A Minnesotan Afternoon Tea
On a Saturday afternoon in late June, 90 people gathered for a festive Fair Trade Tea at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Mankato, Minnesota.
The Tea was sponsored by Mankato Fair Trade, a 16-year-old nonprofit, and organized by congregant Jane Dow and other members of the fair trade steering committee.
Jane invited 14 fair trade supporters, including those from other churches, to host by supplying their personal tea sets to use at the tables, with each asking friends, family members, or church members to join them at one of their tables.
The participants sipped 20 different varieties of Equal Exchange black, green, and herbal teas while nibbling on delicate finger sandwiches, elegant scones, and garnished sweets—all baked with fair trade ingredients. Kristen King, from the EE Interfaith team, gave a slide presentation on various aspects of tea production and the benefits of the farmer-led tea model versus the tea plantation model, which is based on worker exploitation.
As indicated by the high interest and turnout at the Fair Trade Tea, Mankato Fair Trade supporters have been educating people about fair trade for quite a while–nearly two decades.
At the event, people shared the names of stores in the greater Mankato community where fairly traded products can be purchased, but mentioned that many stores still don't carry these products.
Jane encouraged participants to request Equal Exchange tea, coffee, and chocolate at their local supermarkets, where fair trade products are not currently available, or to hold sales at their individual churches.
The June Mankato Tea was a community effort that was easy to organize once everyone claimed a table. At the event, the participants savored the fair trade tea and delicacies, but even more than this, they enjoyed sharing the experience with friends and family members and learning more about a familiar beverage that is often taken for granted. The First Congregational United Church of Christ steering committee has decided to make the Fair Trade Tea an annual event.
Inspired to host your own event?
Our team would be happy to help you plan what works for your community. Reach out to get the conversation started: interfaithreps@equalexchange.coop
