Ethical Consumption
A major lesson in the Immigration as a Moral Issue class was the impact of economics on people’s choice to migrate. Especially in regions where free trade agreements have loosened restrictions on cheap imports, farmers who formerly were able to support their families on subsistence agriculture often are forced to search for work far from their homes, including in the very countries – such as the United States – whose exports have driven them from their land.
Addressing the impact of global free trade on the lives of individuals may seem like a daunting task. However, means exist to challenge the power of global economic forces, including Fair Trade. The aim of Fair Trade is to give farmers an above-market price for the goods they produce by reducing the “middlemen” who bring the product to market. Fair Trade also promotes democratic decision-making among growers and environmental sustainability initiatives.
Fair Trade goods include popular (and delicious) commodities that many of us consume regularly, such as chocolate, coffee, and tea. These items are as problematic as they are enticing for many reasons, but choosing to buy Fair Trade products is an individual way to circumvent global trade practices that keep many farmers in poverty.
Fortunately, SFUU offers Fair Trade coffees, teas, and chocolates for sale through Equal Exchange. Just check out the tabletop at the back of the Social Hall. It’s an easy choice to make with potentially profound impacts. In this and many other ways, together we can make a difference.
Keepers of the Flags
A big thank you to Terek Brown, John Bohland, Cleo Postle, Toby McBride, Robert Archer, Millee Livingston, the McAllister Family, Beryl Mayne, Larry Smith, Marsha von Dessoneck and Ronda Pate for keeping the flags flying for the first quarter in 2012.
For information and/or sign up for the coming months, contact Millee Livingston, milleelivingston@hotmail.com
Your help is greatly appreciated by all!
Auburn Interfaith Food Closet
SFUU hosted it’s annual Food Closet Saturday on March 31, with Robert Ludgate, Sue Dunbar, and Charles Miles representing SFUU.
Teens looking for volunteer project this summer should consider the Food Closet’s new Summer Student Program, a type of internship running from June 18 to August 3. Twenty-two to 30 applicants will be accepted from the various member churches on a first-come, first-served basis. This will give some of our regular volunteers a chance to take some time off and provide some valuable volunteer experience to teens that will look good on college and job applications! Work assignments will be arranged to fit the teen’s schedule. For more information or to get your applications, contact Laurie Soper lasoper@sbcglobal.net or 530-401-1382, Harriet Stevens hcstephens@att.net or 530-885-8182, or Mary Lou Bailey marylou@wizwire.com or 530-885-5967.
The Food Closet has reassessed its menus to better match new recommendations for a healthy diet.
Last year, we reluctantly had to cut back on the amount of food given to each family. Largely due to the anonymous $25,000 donation—which SFUUs were instrumental in earning—we have been able to return to previous amounts.
Client attendance at the Food Closet appears to have slowed somewhat in recent weeks. We would like to think that means things are looking up for a lot of folks, but it could just as well be a random variation in use. Time will tell.
Immigration as a Moral Issue
The Immigration as a Moral Issue course, co-sponsored by the SAC, Adult RE and P, and the Ministers, concluded its seven-session, three-month run on April 17. Sixteen people attended all or most of the sessions. The group included SFUU members and people from beyond our doors: Janie Evans, Robert Archer, Robert Ludgate, Charles Miles, Lisa Boch, Maureen Bauman, Ed Morgado and Flora Csontos from Placer People of Faith Together, Rev. Wendy Bartel, Rev. Lynn Gardner, Carol Arvay, Mary Lou Bailey, Marsha von Dessonneck, Millee Livingston, Joan Lacktis, and Trina Filan.
The course was filled with difficult and enlightening moments, and people mostly left with new knowledge, a sense of connection, and new purpose. The last class was a well-attended discussion of how the group might take what it’s learned about immigration and work for real and useful changes both individually and collectively.
To keep the momentum on this issue going, the Ministers will offer a worship service about Immigration as a Moral Issue on May 6, and we hope to have discussion and lecture forums in the near future. As we move toward General Assembly and a contentious election cycle, watch for these and other opportunities to get involved in making a real difference. May we find the collective strength and will to keep this important and difficult conversation going.
