While on assignment in Costa Rica recently, I toured a fair trade-certified coffee cooperative. After witnessing the rigorous work that went into producing each aromatic cup of my beloved beverage, I met with workers on the ground, hearing firsthand their assessment of fair trade. The reviews were positive, one man even calling it a blessing for their families and livelihoods, with the help of vigorous hand motions and an interpreter.

 

But I was still left wondering. Sure, fair trade has made inroads, but is it doing enough? Even if we focus specifically on coffee, is certification meeting the needs of producers, workers and buyers?

 

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or: How I learned to stop worrying and love summer vacation

 

Partnership sounds like a good thing, and it is, but when you are also an entrepreneur and the founder of an organization, it can get a bit intense. Picture the army cowboy riding the nuclear bomb into oblivion in Dr. Strangelove.

 

Click here to find out what Nicole learned about partnerships this summer.

 

 

Kevin Lynch sums up the mission of the Social Enterprise Alliance (SEA) with just a few words. "We're the champion for social enterprise," says Lynch, who is SEA's president and CEO. "We really believe that social enterprise is one of, if not the most, high-leverage vehicles for creating positive social change." 

 

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SOCAP - Oct. 1-4, San Francisco, CA

Bonsai People: Movie Screening and Discussion - Oct. 10, Toronto, ON

Social Enterprise World Forum - Oct. 16-18, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Social Impact Purchasing Summit - Nov. 7-8, Vancouver, BC