2008 Woodie Awards
Discussion highlights importance of free trade
Tania Banegas
Issue date: 11/7/07 Section: College News
- Page 1 of 1
IUPUI students gathered in UC Lower Level Nov.2 for a fair trade discussion, organized by the Center for Service and Learning.
Participants had the opportunity to chat with representatives from Global Gifts, a local fair trade store, as well as visitors from United Students for Fair Trade.
During the discussion, students learned about fair trade, and how it helps artisans and producers from developing world countries.
The Global Gifts store, for example, exclusively sells hand-made products from more than 35 countries, including Africa, Asia and Latin America. The store works specifically with people who are not be able to reach a market for their products, assuring gender equity, as well as safe and healthy working conditions. Most importantly, they guarantee that no child labor is involved with any of the items sold at their store.
Another fair trade organization is the United Students for Fair Trade. USFT is a group of students working together to build solidarity in line with fair trade values.
During the discussion, students were able to hear from Alfredo Rayo, 22, whose life has been impacted by fair trade. Rayo's family owns a coffee crop in Matagalpa, Nicaragua.
"Before Fair Trade, my family didn't really see any profits from coffee," Rayo said.
Rayo's testimony attests to how fair trade can change an entire community for good.
"Fair Trade means a lot of solidarity and change in our lives, and has improved all small producers' self esteem," Rayo said. "There is a chain of workers in our community, from youth leaders to producers, now we are able to work closer."
At the end of the day, it takes little effort to help families all over the globe. When shopping, simply look for fair trade products. A wide range of products like coffee, tea, chocolate, ethnic jewelry, textiles, pottery, musical instruments, handmade cards and holiday items are available, and by making a commitment to buying fair trade items, families and communities will get the money for their hard work.
For more information on fair trade alternatives, visit www.usft.org and www.globalgiftsindy.com.
Contact Tania Banegas at tbanegas@iupui.edu.
Participants had the opportunity to chat with representatives from Global Gifts, a local fair trade store, as well as visitors from United Students for Fair Trade.
During the discussion, students learned about fair trade, and how it helps artisans and producers from developing world countries.
The Global Gifts store, for example, exclusively sells hand-made products from more than 35 countries, including Africa, Asia and Latin America. The store works specifically with people who are not be able to reach a market for their products, assuring gender equity, as well as safe and healthy working conditions. Most importantly, they guarantee that no child labor is involved with any of the items sold at their store.
Another fair trade organization is the United Students for Fair Trade. USFT is a group of students working together to build solidarity in line with fair trade values.
During the discussion, students were able to hear from Alfredo Rayo, 22, whose life has been impacted by fair trade. Rayo's family owns a coffee crop in Matagalpa, Nicaragua.
"Before Fair Trade, my family didn't really see any profits from coffee," Rayo said.
Rayo's testimony attests to how fair trade can change an entire community for good.
"Fair Trade means a lot of solidarity and change in our lives, and has improved all small producers' self esteem," Rayo said. "There is a chain of workers in our community, from youth leaders to producers, now we are able to work closer."
At the end of the day, it takes little effort to help families all over the globe. When shopping, simply look for fair trade products. A wide range of products like coffee, tea, chocolate, ethnic jewelry, textiles, pottery, musical instruments, handmade cards and holiday items are available, and by making a commitment to buying fair trade items, families and communities will get the money for their hard work.
For more information on fair trade alternatives, visit www.usft.org and www.globalgiftsindy.com.
Contact Tania Banegas at tbanegas@iupui.edu.
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