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The success of the MDGs depends on all of us: rich and poor alike, our churches, our corporate institutions, and our governments. A fair trading system, increased international aid, and debt relief for developing countries will help us realize the goals.
Some of the targets of Goal Eight are to uphold a fair international trading and financial system, to develop decent and productive work for young people, and to make new technologies and affordable drugs available in all countries.
Making It Real
Episcopal Relief and Development is one of the organizations that are working to create a global partnership for development. For example, ERD and Pura Vida Coffee's Fair Trade program, Bishops Blend, is helping coffee farmers in Central America and Indonesia. Fair Trade attempts to make up for international trading practices that favor big businesses over small farmers and artisans. Small shifts in the international market can devastate local economies, especially when they produce only one crop or raw material.
The Bishops Blend program combines social justice with ERD’s mission of responding to needs around the world. Fair Trade coffee helps farmers in the developing world receive a living wage for their coffee, while organic agricultural practices protect the environment. All proceeds raised through Bishops Blend go toward the areas of greatest need worldwide.
Bishops Blend is certified Fair Trade, organic, and shade grown.
- Fair Trade– purchased from small coffee farmers who are guaranteed fair treatment and a fair price, even when world coffee prices drop.
- Organic– grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
- Shade grown– grows beneath a tree canopy which both protects the coffee plants from intense heat, and returns vital nutrients to the soil.
What You Can Do: ACT.
A global partnership begins with you. Connect with people in developing countries worldwide by supporting programs like Bishops Blend and Gifts for Life.
You can let your local representatives know you oppose unfair international trade policies by joining the Episcopal Public Policy Network.
Or, you can join the global partnership by volunteering. That could mean translating documents from home, spending a few hours a week in an office, or sitting on the board of a nonprofit. It could also mean going abroad and working with the people who need your help the most.
For Further Consideration
- Whether you plan to use your skills or learn new ones, you have plenty of volunteering options. You can volunteer with ERD or search for opportunities using a database such as Idealist.
- Find out about your local companion diocesan program. Encourage your fellow parishioners to take a service learning trip. Share your experiences with friends and other congregations when you return. Don’t know how to find your diocesan webpage? Start here.
- Join the campaign for debt cancellation, which urges wealthy countries to forgive the debts owed by poor countries. Click here to start learning about Episcopalians and Debt Relief.
MDG Main Page | What ERD is Doing | Defining our Goals | Downloadable Resources | Books and Resources | MDG Links
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