Fair Trade in the News

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FAIR TRADE PROJECT

FAIR TRADE NEWS

New magnet promotes on-line orders

To remind us of the positive relationships between growers and consumers that are central to fair trade, the above image is now available on a magnet. (Click here to send us a message, and we will mail your magnet.) The magnet is being distributed at the Representative Assembly of New York State United Teachers, April 9-12, 2008.

Rehima Hussein, twelve years old in this photo, is one of 15 children. She and her coffee-farming family live far from town, but thanks to the economic benefits of Fair Trade, Rehima completed high school and now attends college. Fair trade premiums benefit the entrie community by allowing farmers to support their families. Parents can affford to keep their children in school rather than sending them out to work. Rehima's family is a member of the Orimia Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union in Ethiopia.

Fair Trade Project is beginning to flourish

The Coalition’s project with union members is approaching its second anniversary. A party isn’t being planned, but it would surely be another occasion for Equal Exchange chocolate bars, special label fair trade coffee from Dean’s Beans or a gift basket packed with teas, cranberries, and nuts. Read the article from the April Justicing

Sweet Justice for Valentine's Day

The NYSUT Labor-Religion Coalition Fair Trade Project offered special treats at the monthly promotion at NYSUT headquarters on Feb. 14. Watch for more special promotions this spring.


Fair Trade Project transitions
Welcome to Anne Kelly who began work as Fair Trade Promoter in January 2008. She inherits a well organized program from Yasmine Perez who has left to return to school. The Fair Trade Project aims to reach NYSUT members with fair trade chocolate, coffee and health snacks as well as educational materials. Call 518/ 213-6000 ext. 6294 for more information. Photo by Andrew Watson Scroll down for more news.

Fair-trade practice gathers support from unions.
State Labor Religion Coalition is spreading concept that ensures workers will earn living wage
Read Albany Times Union article

Photo by Andrew Watson

Labor leaders* promote Fair Trade coffee at fundraiser for Special Olympics New York

“Special Olympics Blend” Fair Trade coffee was a gift for each guest at the Salute to Labor Dinner on November 1, 2006, benefiting Special Olympics, New York. The Albany, NY event honored President Danny Donohue of the Civil Service Employees Association, for his leadership in the fight for fairness and respect of all individuals, including those with intellectual disabilities.

The gifts were especially appropriate because fair trade products also respect human dignity. Each package of Dean’s Beans coffee is fair trade certified, which guarantees a living wage for growers, safe and humane working conditions, no child labor and public accountability.

The special label on each 4 oz. package read “Special Olympics Blend Honoring CSEA’s Danny Donohue.” The gifts were courtesy of Pearl Carroll & Associates in special arrangement with CSEA and the New York State Labor-Religion Coalition Fair Trade Project.

* PHOTO by Colleen Brescia
From the left: Neal Johnson, Executive Director of Special Olympics New York with Richard Iannuzzi, President of New York State United Teachers, Danny Donohue, President of the Civil Service Employees Association, Yolanda Vega, representing the New York Lottery, Brian O'Shaughnessy, Executive Director of the New York State Labor-Religion Coalition and Denis Hughes, President of the New York State AFL-CIO at the Salute to Labor fundraising dinner on Nov. 1.

With Fair Trade, farmers have hope for the future

In recognition of her efforts to promote Fair Trade, Esperanza Dionisio Castillo received a clock during the NYSUT Representative Assembly on May 6, 2006 in Rochester. NY.

As General Manager of the Cooperativa Agraria Cafetalera Pangoa (CAC Pangoa), an organization of coffee growers located in San Martín de Pangoa, Peru, Castillo sells coffee at a fair trade price to Dean's Bean's Organic Coffee. Dean Cycon, (R) founder of Dean's Beans and Castillo addressed delegates at the debut of the New York State Labor-Religion Coalition FAIR TRADE PROJECT. Standing with Castillo and Cycon are Brian O'Shaughnessy, Executive Director of the New York State Labor-Religion Coalition and Richard Iannuzzi, President of New York State United Teachers.