NortheastJoin our ListServ : http://www.usft.org/mailman/listinfo/northeast Hi Northeast Region!I first learned about Fair Trade as a rising sophomore in high school. I attended Justice Action Week, which is a social justice-oriented program held in Baltimore City, MD each year (sponsored by the Archdiocese of Baltimore) in which high school-aged youth are immersed in the culture of Baltimore in which the goal is to become more socially aware of their surroundings. On the last day of the program, I attended a program at the Catholic Relief Services headquarters and learned about Fair Trade. The evening, we were writing commitment statements in which we would explain how and what we would take from our experiences throughout the week back to our home parishes and schools. I chose to commit to raising awareness about Fair Trade within my parish and school by holding Fair Trade fundraiser sales. I was able to fulfill my commitment statement, and the Catholic Review even wrote an article about my work a year later. Days afterwards, I was interviewed be Sirius' "The Catholic Channel". At the age of 16, I would never have guessed that I would be explaining to grown adults what Fair Trade was.
As high school progressed, I began to fear college. I was worried that wherever I went I would not be able to continue my work with Fair Trade. Luckily, I was accepted to John Carroll University in Cleveland, OH and offered a position in the Arrupe Scholars program (a social justice honors program). I was a Fair Trade intern for two semesters at John Carroll. As an intern, I was in charge of hosting Fair Trade sales and educating Immersion Trip groups on the topic of Fair Trade.
After my first year at John Carroll, I decided to transfer to the University of Maryland: College Park. I have a lot of friends there, but I am currently unaware of the status of their social justice or issues group on campus. I will continue to keep you updated on upcoming events!
Today, I am a sophomore at the University of Maryland. I ask that you do not hesitate to send me an email if you would like to become more involved in the movement. Thank you for taking the time to check out our website, and I look forward to hearing from you.
-Maria Louzon-
northeastcoordinator@usft.org
( categories: )
|
