A new loan fund launched by Crossroads and its local partners in Bolivia is ensuring decent work for coffee producers by allowing them access to credit to export their coffee at more lucrative prices rather than selling locally at lower costs, enabling farmers to pay workers and costs and increase their income and quality of life. The loan fund was developed specifically for fair trade producers and exporters and is having positive impacts for farmers and their families by allowing children to go to school and access healthcare and community services. A coffee farmer receiving the loan urged Canadian consumers to understand that the higher prices of fair trade coffee help offset their higher costs of production.
421 diversity alterra new and improved again but here in the schoolsheilman70
Alterra Coffee Roasters began in 1993 in Milwaukee with three founders. It has since grown to nine locations and over 235 employees. The company strives to create a unique customer experience through diverse staff and creative cafe environments. Alterra is committed to social and environmental initiatives through partnerships with local non-profits and sustainable practices like composting and wind power. The founders emphasize bringing personality to work and balancing individuality with business goals.
The document discusses several social enterprises that use business approaches to address social problems. These include organizations that provide employment opportunities and job training to disadvantaged groups, literacy programs, transportation services for seniors, accessible books for the visually impaired, small business assistance, construction waste recycling, fair trade certification, and a membership alliance supporting social enterprises. The common theme is that social enterprises harness the power of business to solve important social and environmental issues.
The document discusses Global Eyes Magazine, a publication that aims to promote cultural diversity with a focus on Black and Caribbean cultures. It is published quarterly in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada and welcomes submissions. It also provides information about upcoming articles and remembers a community member named Ruthy Charlot who recently passed away.
This document provides information about Rotary Africa magazine, including contact details for the editor, administration, directors, publisher, designers, printers, and distribution network. It lists the Rotary districts in Southern and Eastern Africa that the magazine is distributed to. It also provides guidelines for article submissions and advertising. The final paragraphs note that the Rotary emblem and name are trademarks used under license, and that the views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of Rotary International.
Dando Amor is a nonprofit charity that aids orphans in Ecuador, Haiti, and Burkina Faso, Africa. It operates a boys' home in Ecuador for boys aged 12-18 who would otherwise be homeless. Dando Amor aims to raise the boys out of poverty through education and skills training, with the goals of reuniting them with family, finding adoptive families, or enabling them to live independently. The organization seeks donations and volunteer efforts like a yearly shoe drive to support its work of providing for the boys' basic needs and preparing them for successful lives.
Soles4Souls is a global social enterprise that fights poverty by distributing shoes and clothing collected through donations. They have distributed over 22 million pairs of shoes to 127 countries since 2006. Their model provides long-term solutions by funneling donated shoes and clothing to qualified micro-entrepreneurs in developing countries, empowering them to start businesses and lift themselves out of poverty in a sustainable way. Soles4Souls also contributes to environmental sustainability by diverting shoes and clothing from landfills in the U.S., where over 3.8 billion pounds of textiles are thrown out each year.
TouchTanksForKids.org is a non-profit organization that educates children about ocean conservation through hands-on experiences with touch tanks. Count Sharcula is a viral marketing campaign created by the organization to raise awareness about ocean pollution. The campaign aims to "bite" one million people by getting them to donate and spread information about the organization's mission to educate children and reduce plastic waste in oceans.
421 diversity alterra new and improved again but here in the schoolsheilman70
Alterra Coffee Roasters began in 1993 in Milwaukee with three founders. It has since grown to nine locations and over 235 employees. The company strives to create a unique customer experience through diverse staff and creative cafe environments. Alterra is committed to social and environmental initiatives through partnerships with local non-profits and sustainable practices like composting and wind power. The founders emphasize bringing personality to work and balancing individuality with business goals.
The document discusses several social enterprises that use business approaches to address social problems. These include organizations that provide employment opportunities and job training to disadvantaged groups, literacy programs, transportation services for seniors, accessible books for the visually impaired, small business assistance, construction waste recycling, fair trade certification, and a membership alliance supporting social enterprises. The common theme is that social enterprises harness the power of business to solve important social and environmental issues.
The document discusses Global Eyes Magazine, a publication that aims to promote cultural diversity with a focus on Black and Caribbean cultures. It is published quarterly in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada and welcomes submissions. It also provides information about upcoming articles and remembers a community member named Ruthy Charlot who recently passed away.
This document provides information about Rotary Africa magazine, including contact details for the editor, administration, directors, publisher, designers, printers, and distribution network. It lists the Rotary districts in Southern and Eastern Africa that the magazine is distributed to. It also provides guidelines for article submissions and advertising. The final paragraphs note that the Rotary emblem and name are trademarks used under license, and that the views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of Rotary International.
Dando Amor is a nonprofit charity that aids orphans in Ecuador, Haiti, and Burkina Faso, Africa. It operates a boys' home in Ecuador for boys aged 12-18 who would otherwise be homeless. Dando Amor aims to raise the boys out of poverty through education and skills training, with the goals of reuniting them with family, finding adoptive families, or enabling them to live independently. The organization seeks donations and volunteer efforts like a yearly shoe drive to support its work of providing for the boys' basic needs and preparing them for successful lives.
Soles4Souls is a global social enterprise that fights poverty by distributing shoes and clothing collected through donations. They have distributed over 22 million pairs of shoes to 127 countries since 2006. Their model provides long-term solutions by funneling donated shoes and clothing to qualified micro-entrepreneurs in developing countries, empowering them to start businesses and lift themselves out of poverty in a sustainable way. Soles4Souls also contributes to environmental sustainability by diverting shoes and clothing from landfills in the U.S., where over 3.8 billion pounds of textiles are thrown out each year.
TouchTanksForKids.org is a non-profit organization that educates children about ocean conservation through hands-on experiences with touch tanks. Count Sharcula is a viral marketing campaign created by the organization to raise awareness about ocean pollution. The campaign aims to "bite" one million people by getting them to donate and spread information about the organization's mission to educate children and reduce plastic waste in oceans.
This document discusses National Philanthropy Day, which is celebrated across Canada and North America on November 15th. It provides statistics on charitable donations and volunteering in Canada. The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) organizes events and activities on this day to recognize and encourage philanthropy. AFP works with charities, donors, and volunteers to raise over $115 billion annually for charitable causes. National Philanthropy Day aims to celebrate regional philanthropists and volunteers who contribute to their communities.
This annual report summarizes Kiva's activities and impact in 2015. Key highlights include:
- Kiva welcomed a new CEO, Martin Tschopp, and expanded its U.S. programs to Milwaukee, New York, and San Francisco.
- Kiva supported over 2 million borrowers globally through loans funded by over 1.5 million lenders.
- Kiva focused on helping smallholder farmers and reached financially excluded populations in rural areas globally.
- Kiva's ecosystem continued to grow, including expanding its network of field partners and programs like Kiva U for students.
- Financially, Kiva's revenue increased in 2015 while maintaining a high level of self-sufficiency from online
Development Challenges, South-South Solutions is the monthly e-newsletter of the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation in UNDP (www.southerninnovator.org). It has been published every month since 2006. Its sister publication, Southern Innovator magazine, has been published since 2011.
ISSN 2227-3905
Stories by David South
UN Office for South-South Cooperation
Contact the Office to receive a copy of the new global magazine Southern Innovator. Issues 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are out now and are about innovators in mobile phones and information technology, youth and entrepreneurship, agribusiness and food security, cities and urbanization and waste and recycling. Why not consider sponsoring or advertising in an issue of Southern Innovator? Or work with us on an insert or supplement of interest to our readers?
Follow @SouthSouth1.
In this issue:
Women Empowered by Fair Trade
Manufacturer
Global South Trade Boosted with
Increasing China-Africa Trade in 2013
India 2.0: Can the Country Make the
Move to the Next Level?
"Pocket-Friendly" Solution to Help
Farmers Go Organic
Cheap Farming Kit Hopes to Help
More Become Farmers
Most of the world's green coffee comes from countries where gender inequality is prevalent, and studies show that women-led agricultural structures are often less profitable in the short term but more sustainable long term. This is because financial restrictions make it difficult for women to access farming and bank loans. The coffee industry generally lacks gender equality at all stages from farming to roasting to barista work. Kopi Donna aims to work exclusively with women in the industry to produce and sell their coffee, with the goal of highlighting gender equality and bringing more women and fresh ideas into the industry to improve community development and build a better, more equal paid future for all.
This project aims to create a cultural bridge between Canadian businesswomen and young women in Southeast Nigeria to help eradicate female genital mutilation (FGM). The project will conduct advocacy with Canadian businesswomen to raise $11,468 for awareness events in Nigeria. A network of Nigerian expatriates in Canada, volunteers, and women's NGOs will advocate to 300 Canadian businesswomen. This will help fund six community mobilization and awareness events in Southeast Nigeria reaching 600 participants directly and 40,000 indirectly. The network will continue advocacy after the project to sustain efforts to end FGM.
This document provides information about various programs run by Community Partners in Action (CPA) that work with criminal justice-involved individuals and youth. It discusses CPA's Waterbury Alternative in the Community program that helps women through a case management model. It highlights National Volunteer Month and examples of volunteers supporting CPA programs. It also recognizes CPA staff who received awards for their work and upcoming events supporting CPA.
Just Coffee Delegation: Nicaragua July 2010 - La FEM and CALAJohn Suhar
The document summarizes a delegation to La FEM, a women's organization in Nicaragua that promotes empowerment through various projects like education, healthcare, and sustainable agriculture. It discusses La FEM's history and mission, their work organizing coffee cooperatives and promoting fair trade. Challenges include food security, domestic violence, and tensions with the government. Questions from the delegation focused on empowering women producers and building solidarity between communities in Nicaragua and the US through fair trade.
This document is the 2000 annual report of the Ms. Foundation for Women. It discusses the foundation's programs that year that provided economic security for low-income women, including funding grassroots organizations supporting women's business development and fair wages. It highlights several grantee organizations, such as one renovating a building in the Bronx to provide job training and housing. The report emphasizes the foundation's goal of supporting women's leadership and influencing policy debates to improve women's lives.
Bridgers Association Cameroon introduced through power point presentationAZAH JACKLINE CHEY
Bridgers Association Cameroon is a registered non profit Organization operating in Cameroon on the mission to empower women/girls through advocacy so as to achieve gender equality and minimize gender based violence.
This PowerPoint seeks to introduce this organization that seeks and work with volunteers and development stakeholders and partners from across the world to attain Sustainable Development.
Get in touch by visiting their site : https://www.bridgersngo.org
or Email: info@bridgersngo.org
Developing the Skills of Young People in Rural IndiaFarhan Manjiyani
The Aga Khan Foundation works to break the cycle of poverty in Africa and Central and South Asia by making long-term investments in programs that improve quality of life. It reaches 3.5 million people annually in 16 countries and is part of the Aga Khan Development Network, one of the world's leading poverty solutions networks. The Foundation works closely with local partners and communities to support innovative programs in education, health, livelihoods, markets and financial inclusion.
Improving Learning and Teaching for Kenya’s Marginalized ChildrenFarhan Manjiyani
The Aga Khan Foundation works with communities around the world to alleviate poverty. It has an annual reach of 3.5 million people across 16 countries in Africa and Central/South Asia. The Foundation is part of the Aga Khan Development Network and works on long-term programs in education, health, livelihoods, markets and finance to improve quality of life. It invests in institutions like clinics, banks and universities to provide opportunities and anchor communities.
Stanford Social Innovation Review - Printer Version - More than BeansDavid Griswold
Sustainable Harvest is a coffee importer founded in 1997 that aims to create a more transparent and sustainable global coffee supply chain. It works directly with nearly 200,000 coffee farmers across 14 countries, facilitating negotiations between farmers and roasters. This allows farmers to receive higher and more stable prices for their crops. By being open about all aspects of its business, Sustainable Harvest has been able to grow annually by 30% even during the global recession, improving livelihoods for farmers while remaining profitable. Its model demonstrates that transparency and farmer development are good long-term business strategies.
This document provides background information on the International Women's Coffee Alliance (IWCA). It discusses how IWCA was founded to increase women's participation across the coffee value chain, as women perform most of the labor involved in coffee cultivation but are underrepresented in leadership and industry roles. The document also outlines the challenges facing coffee farmers, particularly women, in developing countries, and describes options the IWCA board is considering to help members gain contracts, such as developing an overarching IWCA brand or partnering with importers/retailers. It provides context on the global coffee industry and women's central role in production.
Fairtrade Africa celebrates 10 years of supporting over 430 producer organizations in 32 African countries. It provides better prices, working conditions, and fair trade terms for farmers and workers. Over the past decade, Fairtrade Africa has strengthened farmer organizations, increased market access for members, and advocated for farmer interests. Looking ahead, Fairtrade Africa aims to further empower farmers and workers across Africa through fair trade.
Georgie Fienberg founded AfriKids 15 years ago after being inspired during a gap year in Ghana. AfriKids now employs 160 local Ghanaian staff and supports thousands of children through programs addressing root causes like education and healthcare access. Rather than dictate solutions, AfriKids works with communities to support existing effective local efforts. The charity also focuses on social enterprises to financially sustain its work in Ghana with a goal of closing its UK office as the Ghanaian operation becomes self-sufficient.
This document discusses Philanthropy Awareness Week in Calgary from November 5-14, 2014. It provides messages from the president and co-chairs of the event, which celebrate those who bring dreams to reality through philanthropy. It also checks in on two former youth award honorees, Stephen McPhee and Zaheed Damani, who continue to make impacts through their charitable work. Finally, it describes a youth forum on poverty and philanthropy being held on November 15th as part of National Philanthropy Day.
Matt Flannery and his wife Jessica came up with the idea for Kiva while Jessica was doing microfinance work in Africa and Matt visited her. Their original idea was to "sponsor businesses" through loans online. They created a business plan called "Kesho" and pitched it to the microfinance accelerator Unitus. The Unitus CEO said their idea could be difficult to scale since individual tracking of small loans is inefficient. They also struggled with whether to position their idea as a charity or business. This prompted them to refine their model and vision for Kiva.
This document provides an overview of Vancity Community Foundation, where it has been and where it is headed. It discusses Vancity Community Foundation's history and vision of redefining wealth and supporting thriving communities built on social justice, financial inclusion, and environmental sustainability. It also profiles several organizations that Vancity Community Foundation has supported through grants, loans, and impact investments to further positive social and environmental change.
This document summarizes an event program for the Afrika Tikkun Legacy Gala held on April 11, 2016 at The St. Regis New York. The gala honored John S. Chalsty with a Lifetime Achievement Award and June L. Tatelman for Community Investment. It featured presentations on Afrika Tikkun's vision and impact, a performance by Drum Cafe, and a live auction. Afrika Tikkun invests in disadvantaged youth in South Africa through education, career training, and social services to help them succeed. The evening was meant to thank supporters and raise funds and awareness for Afrika Tikkun's work empowering communities in South Africa.
This document provides a 3-page summary of Counterpart International's 2012 annual report. Some key details include:
- Counterpart is a global development organization with $56 million in revenues and 600 employees working in 23 countries.
- In 2012, Counterpart partnered with 2,600 local organizations that reached over 3.3 million beneficiaries.
- The report highlights 6 success stories from Counterpart projects in Guatemala, Senegal, Mauritania, Yemen, Armenia, and the Dominican Republic.
- These stories showcase how Counterpart builds the capacity of local organizations to empower communities and create sustainable impacts.
This document discusses National Philanthropy Day, which is celebrated across Canada and North America on November 15th. It provides statistics on charitable donations and volunteering in Canada. The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) organizes events and activities on this day to recognize and encourage philanthropy. AFP works with charities, donors, and volunteers to raise over $115 billion annually for charitable causes. National Philanthropy Day aims to celebrate regional philanthropists and volunteers who contribute to their communities.
This annual report summarizes Kiva's activities and impact in 2015. Key highlights include:
- Kiva welcomed a new CEO, Martin Tschopp, and expanded its U.S. programs to Milwaukee, New York, and San Francisco.
- Kiva supported over 2 million borrowers globally through loans funded by over 1.5 million lenders.
- Kiva focused on helping smallholder farmers and reached financially excluded populations in rural areas globally.
- Kiva's ecosystem continued to grow, including expanding its network of field partners and programs like Kiva U for students.
- Financially, Kiva's revenue increased in 2015 while maintaining a high level of self-sufficiency from online
Development Challenges, South-South Solutions is the monthly e-newsletter of the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation in UNDP (www.southerninnovator.org). It has been published every month since 2006. Its sister publication, Southern Innovator magazine, has been published since 2011.
ISSN 2227-3905
Stories by David South
UN Office for South-South Cooperation
Contact the Office to receive a copy of the new global magazine Southern Innovator. Issues 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are out now and are about innovators in mobile phones and information technology, youth and entrepreneurship, agribusiness and food security, cities and urbanization and waste and recycling. Why not consider sponsoring or advertising in an issue of Southern Innovator? Or work with us on an insert or supplement of interest to our readers?
Follow @SouthSouth1.
In this issue:
Women Empowered by Fair Trade
Manufacturer
Global South Trade Boosted with
Increasing China-Africa Trade in 2013
India 2.0: Can the Country Make the
Move to the Next Level?
"Pocket-Friendly" Solution to Help
Farmers Go Organic
Cheap Farming Kit Hopes to Help
More Become Farmers
Most of the world's green coffee comes from countries where gender inequality is prevalent, and studies show that women-led agricultural structures are often less profitable in the short term but more sustainable long term. This is because financial restrictions make it difficult for women to access farming and bank loans. The coffee industry generally lacks gender equality at all stages from farming to roasting to barista work. Kopi Donna aims to work exclusively with women in the industry to produce and sell their coffee, with the goal of highlighting gender equality and bringing more women and fresh ideas into the industry to improve community development and build a better, more equal paid future for all.
This project aims to create a cultural bridge between Canadian businesswomen and young women in Southeast Nigeria to help eradicate female genital mutilation (FGM). The project will conduct advocacy with Canadian businesswomen to raise $11,468 for awareness events in Nigeria. A network of Nigerian expatriates in Canada, volunteers, and women's NGOs will advocate to 300 Canadian businesswomen. This will help fund six community mobilization and awareness events in Southeast Nigeria reaching 600 participants directly and 40,000 indirectly. The network will continue advocacy after the project to sustain efforts to end FGM.
This document provides information about various programs run by Community Partners in Action (CPA) that work with criminal justice-involved individuals and youth. It discusses CPA's Waterbury Alternative in the Community program that helps women through a case management model. It highlights National Volunteer Month and examples of volunteers supporting CPA programs. It also recognizes CPA staff who received awards for their work and upcoming events supporting CPA.
Just Coffee Delegation: Nicaragua July 2010 - La FEM and CALAJohn Suhar
The document summarizes a delegation to La FEM, a women's organization in Nicaragua that promotes empowerment through various projects like education, healthcare, and sustainable agriculture. It discusses La FEM's history and mission, their work organizing coffee cooperatives and promoting fair trade. Challenges include food security, domestic violence, and tensions with the government. Questions from the delegation focused on empowering women producers and building solidarity between communities in Nicaragua and the US through fair trade.
This document is the 2000 annual report of the Ms. Foundation for Women. It discusses the foundation's programs that year that provided economic security for low-income women, including funding grassroots organizations supporting women's business development and fair wages. It highlights several grantee organizations, such as one renovating a building in the Bronx to provide job training and housing. The report emphasizes the foundation's goal of supporting women's leadership and influencing policy debates to improve women's lives.
Bridgers Association Cameroon introduced through power point presentationAZAH JACKLINE CHEY
Bridgers Association Cameroon is a registered non profit Organization operating in Cameroon on the mission to empower women/girls through advocacy so as to achieve gender equality and minimize gender based violence.
This PowerPoint seeks to introduce this organization that seeks and work with volunteers and development stakeholders and partners from across the world to attain Sustainable Development.
Get in touch by visiting their site : https://www.bridgersngo.org
or Email: info@bridgersngo.org
Developing the Skills of Young People in Rural IndiaFarhan Manjiyani
The Aga Khan Foundation works to break the cycle of poverty in Africa and Central and South Asia by making long-term investments in programs that improve quality of life. It reaches 3.5 million people annually in 16 countries and is part of the Aga Khan Development Network, one of the world's leading poverty solutions networks. The Foundation works closely with local partners and communities to support innovative programs in education, health, livelihoods, markets and financial inclusion.
Improving Learning and Teaching for Kenya’s Marginalized ChildrenFarhan Manjiyani
The Aga Khan Foundation works with communities around the world to alleviate poverty. It has an annual reach of 3.5 million people across 16 countries in Africa and Central/South Asia. The Foundation is part of the Aga Khan Development Network and works on long-term programs in education, health, livelihoods, markets and finance to improve quality of life. It invests in institutions like clinics, banks and universities to provide opportunities and anchor communities.
Stanford Social Innovation Review - Printer Version - More than BeansDavid Griswold
Sustainable Harvest is a coffee importer founded in 1997 that aims to create a more transparent and sustainable global coffee supply chain. It works directly with nearly 200,000 coffee farmers across 14 countries, facilitating negotiations between farmers and roasters. This allows farmers to receive higher and more stable prices for their crops. By being open about all aspects of its business, Sustainable Harvest has been able to grow annually by 30% even during the global recession, improving livelihoods for farmers while remaining profitable. Its model demonstrates that transparency and farmer development are good long-term business strategies.
This document provides background information on the International Women's Coffee Alliance (IWCA). It discusses how IWCA was founded to increase women's participation across the coffee value chain, as women perform most of the labor involved in coffee cultivation but are underrepresented in leadership and industry roles. The document also outlines the challenges facing coffee farmers, particularly women, in developing countries, and describes options the IWCA board is considering to help members gain contracts, such as developing an overarching IWCA brand or partnering with importers/retailers. It provides context on the global coffee industry and women's central role in production.
Fairtrade Africa celebrates 10 years of supporting over 430 producer organizations in 32 African countries. It provides better prices, working conditions, and fair trade terms for farmers and workers. Over the past decade, Fairtrade Africa has strengthened farmer organizations, increased market access for members, and advocated for farmer interests. Looking ahead, Fairtrade Africa aims to further empower farmers and workers across Africa through fair trade.
Georgie Fienberg founded AfriKids 15 years ago after being inspired during a gap year in Ghana. AfriKids now employs 160 local Ghanaian staff and supports thousands of children through programs addressing root causes like education and healthcare access. Rather than dictate solutions, AfriKids works with communities to support existing effective local efforts. The charity also focuses on social enterprises to financially sustain its work in Ghana with a goal of closing its UK office as the Ghanaian operation becomes self-sufficient.
This document discusses Philanthropy Awareness Week in Calgary from November 5-14, 2014. It provides messages from the president and co-chairs of the event, which celebrate those who bring dreams to reality through philanthropy. It also checks in on two former youth award honorees, Stephen McPhee and Zaheed Damani, who continue to make impacts through their charitable work. Finally, it describes a youth forum on poverty and philanthropy being held on November 15th as part of National Philanthropy Day.
Matt Flannery and his wife Jessica came up with the idea for Kiva while Jessica was doing microfinance work in Africa and Matt visited her. Their original idea was to "sponsor businesses" through loans online. They created a business plan called "Kesho" and pitched it to the microfinance accelerator Unitus. The Unitus CEO said their idea could be difficult to scale since individual tracking of small loans is inefficient. They also struggled with whether to position their idea as a charity or business. This prompted them to refine their model and vision for Kiva.
This document provides an overview of Vancity Community Foundation, where it has been and where it is headed. It discusses Vancity Community Foundation's history and vision of redefining wealth and supporting thriving communities built on social justice, financial inclusion, and environmental sustainability. It also profiles several organizations that Vancity Community Foundation has supported through grants, loans, and impact investments to further positive social and environmental change.
This document summarizes an event program for the Afrika Tikkun Legacy Gala held on April 11, 2016 at The St. Regis New York. The gala honored John S. Chalsty with a Lifetime Achievement Award and June L. Tatelman for Community Investment. It featured presentations on Afrika Tikkun's vision and impact, a performance by Drum Cafe, and a live auction. Afrika Tikkun invests in disadvantaged youth in South Africa through education, career training, and social services to help them succeed. The evening was meant to thank supporters and raise funds and awareness for Afrika Tikkun's work empowering communities in South Africa.
This document provides a 3-page summary of Counterpart International's 2012 annual report. Some key details include:
- Counterpart is a global development organization with $56 million in revenues and 600 employees working in 23 countries.
- In 2012, Counterpart partnered with 2,600 local organizations that reached over 3.3 million beneficiaries.
- The report highlights 6 success stories from Counterpart projects in Guatemala, Senegal, Mauritania, Yemen, Armenia, and the Dominican Republic.
- These stories showcase how Counterpart builds the capacity of local organizations to empower communities and create sustainable impacts.
1. Sankofa CANADIAN
CROSSROADS
INTERNATIONAL
w w w . c c i o r g . c a • V o l . 1 1 N O . 1 • S p r i n g 2 0 1 1
49 Bathurst St., Suite 201
Toronto, ON M5V 2P2 Canada
2 3 4ED Karen Takacs
honoured with
women’s rights
award
Aminata Fund
launched in support
of women and girls
in Africa
Fighting
forced
marriage
in Senegal continued on page 2 >
Contents
By Tara Scanlan,
La Paz, Bolivia
A FAIR TRADE:
New loan fund ensures decent work
for Bolivian coffee producers
This bustle of activity at COAINE is the result
of three years of work for both Crossroads and
local microfinance partner FONCRESOL.
Today, the staff are busy working the land,
preparing for the harvest season. The local
coffee company is amongst the first recipients
of a Fair Loan, a new kind of credit developed
specifically to serve Fair Trade producers and
exporters.
“Since receiving the Fair Loan credit, with
this financing, farmers are able to export cof-
fee,” said Jaime Andrade, who is responsible
for Fair Trade Projects at FONCRESOL.
The loan enables farmers and producers
to sell their coffee to the more lucrative export
markets. Without access to credit at this criti-
cal point in production, producers are pres-
sured to unload significant portions locally at a
much lower price. It also allows farmers to
cultivate larger quantities of coffee.
“The loan allows farmers to pay their
workers, to pay for the production and to pay
their debts before they export the coffee. If we
have to sell our coffee beforehand we make
less money, and we have less containers to
export,” said Mauricio Palli vice-president of
COAINE.
“Money is everything,” piped in a bright-
eyed local coffee farmer. For producers like this
man, the Fair Loan has delivered higher income
due to the combination of increased exports
and a fair price for his coffee beans. As a
result, he is able to increase the quality of life
for his family.
“The producers can send their kids to
school, giving them better possibilities for the
future,” added Andrade.
Atthe dizzying altitude of 4100
metres El Alto, Bolivia, is
one of the fastest growing cities
in Latin America. Down a dusty
cobbled street stands the office
of COAINE, a small coffee export-
er. The day I visit the office, it is
a flurry of activity as workers pro-
cess and prepare a container of
coffee bound for Europe.
2. 2
LIVINGLEADERSHIP|www.cciorg.caCanadianCrossroadsInternational
“They have greater access to heath services, clean water, and the
smaller, more rural, areas are able to increase their communication
services and facilitate transportation.”
Through their relationship with FONCRESOL, and with access to
credit like the Fair Loan which Crossroads has supported since its
inception, many Bolivians have increased economic and social
development in their communities.
“The role of Crossroads is a big one; they are part of the
project,” said Andrade. “Their support, economically and technically,
has made it possible for us to achieve what
we have. Without Crossroads, this project
wouldn’t have existed. Crossroads has done
a lot of work in leadership and communal banks, providing women
with training and access to credit, which has improved their lives
and their self esteem.”
During my visit to the coffee processing operation in El Alto,
I spoke with farmers about the connection they feel to coffee
drinkers. What did they have to say to us, to the people they grow
the coffee for, here in Canada?
“We would like Canadian coffee consumers to know that the production
process of coffee is still difficult in the country,” said President of COAINE, Don
Martín Tomas. “The producers are small. Production isn’t industrialized. There is no
technology in the processing, and production is not on a big scale. Coffee production
in Bolivia is primarily manual.
“We understand that the price of Fair Trade organic coffee is higher, but we
would like consumers to know that costs of
production are higher,” continued Tomas.
He explained that certification by the
Fair Trade Labelling Organization, and other
specific regulatory bodies from import coun-
tries, is costly.
For farmers, processors and the staff at
FONCRESOL, it is important that consumers
make the connection, that we understand our
role in the relationships that brings that delicious,
steaming cup of joe to our tables.
Fair Trade lays bare every link in the chain
from the producer who plants the seeds, to the
company that processes and packages the beans, to the roaster who toasts them,
to the barista who serves them and to the consumer who drinks it. It ensures that
every person in that chain plays a part in ensuring coffee production and export
provides a decent and dignified living.
My job here in Bolivia, as a Crossroader, is to help expand these connections, to
solidify the links in the coffee chain from Bolivian farmer to Canadian roaster.
So, the next time you sit down to enjoy a cup of coffee, think back to all the hands
it passed through to get to you. And I urge you not to be passive, but to pl ay your part
in ensuring a fair deal and a dignified living for every person along the chain.
Tara Scanlan is currently on placement as a Fair Trade Marketing Specialist with
FONCRESOL in Bolivia.
continued from page 1 >
George was speaking about her recent gift to Crossroads.
“In this case, I can help groups of women. Women who
have so little, yet are so capable of making change for
themselves.”
Crossroads is helping create decent work for
women by increasing access to capital through micro
loans and by supporting small collaborative ventures
such as shea butter cooperatives through which women
can earn a reliable income. Crossroads is also working to
reduce violence against women and girls and to provide
support to victims. Increasingly, women in communities
where Crossroads works are able to care for their families
and are taking greater leadership in their communities.
“Patsy’s gift will support vital work with women and
girls in Africa,” says Karen Takacs, Executive Director of
Canadian Crossroads International. “It is a remarkably
generous gesture. Patsy has devoted her life to working
with others to improve social conditions. We are hon-
oured that she has chosen Crossroads to continue this
work with women in Africa.”
George, 70, has made a lifetime of giving. As a
social worker and volunteer, she worked alongside immi-
grant communities, First Nations people and other disen-
franchised groups to assert their rights. She has won
numerous awards and distinctions for community service
including the Order of Canada. And in retirement, she
continues to provide leadership to many non profit orga-
nizations including serving as a member of Crossroads’
Board of Directors.
When asked what she thought the impact of her gift
would be, her response was swift. “What is the impact?
One hundred times what I could do myself… just by
bringing resources to these women. I feel at peace real-
izing that the amount of money I could give will make a
real difference in the lives of women in Africa right now.”
A gift to
empower
African
women
and girls today
Iwant to support women, to bring resources to women, so they may make change for
themselves. Canadian Crossroads International is a well run organization that it is
doing exactly what I want to reach my goals,” said Patsy George.
The donor: Patsy George
The gift:
$40,000
The cause: Canadian
Crossroads International
The reason: To help
women and girls in Africa
reach their potential
“The producers can send
their kids to school, giving
them better possibilities
for the future.”
-Jaime Andrade, FONCRESOL
“I have had the tremendous fortune of working directly with people in the global South,”
says Takacs. “In the face of unimaginable obstacles — extreme poverty, HIV and AIDS,
endemic violence, regular violation of their rights — friends and colleagues in Africa and
Bolivia persevere. My resolve and my passion for development work is inspired by the
dedication of the people we work with to creating a more just and equitable world.”
This May, Takacs will be honoured with a 2011 YWCA Women of Distinction award
in recognition of her lifelong commitment to improving the lives of women and girls, and
for her leadership in the field of international development,
“It is a tremendous honour to be recognized by the YWCA. This is an organization
that for 130 years, has been at the forefront of improving the lives of women and girls
in Toronto, and that continues to forge the path towards equality through their programs,
their advocacy and their participation in community life,” says Takacs.
“Over the past decade Crossroads has made tremendous strides and
I am extremely proud of the impact of our work. This honour is a testament
to the dedication and passion of Crossroads board, staff, volunteers and
partners. Much remains to be done, and I am very optimistic about the
change we can achieve together,” said Takacs.
Six other exceptional women will be honoured with Takacs for their role
in advancing the interests of women and girls in different sectors: Cristina Amon,
Science & Engineering; Elizabeth Goldberg, Law & Justice; Joan Lesmond, Health
Leadership; Sherry Cooper, Corporate Leadership; Sophia Gran-Ruaz; Young Woman
of Distinction; Vivian Del Valle, Community Support.
“We are very proud. Crossroads has evolved under Karen’s leadership, from a
group highly respected in the field of cultural-exchange to a results-based development
organization that has made advancing the rights of women and girls central to its work,”
says Darlene Bessey, chair of the board of directors and Takacs’ nominee for the award.
“Today Crossroads is achieving substantive results in reducing violence against women
and girls; increasing the participation of women in decision making; and increasing
women’s social and economic autonomy. And we could not have got there without
Karen’s leadership.”
The awards dinner for the 31st Annual YWCA Women of Distinction Awards,
presented by Sun Life Financial, will be held on Wednesday May 18, at 6:30 p.m. at the
Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Tables and tickets to attend the awards are available
online at www.womenofdistinction.ca. We hope to see you there!
A WOMAN OF
DISTINCTION
IN OUR MIDST:
ED Karen Takacs named 2011 YWCA
Woman of Distinction, Development
and Advocacy
"Crossroads has evolved under Karen's leadership,
from a group highly respected in the field of
cultural-exchange to a results-based development
organization that has put the rights of women
and girls at the forefront of its work."
-Darlene Bessey, chair of the Board of Directors
By Christine Campbell
“
When Crossroads Executive Director Karen Takacs is asked
what propels her, year after year, to fight poverty and sup-
port women’s and girls’ rights, the answer comes easily.
3. “We were asking ourselves how we could make a difference in the
world here in Canada and internationally,” said Lawrence in a recent
interview.
Then, somewhere along the road in the mountains of West
Virginia it struck Miranda. Aminata, the stalwart protagonist from
The Book of Negroes has moved hundreds of thousands of readers
across Canada and the world. Why not enlist her character to
inspire support for the ongoing struggles facing women and girls in
Africa today?
And so, Lawrence and Miranda decided to launch a special
fund at Crossroads bearing her name, The Aminata Fund.
“Just as it’s hard for most ordinary people today to imagine
in a visceral, real way what the daily life… of a slave in the 18th
century might have been like, it’s also very difficult for most of us
ordinary Canadians to understand and feel and visualize what daily
life might be like in some rural village in Southern Africa or in Mali or
Ghana,” said Lawrence. “Offering the novel, using the name of the
protagonist Aminata [is] … a stepping stone, so that people have a
point of entry.”
Crossroads’ rights-based approach to development – working
to empower women and girls to live free from violence, to participate
fully in public life and to have equal access to training and decent
work – moved Lawrence and Miranda to action.
“Crossroads was such a natural fit. Larry has spoken many
times about…the importance of the Crossroads experience not just
in terms of changing his life, but in influencing his fiction and
ultimately [The Book of Negroes] itself,” said Miranda. “[Crossroads]
is not simply dropping some funds and some expertise… It’s an
experience of working together towards some common goals.”
Lawrence served overseas three times with Crossroads (Niger,
1979; Cameroun, 1981; Mali, 1989).
“[Volunteering with Crossroads] changed my life forever,” he
said. “It opened up my vision of the world. It helped me get a sense
of the daily lives of ordinary people who were carrying on with such
dignity and strength, often in conditions of real poverty.”
Addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality requires
international cooperation. And every Canadian has a role to play.
“Many people feel totally bewildered about how they can make
a difference and how they can direct their own personal generosity,”
said Hill. “Raising the profile of Crossroads among Canadians helps
provide that bridge and lets people give more of themselves and of
their purses.”
Lawrence’s time as a Crossroader in Africa continues to inspire
his writing today. And now, he hopes that one of his most powerful
characters will inspire change.
“The fund celebrates the idea of a person who is strong and
capable and resilient even in the face of monstrous injustice,” said
Lawrence. “And of course there are today still so many women and
girls who are strong and capable and resilient, who carry on in the
face of monstrous inequity.”
To make a gift or to participate in the Aminata Fund, contact
Jill Bridgman:jill@cciorg.ca; 416-967-1611 ext. 270.
“Raising the profile of
Crossroads amongCanadians helps provide
that bridge and lets people
give more of themselves
and of their purses.”
- Lawrence Hill
When a new loan was launched by
Crossroads partners in Bolivia, coffee
farmers, processors and exporters got a fair deal.
Don Martín, a small scale coffee producer
in Bolivia is urging Canadians to play their part.
“We would like Canadian coffee consumers to
know that the production process of coffee is
still difficult in the country… We understand that
the price of fair trade organic coffee is higher,
but we would like consumers to know that costs
of production are higher.”
Fair trade values every person in the pro-
cess from planting to harvest, and compensates
them fairly. As Don Martín noted, his ability to
make a fair wage depends, in part, on us — on
our willingness to pay a fair price.
Don Martín knows it takes cooperation the
world over for people in his country to realize
their human rights and at Crossroads it is a les-
son we have taken to heart.
In this issue of Sankofa travel with us to
Bolivia to discover how a new Fair Loan is
enabling farmers and producers like Don Martin
to enjoy decent and dignified work. Join us in
Senegal to witness how local partners and
Crossroaders are supporting women to escape
from forced marriages, to claim their right to a
life free from violence, to self-determination and
to access to justice.
And there is more. Board member Patsy
George has received numerous honours for her
work with marginalized communities in Canada.
Now, thanks to a generous donation to
Crossroads she is supporting African women
and girls to make change in their lives.
And so too are acclaimed writer and three-
time Crossroader Lawrence Hill and his wife,
Miranda Hill. Lawrence and Miranda have
chosen Crossroads as their charity of choice,
launching The Aminata Fund, a new initiative to
support girls and women in Africa named for the
inspiring lead character in his award winning
novel, The Book of Negroes.
Finally we celebrate the life of Crossroads
founder Dr. Alan Lane and his unwavering ded-
ication to our work. His legacy lives on through
hundreds of Crossroaders who volunteer each
year to work for change.
Message
from the Chair
Darlene Bessey
Solidarity in action:
How we can all contribute
to change
3
www.cciorg.ca|
!
GIFTSFORCHANGE
Monthly Donor Profile:
Tricia Schers
Without the exchange of any words, a child
who didn’t share my language communi-
cated a message that caused a life-changing shift in
me. She was HIV positive and all she wanted from
me was to be hugged.
When I returned home from my time in Suriname
as a Crossroads volunteer, I felt compelled to do more for
marginalized people, especially women and children. It is because
of my experience with Canadian Crossroads International that
I became a monthly donor.
Having worked in non-profits for most
of my career, I know the incredible value of
having monthly donor support. But the main
reason I give is that Crossroads made it
possible for me to see the world through a
different lens. Crossroads gave me an
opportunity to enrich the lives of others and
at the same time enrich my own.
When I think of how many Crossroaders there are, I become
very optimistic about the incredible opportunities we could be
creating as a group if we all became monthly donors.
MONTHLY GIVING
Making every dollar count
We cannot overstate the importance of our loyal Monthly
Donors! Knowing we can rely on this income enables
us to plan more effectively, increasing the impact of
our work. Monthly giving is the most cost effective and
environmentally responsible way to donate, and you can
cancel or change the amount you give any time. A gift of
$20 a month, less than $1 per day, could help a woman
gain financial independence. Over time it adds up to a
significant and vital contribution.
Tricia Schers
Miranda and Lawrence Hill
Lawrence and Miranda
Hill launch
The Aminata Fund for
girls and women
By Candice O’Grady
Crossroads_CCI www.facebook.com/canadiancrossroads
Stay current with
our latest news on:
Itstarted on a road trip. Lawrence Hill, the acclaimed author of the award-winning novel The Book
of Negroes, and his wife Miranda Hill were reflecting on their good fortune. Five wonderful
children, a best-selling book (Lawrence), a successful independent communications company and the
launch of the inspired non-profit Project Bookmark Canada, which brings Canadian literature to life in
public spaces (Miranda).
4. Agence
canadienne de
développement
international
Canadian
International
Development
Agency
4
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Crossroads is supported by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the Ministère des Relations interna-
tionales of the Government of Quebec, other government and non-government funders, as well as many individuals
around the world. Sankofa is published twice yearly for Canadian Crossroads International alumni and friends. Please
send us your comments, letters and ideas. • Executive Director: Karen Takacs • Director, External Relations: Christine
Campbell • Coordination and writing: Candice O’Grady • Linguistic services and writing: Nicolas Gersdorff
• Contributors: Tara Scanlan, Simon Godin-Bilodeau • Photos: Tara Scanlan (cover, 2), courtesy of Patsy George (2),
courtesy of Tricia Schers (3), Simon Godin-Bilodeau (4), Rick Lane (4) • Art Direction: Wioletta Wesolowski, Visual
Concepts • Canadian Crossroads International, Toronto Office: 49 Bathurst St., Suite 201, Toronto, ON, M5V 2P2;
Tel: 416.967.1611; Toll-free: 877.967.1611; Fax: 416.967.9078; email: christinec@cciorg.ca Montreal Office: 3000,
rue Omer-Lavallée, Suite 126, Montréal, QC H1V 3R8; Tel: 514. 528.5363; e-mail: nicolas@cciorg.ca
DEDICATEDTODEVELOPMENT
Crossroads gratefully acknowledges the support of the Government
of Canada provided through the Canadian International Development
Agency (CIDA).
Because she doesn’t love her cousin and wants to stay
in school, Alice refused to comply with the forced
marriage and approached the Association pour la
promotion de la femme sénégalaise (APROFES) for
advice and support.
Alice’s story is not an isolated case; forced
marriages are commonplace throughout Senegal. In a
national survey, 14 per cent of female respondents
stated that they had been forced to marry. The practice
occurs at all levels of society, although it is more
prevalent in rural communities. UNICEF estimates that
36 per cent of Senegalese women are married by the
age of 18.
Often low-income households try to marry off their
girls in order to ease the family’s financial burden or to
take advantage of a dowry. A girl can be promised in
marriage even before she is born. In Senegal it is esti-
mated that nine per cent of girls ages 7 to 14 leave
school to enter the conjugal home and that number rises
to 13 per cent in rural areas. From then on, they are
isolated from their families and subject to the whims of
in-laws.
To force these girls to conform to their new lives,
they might be beaten, raped or kept as virtual prisoners
by their husbands. Having little to no control over sexual
matters, they are at greater risk of contracting diseases
such as HIV and AIDS. Young girls are not physically
ready for childbirth or even to have sexual relations. The
consequences can be very serious, even fatal: infections,
tearing, haemorrhaging and possible sterility.
Crossroads has been working with APROFES
since 2007, supporting women and girls who have
experienced domestic violence and bolstering their
efforts to reduce violence through public education.
APROFES provides a range of support services for
victims including a counselling centre, emergency
financial assistance and access to medical and legal
services.
My placement is focused on forced marriages and
supporting APROFES’ efforts to end the practice.
Currently, I am conducting participatory research with
victims and documenting their cases. In partnership with
women and girls who have experienced forced mar-
riages and the staff of APROFES, we are working togeth-
er to develop new awareness-raising strategies and
support programs.
In fact, free consent to marriage is already an
explicit right stipulated in Senegal’s constitution and
forced marriages are a crime punishable by two to
five years in prison. However, enforcement of the
law remains a challenge. APROFES, together with
Crossroads, has committed itself to interventions,
education, and advocacy to fight forced marriages.
Already, Crossroads has supported the creation of
a rotating fund that will help women victims of violence
earn an income and increase their autonomy.
Crossroaders have created a domestic violence data-
base providing APROFES with vital evidence on the
extent of violence against women. In addition, volunteers
have supported APROFES to organize discussion
groups for victims of violence and, after the organization
observed this practice during a partnership visit to
Quebec, the implementation of training for staff in
counselling and intervention.
All of these initiatives are part of a women’s rights
approach that seeks to empower women to increase
their self-determination and to live a life free from vio-
lence. When the study on forced marriages is complete,
it will provide APROFES and the women and girls it
serves with more crucial information — for lobbying
governments to enforce existing laws, for bringing cases
to court, and to increase public knowledge about funda-
mental human rights.
Simon Godin-Bilodeau has been on placement
with APROFES for more than a year. He is currently
conducting participatory research with victims of forced
marriages.
Lane, an accomplished surgeon and devoted family man, made the unconventional
choice to travel to Africa on a mission with Dr. Robinson.
“It’s hard for someone in the modern day to realize what the adventure was like 50
years ago,” explained Lane’s son Rick. “Picking up stakes from a professional life and
heading off [to Africa] for a summer-length period was basically unheard of.”
Being in Africa transformed Lane. He and a handful of others founded Crossroads
based on the simple premise that One World is possible. They believed change could
be achieved by bringing people together, from different countries and races, to work on
a common cause.
“In partnership
with women
and girls
who have
experienced
forced
marriages...
we are working
together to
develop new
awareness
-raising
strategies.”
Making the case for change
Documenting and fighting forced marriages in Senegal
Lane’s commitment to Africa and to Crossroads lasted a lifetime. He passed away
on February 11, 2011 and a celebration of his life was held on February 15 in Hamilton.
Crossroads staff, board and community extend our deepest sympathies to his family
and friends.
Crossroads co-founder Don Simpson remembers Lane as a clear thinker with an
incredibly disciplined mind and a wicked sense of humour, who loved to grapple with
complex problems — of which there was no shortage in the organization’s early years.
“[Lane] was the powerful example of the quiet servant leader… He didn’t need to
talk to make his presence known,” said Simpson. “He had a great capacity for identify-
ing the strengths in people, and becoming a mentor and supporter… He was straight,
main-line, middle class Canadian, and he had a mind that could explore the most
unconventional, courageous ideas and support them.”
Lane’s children were profoundly influenced by his involvement in development
work. Three of his children went overseas with Crossroads, Rick (Lesotho, 1971), Rob
(Japan, 1972) and James, godson to Dr. Robinson (Singapore, 1984).
“It was through my father’s involvement that I got involved with Crossroads,” said
Rick Lane. “My overseas experience with Crossroads was probably the most important
component of my own personal development in my life, certainly in that era of my life…
And I can only assume that would be the case for many of the hundreds of others who
have had the same kind of experience.”
Our profound thanks to Alan Lane for his lifetime of dedication. Dr. Lane’s family
is continuing his legacy of support by asking that donations in his memory be made to
Crossroads.
When “Alice” was just 16 years old, her father decided to marry her to
her 25-year-old cousin, who lived in Dakar. Alice was notified just a
few hours before the marriage was to take place in the mosque. Now that
she’s 18, Alice must leave her father’s home and move in with her husband.
By Simon Godin-Bilodeau, Kaolack, Senegal
CELEBRATING
THE LIFE OF
ALAN LANE
By Candice O’Grady
The night Alan Lane first heard the enigmatic American civil rights activist Reverend
James Robinson speak, the course of his life, the lives of his children and the
future of international development work in Canada were fundamentally changed.