie Hardison, program associate for the coffee project at Presbyterian Church USA.

One of Equal Exchange’s first investments came as a $50,000 loan in 1994 from the Adrian Dominican Sisters. “We basically told them that this would be a high-risk investment, with low returns and no nonprofit tax write-offs,” says Rink Dickinson, president and co-founder of Equal Exchange. “But the Adrian Dominican Sisters were attracted by the impact of our mission.”

More recently, Lutheran World Relief invested $280,000 for an 8% stake in Divine Chocolate, a chocolate cooperative that is co-owned by 40,000 cocoa farmers in Ghana. Last year, Lutherans bought a total of $160,000 worth of Divine chocolate.

For many of the faith-based organizations, fair trade is another way to connect younger members with a relevant and modern message at a time when there is a decline in church attendance and churches are closing around the country. The Protestant church, for instance, is guiding its members on how to live green with better buying choices. “When people who are doubtful or cynical see these proactive messages of direct support for these types of programs, they can relate better to the church. It’s an upbeat message that they can make a difference,” says Hardison.
“Highest Standards”

This evangelical attraction is certainly not lost on corporations like Wal-Mart (WMT). The Bentonville (Ark.)-based company, the largest retailer in the world, has paid close attention to evangelical groups in the past, halting sales of men’s magazines such as Maxim and FHM in 2003 over their racy covers of scantily clad women. And last August, Wal-Mart started stocking a full line of faith-based toys, including David and Goliath action figures and Jonah and the Big Fish figurines.

Wal-Mart wouldn’t comment on whether religious groups’ interest played a role in its fair trade decisions. However, if the company was hoping for an endorsement, several religious groups contacted by BusinessWeek.com said they wouldn’t back Wal-Mart’s fair trade coffee in their churches.

“We are glad that there are more opportunities for people to shop fair trade and impact more farmers’ lives,” says Jacqueline DeCarlo, senior program advisor for Catholic Relief Services, which last year sold $2 million worth of fair trade coffee, chocolate, and crafts. “But we want people to aspire to the highest standards, and in this case companies that offer full commitment to fair trade merit our support.”

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