Spring Break
Nobel Peace Prize activist discusses fair trade activism
Carlos Militante
Issue date: 4/17/07 Section: News
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"Fair trade is important so the workers who actually make the items get a fair wage to eat and send their kids to school," said Amie Frisch, a senior majoring in environmental studies.
Despite a severe lack of attendance, attendees were able to have more of a one-on-one discussion with a Nobel Peace Prize nominee.
The meeting began with Smucker asking guests to interpret a painting she had brought from Bangladesh.
"I enjoyed the painting she brought," said community member Donna Wallach. "It was definitely one of my favorite parts of the presentation."
The meeting continued with Smucker and the guests going back and forth with issues such as sweatshops and conditions in Palestine.
Smucker said that her passion for fair trade comes from the differences in the lives of the artisans in Third World countries she's helped.
Smucker says that the key goal of fair trade is to empower low-income, disadvantaged artisans around the globe and promote the understanding between them and North Americans.
She also runs Baksheesh, a fair trade store that's located in Sonoma and Healdsburg, Calif., that sells handcrafted gifts from Third World countries.
Baksheesh is Middle East and Southwest Asian term meaning charitable giving.
Smucker ended the meeting by challenging the guests to go out there and open fair trade stores.
"Everybody should be aware of fair trade - not just students," Smucker said. "Before I die I hope that all trade will be fair trade. So don't let me die young."
Side Box
Baksheesh principles of fair trade according to Candi Smucker:
• Pay a fair wage in the local context, pay promptly, and often pay 50 percent in advance.
• Provide opportunities for disadvantaged artisans.
• Engage in environmentally sustainable practices.
• Build long-term trade relationships.
• Provide healthy and safe working conditions.
• Reflect and reinforce rich cultural traditions.
• Provide financial and technical assistance to workers whenever possible.
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