RADNOR, Pa. (Feb. 27, 2013) – On Friday, March 15, 2013, students from 10 area colleges and universities will gather at Cabrini College to advocate for Fair Trade.
The day-long Fair Trade gathering will include presentations by students, faculty and staff on how to increase and facilitate fair trade practices on the campuses, and how to create a fair trade consortium among the Philadelphia-area schools, to support these practices.
The Fair Trade gathering is made possible, in part, by a grant for the Fair Trade Fund of Catholic Relief Services (CRS). The purpose of CRS’ Fair Trade Fund is to seed innovation and creativity to address the critical challenges in the Fair Trade movement, including growth and expansion.
CRS representatives, food service providers, and local merchants will participate in the gathering, meeting with students and college members on how to collaborate on bringing fair trade practices and items to the schools.
At Cabrini, students have made fair trade activity a priority, advocating for and bringing to campus fair trade items such as coffee, tea, chocolate, crafts, bananas and clothing. Cabrini students also have developed a strong dialogue with the College’s Dining Services partner, Sodexo, resulting in greater access to fair trade menu options.
Cabrini has used the CRS grant to demonstrate how institutions of higher education can cultivate individual and institutional Fair Trade leaders. Cabrini and Saint Joseph’s University will match their grant to foster greater awareness of Fair Trade through immersion trips, academic research and coursework, and a conference among area Catholic colleges and universities.
Colleges and universities participating in the Fair Trade Gathering on March 15, 2013, are:
- Cabrini College
- Chestnut Hill College
- Gwynedd-Mercy College
- Immaculata University
- La Salle University
- Manor College
- Neumann University
- Rosemont College
- Saint Joseph’s University
- Villanova University
Fair Trade embodies a comprehensive set of criteria, including, at a minimum, the following commitments:
- Paying a fair wage in the local context
- Offering employees opportunities for advancement
- Providing equal employment opportunities for all people, particularly the most disadvantaged
- Engaging in environmentally sustainable practices
- Being open to public accountability
- Building long-term trade relationships
- Providing healthy and safe working conditions within the local context
- Providing financial and technical assistance to producers whenever possible
About Cabrini University
Founded in 1957 by the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Cabrini University is a Catholic institution that empowers students to become advocates of social change through an Education of the Heart, focusing on academic excellence, community engagement, and leadership development.
Cabrini enrolls approximately 1,300 undergraduates in more than 35 majors, pre-professional programs, concentrations, and minors on its serene 112-acre campus located 30 minutes from Philadelphia. The University also enrolls 900 students in graduate, doctoral, and professional studies programs at its main campus in Radnor, PA, and at five off-campus locations.