Keeping the Faith in Fair Trade
As I set out on a new stage of my economic justice journey, Courtney invited me write a “look back” reflection on how far the CRS Fair Trade program has come since I joined almost eight years ago. Sometimes my work load involves mostly the controversies or short-comings of our movement, and she thought it might be inspiring to remember the great work we’ve all done together.
One of the most gratifying projects has been commissioning of 150+ Fair Trade Ambassadors to spread the message of fair trade in parishes and dioceses across the country. These volunteers are living expressions of Catholic social teaching. Thanks to them, our partner
s have been able to steadily sell more and more crafts, coffee, and chocolate even though the Ambassador program launched right at the start of the recession. A fun metric Courtney recently shared is that CRS Fair Trade partners have sold more than $16 million worth of crafts, coffee, and chocolate since 2005, my first year with CRS.
Speaking of money, the investments of the Fair Trade Fund are a legacy which can inspire us all. Grants ranging from $250 to $50,000 have helped launch fair trade towns and campuses (Fair Trade LA and Manhattan College—you rock!), while at the same time serving producers overseas. From helping start a new Palestinian NGO to standardizing certification of fair trade clothing, to exploring the best systems to verify value chains, the CRS Fair Trade Fund has encouraged, cajoled, and celebrated progress. Those dollars are available thanks to you—every purchase you make from a CRS fair trade partner translates into a contribution to the Fair Trade Fund.
Our team’s vision of moving beyond solidarity shopping to advocacy has been manifest in Catholics Confront Global Poverty. Fair Traders were a part of the initiative to pass the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Companies now must make public how much they pay to foreign governments or the U.S. federal government for the purposes of developing oil, natural gas, or mineral resources. Also companies must report to the Securities and Exchange Commission how they track the source and chain of custody of “conflict minerals” in eastern Congo. Transparency in action, and CRS Fair Trade had a small but important role to play in mobilizing citizens.
I am both proud and humbled to have had been a part of these accomplishments. I am so grateful for the opportunities to have visited Burkina Faso, Ghana, India, Israel, Madagascar, Nicaragua, and Palestine to learn from artisans and farmers. As I pass the baton to my CRS colleagues and allies, I have no doubt that millions more Catholics can be engaged as fair traders and millions more of our brothers and sisters overseas can be served. My greatest legacy will be if in the next seven years I won’t even recognize the program I was a part of because of its scope and its impact.
By Jackie DeCarlo, Economic Justice Manager Emeritus
Jackie,
It has been a real pleasure to work with you as a Fair Trade Ambassador. I hope our paths continue to cross and I wish you well in your future. May it be the embodiment of peace and hope.
Carmen Graciaa
Jackie is simply amazing. How lucky we all were to have her as our mentors. CRS was lucky to such a qualified and passionate staff member and I was lucky to get to know her through the Fair Trade Ambassador program. I wish her well in the future, but hope she will continue provide leadership to CRS and that she will be a lifelong friend. Fair Trade coffee, tea or wine will always be on for here at my house. Blessings.
Best wishes on the next stage of your journey!
CONGRATS JACKIE!! You will definitely be missed! Blessings on your new adventure.
Congratulations to you Jackie and I wish you well on your new ventures. May God bless you on your journey. Thank you for your years of love and service to Fair Trade.