Mission Statement

The primary purpose of the Fair Trade program will be to educate and raise awareness in St. Jerome Parish as to what "Fair Trade" is all about. Ultimately, we hope to get the parish more involved in issues regarding Global Solidarity, the advocacy of human rights and justice which is at the heart of the Fair Trade movement.

Goals

To provide Fair Trade items for sale after Masses, including organically grown coffee and tea, chocolate, hand-crafted toys, religious articles, jewelry, clothing , arts and crafts and many, many more items.
Also, to encourage parishoners to support the Fair Trade movement by seeking out and buying fair trade items on a regular basis at other venues such as supermarkets, Starbucks, etc.

History

The basic principle of Fair Trade is to pay small farmers and producers of goods a living wage for their products, thus providing an alternative model of doing business that specifically helps disadvantaged people all over the world. Fair Trade has become a powerful economic tool by creating economic opportunities and a better way of life for communities in countries spanning Latin America to Asia and Africa, and offering consumer goods ranging from chocolate, bananas and coconuts to wine, footballs and handcrafted goods.

Plan of Action

We are ready to submit our application to the diocesan supplier of fair trade goods. We can receive these items on consignment as we establish our fair trade sales at the parish. We will be grateful for assistance manning the Fair Trade table after our Masses. All volunteers will be welcome!

For more information contact: Cathy Fitzpatrick (310) 337- 6929