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Bringing Fair Trade to Montessori Schools |
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In March, Equal Exchange attended the 2008 American Montessori Society Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. The four-day event provided Equal Exchange with a great opportunity to meet Montessori educators, administrators and parents, and to introduce Equal Exchange’s Fair Trade Fundraising and Education program. After attending the 2007 AMS annual conference in New York City last year, Equal Exchange found a great partner in Montessori schools. In fact, over 15 Montessori schools used the fundraiser after our attendance at last year’s conference.
The Equal Exchange Fair Trade fundraiser seeks to reinforce Montessori social values by raising important funds for the school, while also raising awareness about the small-scale farmers who grow our food. All weekend people expressed enthusiasm for the program, commenting the program was a better fit with Montessori schools than the traditional gift wrap sale. "Of all the fundraisers you can do, this one seems the most logical for us - to do something great while also making a little money,” said Barbara Hineline of Apple Valley Montessori School. “It really fits with Montessori schools since community service is huge, and social responsibility is at the center of what we teach.”
Equal Exchange’s new curriculum, Win Win Solutions: An Introduction to Fair Trade and Cooperative Economics, debuted at the conference. The curriculum brings to life the lessons of Fair Trade, educating children on how our food is grown, and why it matters to care for the farmers who grow it and the environment in which it’s grown. Conference attendees were excited to learn that Equal Exchange’s socially responsible and environmentally friendly fundraiser returns 40-45% profit margins to the school, making it economically viable as well.
When not in workshops and meetings, conference attendees visited the exhibit hall, stopping by the Equal Exchange booth for delicious Fair Trade and organic chocolate samples and, of course, to discuss ways in which schools and students can get involved.
The weekend ended with an inspiring keynote address by Dr. Jane Goodall. Goodall addressed issues of environmental protection, understanding our connection to the rest of the natural world, practicing peace in and outside of the classroom, and above all, trusting in the power of young people to create positive change in world.
The Equal Exchange Fair Trade Fundraising and Education program hopes to offer Montessori schools yet another way to empower young people to live up to the amazing example set by Dr. Goodall.
Any schools interested in learning more about the Equal Exchange Fair Trade fundraiser or curriculum, please visit the website: www.equalexchange.coop/fundraiser or contact Kelsie Evans at kevans@equalexchange.coop or (774) 776-7371.
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Our Co-op 
