by Liz Wawrzonek, Events & Outreach Coordinator

This October, we can't wait to spread the good news that Fair Trade is not just a flavor of the month for us…although we do it all year long, Fair Trade Month is an excuse to pull out the stops to get coffee drinkers excited about the origins of their coffee. As you're riding that coffee high through your work or school day this fall, you might find yourself wondering: Who grew the exquisite Arabica beans that went into this delicious cuppa java? What exactly is fair trade? How do I know that it's actually fair? How can I let others know how to vote with their dollar and impact the fair trade economy? Hopefully these FAIR TRADE MONTH EVENTS will help you to answer those questions and get as excited about October as we are.

Oct 1 Morning Rush Hour Fair Trade Month Kick-Off Look for Peace Coffee's fair trade guerrillas as they serve the streets of Minneapolis and raise awareness about Fair Trade. Contact us if you'd like to be a part of our Kick-Off street team at 612.870.3440 and ask for Liz.

Oct 4 7:30-8:30pm @ Common Roots Cafe Meet Jacqueline DeCarlo, Author of Fair Trade: A Beginner's Guide In celebration of Fair Trade Month, Peace Coffee is partnering with the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy to bring additional programming to the Twin Cities. As a part of this programming, we are hosting author and fair trade activist Jacqueline DeCarlo. Her book, Fair Trade: a Beginner's Guide stresses Fair Trade as a positive alternative to poverty, environmental destruction, and human exploitation, and is packed with inspiring ways to make a difference. With comprehensive coverage of Fair Trade principles, Fair Trade's evolution into a powerful economic and social justice tool, and ways to become personally involved, this book will encourage readers of all backgrounds to help strengthen global trade justice and buy socially responsible products. This event is free and open to the public at Common Roots Cafe, 2558 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55405, (612) 871-2360.

Oct 6 11am @ Mississippi Market-Selby Ave (tentatively scheduled) Meet Jacqueline DeCarlo, Author of Fair Trade: A Beginner's Guide Another opportunity to meet author and fair trade activist Jacqueline DeCarlo, as well as converse with co-op members and fair trade activists from local colleges. Fair Trade: a Beginner's Guide stresses Fair Trade as a positive alternative to poverty, environmental destruction, and human exploitation, and is packed with inspiring ways to make a difference. With comprehensive coverage of Fair Trade principles, Fair Trade's evolution into a powerful economic and social justice tool, and ways to become personally involved, this book will encourage readers of all backgrounds to help strengthen global trade justice and buy socially responsible products. This event is free and open to the public at Mississippi Market, 622 Selby Ave, St. Paul, MN (651) 310-9499.

Oct 13 11am-1pm at Common Roots Cafe Caffeine and Conversation Peace Coffee will sample Mexican coffee harvested by farmers in the Chiapas region. This event is free and open to the public at Common Roots Cafe, 2558 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55405, (612) 871-2360.

Oct 13 1-4pm Fair Trade Fair w/ Etica Fair Trade Wine at Common Roots Café Purchase delicious and fairly traded items to help you with your festivities this fall. This event is free and open to the public at Common Roots Cafe, 2558 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55405, (612) 871-2360.

Oct 13 9am-12pm Coffee Sampling at Valley Natural Foods Peace Coffee will sample hot coffee to shoppers. Valley Natural Foods is located at 13750 Co. Rd. 11, Burnsville, MN 55337.

Oct 18 7:30-8:30pm @ Common Roots Meet Monika Firl, Coffee Farming & Production Liaison In celebration of Fair Trade Month, Peace Coffee is hosting Monika Firl, Producer Relations Director of Cooperative Coffees (of which Peace Coffee is a member-owner), to speak about the impact of fair trade on coffee producers in Chiapas and Oaxaca, Mexico. This event is free and open to the public at Common Roots Cafe, 2558 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55405, (612) 871-2360.

Oct 22-24 Lessons from NAFTA: Building a New Fair Trade Agenda Fourteen years after its ratification, the North American Free Trade Agreement—NAFTA—has radically changed life for people in Canada, Mexico and the United States. It has caused negative impacts for family farmers and consumers, reversed important environmental and labor protections, and played a key role in increased immigration to the U.S. In a few months, NAFTA's final provisions go into effect. Join North American researchers, policymakers and activists to review NAFTA's past, learn about efforts to expand free trade, and exchange ideas on building a new fair trade agenda. To register, visit IATP's website.

If you'd like to receive weekly Peace Coffee events updates send an email to events@peacecoffee.com. Please put Pedal Power in the subject line!

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