Campaign of Solidarity Lent 2009

Empowering the poor in the developing world

An appeal to religious in Rome

USG/UISG JPIC Commission

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Economic Justice Working Group

A PROPOSAL FOR LENT 2009 The JPIC Commission and JPIC Economic Justice Working Group call on their fellow religious, members of the USG/UISG in Rome, to consider the purchase of some Fairtrade products during Lent 2009 as a concrete expres-sion of solidarity.

Introduction Fairtrade practices can be a catalyst to shape an alternative form of glob-alization which values solidarity and promotes more equitable global rela-tionships. This is urgent in the light of unacceptable inequalities: The richest 22% of the world's population has 82% of global wealth; and be-tween 1960 and 1998, the percentage difference between the richest 20% and the poorest 20% went from 3:1 to 78:1. New economic relationships can emerge from a financial vision and com-

mitment based on gospel values, challenging men and women religious to make consumer choices founded on a critical consciousness of contemporary pol i t ical , economic and social real-ity. Congregations of religious women and men

have tremendous economic power. In using our financial resources for Fairtrade purchasing, we participate in the shaping of a just global econ-omy which respects the rights of the worker, circulates financial resources to developing nations and gives new expression to the mission and com-mitment of religious congregations. Through this short booklet the Commission and the Economic Justice Working Group wishes to inform generalates in Rome about the Fairtrade movement, give some examples of what religious are doing and provide contact information on some Fairtrade outlets in Rome.

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The importance of Fairtrade “Fairtrade” is a growing international trading partnership based on dia-logue, transparency and respect that seeks greater equality in international trade for the poor. It contributes to sustainability by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized pro-ducers and workers - especially in the South. It focuses in particular on exports from developing countries to devel-oped countries, most notably handicrafts, coffee, cocoa, sugar, tea, bananas, honey, cotton, wine, fresh fruit and flowers. With a guaranteed price and market, farmers can plan for the future. Re-investment into community projects greatly bene-fits local communities. ♦ The Fairtrade Family: There are about 4000 groups of poor produc-

ers involving thousands of workers, and having a positive impact on the lives of more than 5 million people in more than 50 countries in the Global South. It is present in most developed world countries with a turnover of 660 million Euros annually (0.01 % of all global trade).

♦ Commodity Price Fluctuation: Frequently the price of coffee on the international market has plummeted below the price of production. In 1989 the price of 100 lbs of coffee was about $ 130; in 2003 it was $ 51 and in 2008 it reached $ 118. The Fairtrade organization guaran-tees Fairtrade farmers a minimum of $ 1.25 per pound, whereas world prices fluctuate around $1 per pound.

♦ Range and Quality of Products: The most common items among thousands of products available are food and artisan. Many carry the distinctive Fairtrade logo. Initially some Fairtrade products were below standard; now with an increased variety and a range of products, the quality is very competitive.

♦ Cost for Consumer: Fairtrade products may be more expensive, but this is not always the case. However, an increase in demand for Fairtrade products encourages others, such as Nestlé , to source their coffee from this market.

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SUCCESS STORY #1 In the USA a community of sisters operating a small bookstore in their motherhouse has recently expanded to include a line of Fairtrade items for sale.

Ibrahim, a cotton farmer in Mali © Simon Rawles

What can I/we do? ♦ Speak to the local community members and/or the person responsible

for purchasing food items for your generalate. Try to commit to pur-chasing at least one product during this Lenten season.

♦ If you need more information about Fairtrade, a wealth of material is available on the world-wide web.

♦ Extend the challenge to the members of your congregation, especially those in the devel-oped world. ♦ After Easter evaluate the experience and its impact on your local community. Please inform the Working Group of your efforts by e-mail at jpicusguisg@lasalle.org.

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Where do I/we start? Once you have decided to start, there are many places in Rome ready to serve your needs. The following is a partial listing of Fair Trade (Commercio Equo) stores or groups in and around the Eternal City:

PANGEA—NIENTE TROPPO: ♦ Via Arezzo, 6 - 00161 Roma; ♦ Tel./Fax + (39) 06 44.29.08.15 ♦ http://www.commercioequo.org ♦ This source will even provide free delivery on grocery orders of 200

Euros of more. Maybe you can arrange a joint delivery with other generalates in your neighbourhood.

♦ For other shops in this organization go to: http://www.romaequa.org

CITTÀ DELL’ALTRA ECONOMIA: ♦ Largo Dino Frisullo, in Campo Boario, Testaccio. ♦ http://www.cittadellaltraeconomia.org ♦ Tel. 06 57289246 or 06 57300419 ♦ Open Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 - 20:00; Sunday 10:00 - 19:00. Closed

Monday ♦ This complex consists of a supermarket with organic products, a

restaurant, bar, other outlets with Fairtrade products and some meeting rooms.

BOTTEGHE DEL MONDO There are several Fairtrade shops throughout the city. For more informa-tion, see their web-site: http://www.commercioequo.org

SUCCESS STORY #2 In Latin America religious are involved in promoting Fairtrade. The first national Fair-trade forum in Peru took place in the Salesian University in 2004 at which over 200 farmers and artisans, as well as representatives of governments and NGOs from all over Latin America took part. After this meeting the proposal was made to establish a conti-nental coordination of the Fairtrade movement. Information on this work can be ac-cessed at: http://asociacion.ciap.org/

Bring forth fruits worthy of conversion.

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IL FIORE (PER UN COMMERCIO EQUO E SOLIDALE) ♦ Via delle Dalie, 11 Ladispoli: 45 minutes by train from Rome (Linea

Civitavecchia). ♦ Tel. 39.06.9913657 ♦ http://www.ilfioreequo.it ♦ Monday - Saturday, 8:00 to 20:00 (usually closed at lunch time).

ASSOCIAZIONE EQUAMENTE ♦ Piazza della Trasfigurazione, 1 (Monteverde) 00151 ♦ Tel: 065828707 ♦ Open Tuesday-Saturday 9:30-13:00; 16:30-19:30;Sunday 9:30-13:00

Closed Sunday afternoon and Monday ♦ www.equamenteroma.it BOTTEQUA

♦ Via A. Serra 77 – 00191 Roma (Corso Francia) ♦ Tel 06/33221125 ♦ Monday 16 - 19.30 T-F 10 -13 and 16 - 19.30 ♦ http://nuke.equovadis.it

ASSOCIAZIONE QUINOA

Via della Lungara, 19 (00165 Trastevere) Tel. 06 68309547 www.associazonequinoa.it

SUCCESS STORY #3 In Ireland, a few years ago, a Franciscan friar began by making personal visits to representatives of all the principal groups, or-ganizations, churches, educational centres, business associations before convoking a public meeting. Those assembled were invited to consider working together to become a ‘Fairtrade town’. Seven people volunteered and for one year they worked. With an in-creased demand neighbourhood supermarkets made Fairtrade products available. Children encouraged their parents to experi-ment. Other towns in the region became involved and the diocese hopes to become the first Fairtrade Diocese in the country.

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EQUOCIQUÀ Bottega di Borgo Pio (Borgo Pio) Via degli Ombrellai, 2 (00193) Tel. 06 6896177. bottega@equociqua.it www.equociqua.it Bottega Laurentina, Via della Divisione Torino, 51-53 (00143) Tel 06 5915784.

ASSOCIAZIONE LA TENDA DEI POPOLI Via Polinesia, 10 (Ostia Lido, Roma 00121) Tel. 06 4585462 www.atendadeipopoli.it

ASSOCIAZIONE LA STRADA—TUTTI GIÙ PER TERRA Via C. Caneva, 9 (Tiburtina 00159) Tel. 3403460664 assolastrada@libero.it

ASSOCIAZIONE PER UN MONDO SOTTOSOPRA Via dei Gonzaga, 34/c (Pisana 00164) Tel. 06 6032180 perunmondosoprasotto@email.it

ASSOCIAZIONE AEQUATERRA Via Cavour, 35-39, Frascati (RM) Tel. 06 94 01 09 95

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Tea farmer, Uganda © Simon Rawles

Economic Justice Group: Arnel Alcober, CMF Milan Bubak, SVD Nancy Celaschi, OSF - Paul Frechette , SM Gabe Hurrish Mary Ann Laurin, SPC Marie-Therese Moreau, PM Francisco Ó Conaire, OFM C. Rodriguez O..P.(SEDOS) Caritas Internationalis

Conclusion By just deciding to drink a cup of Fairtrade coffee or tea this Lent in your General Curia you can make a significant difference in the life of a poor person. Most of us are overwhelmed by the level of poverty and exclu-sion in the world. By taking the relatively simple decision to drink or eat a product that guarantees a fair price for a poor person, you are turning the tide against poverty towards a more just and equitable world. You are using your purchasing power as an instrument to tilt the balance in favour of the poor. This witness may very well encourage your brothers and sis-ters around the world to do something similar.