Bending the Arc references a quote by Rev. Dr. King who said, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” This digital newsletter from the CSA Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation office showcases the work of changemakers, opportunities to learn, and opportunities for you to help “bend the arc” toward justice. Full contents of the newsletter are published on this page.
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CSA Associates travel to Uganda, tour a Fair Trade farm
May 31, 2024
Pictured here are CSA Associates Kelsey Beine, Michael Ketterhagen and Mary Ketterhagen, with Avery (the daughter of the tour agents for Mocha Origins), and Druscilla Namaganda (vanilla farm manager). CSA associates observed the process of farming vanilla beans for fair trade in Uganda.
Ms. Namaganda provided a tour of an organic farm that produces vegetables, vanilla, and pineapple. Growing and processing vanilla, cocoa, and coffee from the tree to the final product is an intensive endeavor of ecology and balanced economics. Their fair trade commitment provides equitable fair prices for the farmers, manufacturers, vendors, and shareholders, which the associates observed.
Farmers deliver the vanilla beans to the collection points, determine the pay, and transport the product to the factory for processing. Parents who earn a fair wage can adequately support their families, and their children receive a better education. Local farmers collaborate with one another and then share the profit. Farming practices of sustainability lead to better quality of life for all and for Earth. The visitors were impressed by the kindness, compassion, and gratitude of the local families, while valuing the experience.
In this image, Michael is learning how the workers sort the beans. The visitors learn how Fair Trade provides small farmers in more than 70 countries worldwide with an opportunity to secure a fair market price for their goods. Fair Trade helps to market and provide all vendors with the opportunity to earn a wage that is fair and equitable.
Reflect
- In your area, are farmers developing fair trade practices of economy and sustainability?
- How do our choices impact people in other places and other climates? The challenge is to balance production with profit for future generations.
Laudato Si’ Week: Seeds of Hope
“There are no lasting changes without cultural changes …
and there are no cultural changes without personal changes” (Laudate Deum, 70)
Laudato Si’ Week was Sunday, May 19–Sunday, May 26.
Did you celebrate? If you missed it, you can celebrate now instead!
In the Laudato Si’ Celebration Guide, each day is themed with an activity, reflection questions, and additional resources in honor of the ninth anniversary of the Holy Father’s exhortation, inspiring "a personal and cultural transformation in the midst of our ecological and climate crises".
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Cosmology & Creation