We’ve finished the first full week of 2009.  How is it going with those resolutions?  Have you shown up regularly at the gym?  Written in your journal daily?  Been nicer to that grumpy neighbor?  Cut back on unnecessary energy usage?

One strategy I’ve heard for keeping on track with your aspirations is to set benchmarks to chart progress.  Catholic Relief Services Fair Trade has developed a checklist tool to help you stay on course for economic justice all year long.  Inspired by the efforts of our friends at Global Exchange and the success of parish-based resolutions from California Fair Trade Ambassador Kevin Olin, we have come up with some suggested resolutions tied to the liturgical calendar. Starting off with a prayer for our brothers and sisters struggling in poverty, and highlighting national events such as Fair Trade month in October, this one-pager can give you ideas for a whole year of Fair Trade. We’ve also added some ideas for service and legislative advocacy. Here’s a PDF of our 2009 Fair Trade Resolutions: 2009-resolutionsfinal

Another tip for sticking with your goals is to enlist the support of others.  This blog can be your spot for asking for resources or celebrating success.  Don’t hesitate to comment and to connect with fellow Fair Traders.  You can start by letting us know what YOUR resolutions are to promote global solidarity!