It's summertime! For many that means time away from school and work … and free time to plan fall activities, including bringing Fair Trade to your parish. To help you get started, CRS Fair Trade is sharing this "How To" guide based on the community experiences of St. Camillus Catholic Church in Silver Spring, MD. CRS Fair Trade was proud to join a workshop with Ray Nosbaum of St. Camillus, and Patrick Martin of St. Peter's in the District of Columbia, at the recent Social Ministry Conference in the Archdiocese of Washington. Here's some of what we learned from St. Camillus:

How did Fair Trade get started at St. Camillus?
It started one summer in the church parking lot alongside a local organic farmer selling fruits, vegetables and garden plants. The Parish Council wanted to promote healthy food choices and support for fair wages and sustainable agriculture. Volunteers from the Fair Trade Team offered free samples of Fair Trade coffee that was purchased at a local food co-op and resold at cost.

What is the model for Fair Trade?
Most Sundays at St. Camillus Catholic Church, parishioners and visitors are invited to the community room, where Fair Trade coffee, tea, hot chocolate, organic juice, donuts and bagels are served. The Hospitality Team volunteers their labor, and a basket is provided for free-will donations, which typically cover more than the costs of the Fair Trade refreshments and go to charity. (To donate to CRS, visit our website.)

How did St. Camillus build support for Fair Trade?
The Fair Trade team began to build awareness of the need for Fair Trade through bulletin inserts. Parishioners who were from other countries or who had been on mission trips also gave testimonials about the value of economic solidarity. Posters and resources were placed around the parish to garner interest and share information.

What Fair Trade products are sold during St. Camillus' hospitality?
St. Camillus offers Fair Trade coffee, tea and cocoa through CRS' Fair Trade coffee partner, Café Campesino, Divine Chocolate through SERRV, and domestic Fair Trade snacks through CRS' partner Equal Exchange.

What is the price for the Fair Trade products?
These premium products are offered for sale at the cost of the product and shipping. The price paid is usually much lower than retail prices for similar quality products, so parishioners are getting a great value while providing farmers a fair wage. St. Camillus' parishioners are encouraged to learn more about Fair Trade and to shop by looking for Fair Trade labels on food packages.

How are the Fair Trade products procured before selling them to parishioners?
Members of the Hospitality Team manage the Fair Trade inventory and place orders. The invoices are paid from the Parish's Fair Trade account, which is replenished by profit made from sales.

What is the reaction of Fair Trade companies to the St. Camillus model?
One of the providers of Fair Trade products to the parish said: "St. Camillus is probably the longest and most constant relationship we have ever had with a church community. I can only imagine, and I get really excited about, how Fair Trade would grow if the St. Camillus model could be continued with other U.S. religious communities."

If we want to use the St. Camillus model, what needs to be considered?
Here are some things to consider:

• How to form a team and encourage volunteers
• How to get support from parish leadership and the larger community
• Deciding on what to sell at what price and from whom to purchase
• Preparing handouts
• How to handle your orders

Using the St. Camillus experience as a model, you will likely need a minimum of 5 - 6 people to get started. If your team sells Fair Trade coffee, tea, chocolate and snacks on two Sunday mornings each month, planners will probably spend approximately 10 - 15 hours a month organizing the team and handling logistics.

Is this the only model?
There are many different ways to begin a social justice project. While the St. Camillus experience is an excellent model, other models include:

• Buyers' club in which parishioners sign up to buy coffee on a monthly basis; then one volunteer places a bulk order
• Annual Fair Trade fairs
• Fair Trade fundraisers for schools and other church-sponsored organizations such as the Boy Scouts
• Use of Fair Trade coffee and tea at community meetings and events like weddings

Or a combination of these and other models

If you have ideas to share on how to get started with Fair Trade at your parish, or if you want support in doing so, please e-mail fairtrade@crs.org. We will send you a "I'm a Fan of CRS Fair Trade" sticker as a thank you gift. Many thanks to the Fair Trade team at St. Camillus for their example and good ideas.