Almost each day we are faced with choices which globally connects us to equality or exploitation through one simple fact - we are consumers. As consumers, what we buy is connected to a series of previous actions most likely taking place in countries outside of our own. Unfortunately yesterday's shadow of our purchases many times include sweatshops, child labor, hazardous working conditions, underpaid workers, and exploited producers. Supporting truly ethical companies is one way to choose and encourage justice and equality around the world. 
The Just Trade Fair, April 14th, was an incredible event put on by the Social Justice League. It included vendors that are Fair Trade and socially responsible. Fair Trade Certified means that the product is fairly traded from producer to consumer. This means that the producers were paid a fair wage for their products, that the workers are making a living wage, and that there is no exploitation in the process of trade (no sweatshops or child labor)
We would like to give a huge thanks to Diane, owner of Rockin' K Cafe at Bogarts! Diane made delicious organic brownies and raised donations for BSU Free the Children's School building project in Sierra Leone! We love the Rockin K' and its good heart! The Rockin' K offers organic and Fair Trade coffee and teas as well as delicious food, check it out it is right inside Bogarts in Bridgewater! Also a huge thanks to Mona of Beachrose Glass and Pottery who was also at the Just Trade Fair and donated a portion of her profit to BSU Free the Children! We greatly appreciate it!
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| Children learning at a Free the Children School in Sierra Leone |
Our Chapter of Free the Children is excited and blessed to have so much support from students, faculty, student groups, and even some local businesses! We appreciate each and every person who has donated to our school building project, helped out or attended events, or even just taken the time to learn more about child rights and our school building project by reading this blog. You are each an integral part of this movement to raise awareness around these issues and to build school for children in Sierra Leone. Continue to be the change needed in this world each day!
"If we are to teach real peace in this world, and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with the children." - Mohandas Ghandi
Want to learn more about Fair Trade and ethical products? Check out the links below.
Look for Equal Exchange products as coffee, bannanas, and chocolate at your grocery store!
This blog was written by Katie Wilber, FTC President. Tell us you were here! Leave your name and where your from with your support, comment, question, etc!
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