FAIR TRADE WITH SHUMC AND EQUAL EXCHANGE

Given today's economy, and the fact that so many people are struggling to make ends meet, it is sometimes difficult to think about other people. However, God is about things that are fair and just, and with a little education and planning, our purchase choices make it possible for farmers and workers to receive a fair wage, in order that they too, may provide for their families.

The UMCOR (United Methodist Committee On Relief) Coffee Project is a partnership between the United Methodist Church and Equal Exchange. South Hayward UMC supports UMCOR's efforts in advocating Fair Trade. We have a Fair Trade Table on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month, where you can purchase coffee (whole bean and drip grind), tea, chocolates, rice, quinoa, almonds, soccer balls, etc. Table is set up in the church quad, 9:30AM - 12:30PM.

Highlighted coffee: Congo Coffee Project, which not only benefits UMCOR, but also the Panzi Hospital in the D. R. of Congo, for women who have been victims/survivors of sexual violence.

SHUMC held its 2nd Fair Trade Festival on World Fair Trade Day, May 12th. In addition to our Equal Exchange table, we were joined by our friends at the Hayward Community Action Network (CAN), Globally Minded, Reach and Teach, and Oimei. Joan C. Wrenn laid out a beautiful display of Divine Chocolates, Cloudforest Initiatives, and Sjaak's Organic Chocolates/Eli's Earth Bars. Jerry Wrenn had a variety of Fair Trade items and resources available.

Hayward CAN, a part of South Hayward Parish, is a collaboration of individuals who are homeless and members of the faith, business, law enforcement, and social service community working together to develop sustainable solutions. This is their second time at the Festival, and they continue to offer handmade jewelry, homeless angels, greeting cards, tote bags and pouches, etc. It is a wonderful opportunity to find meaningful gifts for yourself, or loved ones.

Globally Minded supports artisans in Guatemala through Fair Trade. Mayan women design and handcraft hip beaded, Fair Trade, and eco-fashion jewelry. Kat Vaughan is the founder. Visit the website www/globallyminded.com to see what's available.

Derrick Kikuchi and Craig Wiesner own and operate Reach and Teach, the Peace and Social Justice Learning Company in San Mateo. They are dedicated to "transforming the world through teachable moments", and while Craig took care of things across the bay, Derrick set up a wide range of inclusive, affirming, thought-provoking books, games, activities, etc., that had a lot of our current teachers, and many retired ones, browsing and buying. Both Craig and Derrick have a wide range
of interests and experience in social justice issues, and readily share how we can be involved and help others. Check out their website www.reachandteach.com , or visit the store in San Mateo. We may be arranging a "road trip" on this one.

Every once in a while, God steps up and hits a home run! For Aimi Duong, founder, and the wonderful team at Oimei, their visit Saturday brought renewed energy and inspiration to the Festival. Polite, friendly and outgoing, they are enthusiastic in their vision to help change the world. Oimei started late in 2011, down in San Jose, and is a socially conscious business, empowering marginalized women in developing countries to raise their standard of living by helping them gain access to
new markets via Fair Trade. Look for more of their Pillows for Peace, and other beautiful items at www.oimeico.com.

To learn more about our partnership with Equal Exchange, check out http://interfaith.equalexchange.com/.