How often do you watch the news or read the newspaper? Probably not very often. But, it’s important to know what is going on outside of your own little bubble. Across the state, nation and world, crazy, exciting and scary things happen every day. Be aware of what is going on around the globe.
Going Global
Last Minute Gifts That Give Twice
Date: 20 Dec 2011
Last Minute Gifts that Give Twice
Saving Babies and Mothers in Ghana
This holiday season we can spread joy while bringing hope to poor communities around the world by purchasing Fair Trade items from across the globe.
Many of you may be wondering first and foremost, “What the heck is fair trade?!”
Wikipedia defines it as an organized social movement and market-based approach that aims to help producers in developing countries to make better trading conditions and promote sustainability. The movement advocates the payment of a higher price to producers as well as higher social and environmental standards. It focuses in particular on exports from developing countries to developed countries, most notably handicrafts, coffee, cocoa, sugar, tea, bananas, honey, cotton, wine, fresh fruit, chocolate, flowers and gold.
So in a nutshell….it is purchasing goods from people in developing countries at fair prices and standards so that they have a chance to take care of themselves and prosper. This is necessary because many of these developing countries have to provide their goods at ridiculously low prices and standards to attract business because of international trade policies. Fair Trade helps these producers provide themselves and their families with basic living necessities like food and clean drinking water.
If you are looking for a last minute gift and you want it to truly be special, check out Fair Trade jewelry and art work or select a share in a Catholic Relief Services project to bring gifts to those you love AND a better life for others. Here are a few things we have found from Catholic Relief Services, but you can find Fair Trade items all over the internet…just put it in your search!
Peaceful Promise Gift Set
From the Holy Land:
Basket contains couscous, dates, and almonds from Palestinian farmers, and organic olive oil and za’atar spice mix produced by Arab farmers in Galilee. ($36.00)
A symbol of peace from the Holy Land is laser cut and strung on a 25 in. black cotton cord. ($15.00)
From Africa:
This smooth soapstone elephant stands with trunk raised and ready to hold your favorite rings. Nyabigena Soapstone Carvers, Kenya. ($15.00)
African Breadbasket and Jam Gift Set
Bake or buy your favorite bread to serve in this beautifully crafted papyrus and banana leaf basket from Rwanda, then top with any of three all-natural jams from Swaziland–Peach ‘n Ginger, Mango Pineapple, and Mango–each 12 oz. A truly pan-African creation made by women. ($42.00)
Island Kings Wall Art
From Haiti
Cut, shaped, pierced and stippled in magnificent detail to create a multidimensional wall hanging, each piece is signed by the artisan who made it. Bend tree of life birds forward for a three-dimensional affect. ($46.00)
Haitian interpretation of the three kings. Recycled oil drums are cut, shaped, pierced, and stippled in magnificent detail to create this wall hanging from Haiti. Each piece is signed by the artisan who made it. ($50.00)
CRS Gift of Hope Project Shares
Water Supply in Ethiopia
Fill your basket with a gift of a lifetime through a project share in one of Catholic Relief Services’ programs around the world. Shares are now available online in the 2011 Gift Catalog. Help improve the lives of our brothers and sisters in need through education, agriculture, clean water and health care. All project shares are available in whole, half and quarter amounts.
Saving Babies and Mothers in Ghana
The Community Initiative for Maternal, Child and Newborn Survival in Ghana ensures that more women and babies survive childbirth. Project share $160.
Helping Young People Work for Peace in the Holy Land
Through CRS’ Youth Voices for Community Action project, young people ages 18 to 25 meet regularly in this mixed Christian and Muslim community to break down tense religious barriers. Project share $120.
Helping Refugees Get an Education in Egypt
A new chapter in Egypt’s extraordinary history is being written, and CRS is committed to playing a significant role in supporting Egypt’s transition and the democratic aspirations of the Egyptian people. Project share $20.
Improving the Water Supply in Ethiopia
Help the people of Ethiopia by drilling deep wells, building irrigation systems and teaching farmers what, when and how to plant so they have food even in the harshest conditions. Project share $156.
Tips For Successful Volunteering
Date: 16 Nov 2011
Tips For Successful Volunteering by Lisa Sellman [caption id="attachment_2661" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Tips for Successful Volunteering"][/caption] "If you want to feel good, volunteer. There are few ways to ...
Please Login or Register to read the rest of this article.
Teen Travel That Lets You Be More Than A Tourist
Date: 3 Jun 2011
Teen Travel That Lets You Be More Than A Tourist
The Road Less Traveled Offers Unique Trips With An Added Bonus
Please Login or Register to read the rest of this article.
The Trip of a Lifetime: Studying Abroad in Rome
Date: 11 Jan 2011
The Trip of a Lifetime: Studying Abroad in Rome By Devin Miller [caption id="attachment_8551" align="alignnone" width="350" caption="Italy, relatemag.com"][/caption] On January 24th, 2011, Lauren Phifer, a junior at the ...
Please Login or Register to read the rest of this article.
Chit Chatting with 14 year old Mountain Climber Jordan Romero
Date: 19 Oct 2010
Chit Chatting with 14 year old Mountain Climber Jordan Romero Written by: Jill Sheets [caption id="attachment_8313" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="jordan, Relate Magazine, Relatemag.com"][/caption] Picture credit: Karen Lundgren Recently, Relate got ...
Please Login or Register to read the rest of this article.
Loading ...