Got something to say? I invite you join me on January 10th to engage local experts at a forum to discuss the disruptive nature of the Fair Trade economic model. This will be the third such discussion that the Greater Boston Vineyard has hosted in the past year. My favorite part of these small gatherings has been the opportunity to meet and socialize with like-minded people about issues of social justice. At our gathering in October, we shared our experiences with the Fair Trade movement, sustainable farming, and poverty in developing nations while sampling ice-cream sundaes made with Fair Trade Certifiedâ„¢ ingredients. This time we’ll be doing much of the same while eating baked goods and hot cocoa.

At the discussion, local experts are slated to talk about the history, successes, and challenges of the Fair Trade movement. Ample time will be reserved to ensure that you can share your story about social justice too, if you wish. Featured speakers include Anna Utech, director of Equal Exchange‘s Interfaith Program, Liz Green, lead organizer for Fair Trade Boston, and Ryan McDonnell, executive director at the Boston Faith & Justice Network. Perhaps you want to do more than talk. Use this opportunity to discover how you can involve yourself in the effort to fight poverty on either a personal or community level just as Fair Trade Boston moves into the final stages of its campaign to have the city of Boston declare itself a Fair Trade Town.

I hope you’ll come to learn more and support this critical movement! Please register (so that we know how many cookies and other treats to bake!)

January 10, 2010 | 1:15-3:00PM

Greater Boston Vineyard Offices

15 Notre Dame Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140

Fair Trade enables farmers and farm workers to lift themselves out of poverty by investing in their farms and communities, protecting the environment, and providing access to the global economy. Fair Trade principles include fair price, fair labor conditions, direct trade, democratic and transparent organizations, community development, and environmental sustainability.

Jeff Purser has a real passion to find sustainable solutions to eliminate extreme poverty. He serves as a community organizer for Fair Trade Boston and lives near Central Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Check out the most recent blog post from Fair Trade Towns USA to learn about Fair Trade activities this holiday season, and for a fun video showcasing the Fair Trade zeal of high school students in Montclair, New Jersey.