By Eric Guzman '12
With a passion for building a more sustainable, peaceful and just world, Siena Students for Fair Trade (SSFT) hosted the second annual Fair Trade Colleges and Universities Regional Conference, uniting student leaders and grass roots organizations determined to make a difference.
Fair Trade is a global movement to bring a sense of justice and opportunity to the poor, vulnerable and marginalized workers and producers of the world. In 2010 Siena College proudly committed to Fair Trade principles, making it the third college in the United States and first Catholic college in the country to be awarded this status and recognition.
“Our goal is to educate all members of the community about Fair Trade,” said SSFT Member Catherine Espiritu ’13. “(Fair Trade) affects all parts of our lives and here at Siena we look to embrace our Franciscan traditions and seek ways to make a difference in the community.”
The conference featured a series of presentations that shared the success of Fair Trade movements at regional colleges and universities. It also provided students and campus leaders with the opportunity to learn about new and innovative ways to encourage campus involvement.
Members from Love146, a non-profit organization dedicated to ending child sex slavery and exploitation, delivered the keynote speech. They made the connection to Fair Trade, explaining that if marginalized workers and producers can earn enough to support themselves and their families, the estimated 1.2 million children that are trafficked around the world each year can be saved.
“If we can shift our culture to value quality and labor justice, we eliminate the need for people to put children into slavery,” said Chelsea Flaim ’12. “Being a part of the Siena community and movements like this give students the opportunity to make an impact all over the world, not just on our campus.”
A lively Fair Trade bazaar and marketplace provided Fair Trade coffee, snacks and the chance to purchase Fair Trade clothing and accessories.
“A superior educational facility, Siena is at the forefront in paving the way for Fair Trade in the Capital Region,” said Eve Rosen, manager of Ten Thousand Villages, a Fair Trade retailer who creates opportunities for artisans from developing countries by marketing their handicrafts in North America. “Supporting Fair Trade improves lives and saves lives, all over the world,” Rosen said.
Co-Chair of Siena College’s Fair Trade Steering Committee Dustin Stiffler ’14 confirmed Siena’s continued search for more ways to engage in the movement. “Expect more Fair Trade options on our campus in the future. We are going to continue raising awareness and encouraging changes in purchasing products," Stiffler said. "Each Fair Trade purchase is a vote in favor of the movement.”
Siena College proudly offers Fair Trade coffee, chocolate and accessories, giving students a Fair Trade alternative to many everyday goods. The campus-wide movement reflects well upon the College’s Franciscan values and serves as an inspiration to community members who support the cause.
Photo Credit: Dave Boswell '12
