InterReligious Task Force on Central America

IRTF Issues

Anti-Militarism
Anti-Militarism
- Democratization
  Democratization
  Support people’s pro-democratic, nonviolent movements, and people's sovereignty and democracy over military and coup-imposed governments.
- US Foreign Military Influence
  US Foreign Military Influence
  End US training of Latin American military and other security forces in Central America and Colombia and on US soil, and the militarization of humanitarian, economic, environmental and other foreign assistance to Central America & Colombia. Working to eliminate long-term US military presence in Central America and Colombia, including personnel and bases.
  - History of the SOA
Environmental Human Rights
Environmental Human Rights
- Degradation and Mega Projects
  Degradation and Mega Projects
  To stand with communities (particularly indigenous and Afro-descendant) as they resist exploitation to preserve their lands and resources from profiteering.
- Resistance Solidarity
  Resistance Solidarity
  To stand in solidarity with oppressed communities.
Exploited Labor
Exploited Labor
- Global Economic Policy
  Global Economic Policy
  Stopping the "race to the bottom" and demanding trade policies that protect workers, consumers and the environment.
  - Free Trade Agreements
- Worker Rights
  Worker Rights
  Standing with workers across the hemisphere to promote just wages and safe working conditions, calling for consumer actions, corporate responsiblity and government policies to end the exploitation of labor
Fair Trade
Fair Trade
- Support for Cooperatives
  Support for Cooperatives
  Supporting cooperatively-owned business so that people work for themselves and do not have to be dependent on the dominant economic model. Instead, self-determination, gender equality, transparency, and democratic organization are the norm.
- Consumer Advocacy
  Consumer Advocacy
  Educating and organizing consumers to get fair trade and other sweatshop-free products into their schools, congregations, grocery stores and other local businesses.
- Fair Trade Principles
  Fair Trade Principles
  Fair Trade is a system of exchange that honors producers, communities, consumers, and the environment. It is a model for the global economy rooted in people-to-people connections, justice, and sustainability.
LGBTQ Rights
LGBTQ Rights
Supporting LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) people and their families in Central America and Colombia to gain broader inclusion in all sectors of their societies and end repression against LGBTQ persons.
Afro-Descendant & Indigenous
Afro-Descendant & Indigenous
- Cultural Preservation
  Cultural Preservation
  To help support communities, particularly indigenous and Afro-descendant, who organize their lives according to traditional values and ways, by challenging repression and supporting economic ventures.
- Racial Justice
  Racial Justice
  Promoting dignity and equality for Afro-descendant and native peoples across the hemisphere and resisting state-sponsored violence and institutionalized racism.

Event

Order your Fair Trade Gift Bags

December 1, 2018 to December 20, 2018

FAIR TRADE GIFT BAGS
IRTF & Equal Exchange = Partners in Fair Trade

Give a gift that supports small farmers in Latin America. Educate your friends and family on the benefits of FAIR TRADE

Choose from any of 5 Fair Trade gift bags OR make your own.

Equal Exchange Lovers $40

1 gourmet coffee (12 oz., ground)

1 tea (20 bags per box)

1 chocolate bar (2.8 oz.)

1 fat free hot cocoa mix (12 oz.)

1 bag of dried mangoes (5 oz.)

1 bag of nuts (8 oz.)

1 Equal Exchange travel mug

Event

Fair Trade Sale Ruth Building

December 19, 2018

Support Living Wages. Volunteers Needed.

The InterReligious Task Force on Central America (IRTF) is looking for volunteers to staff tables, interact with the public, and sell fair items at these fair trade bazaars. It’s a great way to meet new people, educate the public about fair trade, and provide support for fair trade cooperatives in Latin America.

If you can help out for 2 hours, please contact volunteer@irtfcleveland.org .

Event

IRTF Fair Trade Holiday Open House

December 15, 2018

* Warm up with delicious Equal Exchange hot cocoa, tea and coffee

* Enjoy snacks and good company

* Make your fair trade gift purchases: jewelry, bags, ornaments, other handcrafts and Equal Exchange products

* Pick up your Fair Trade Gift Bag order, or create one on the spot!

GIFT BAGS

Order your IRTF fair trade holiday gift bag while supplies last!

¨ Equal Exchange Lovers - $40 : select 1 coffee, 1 tea, 1 chocolate bar, 1 bag of dried fruit, 1 bag of nuts