Trade As One

As an undergraduate student studying humanities and fast approaching my fourth year, academic discussions of current world issues are all too common. In April I wrote a paper discussing human trafficking and the various methods in which non-profit organizations and fair trade companies alike are seeking the abolition of this form of modern day slavery. Little did I know that only two months later I would be participating in a conference, as an intern with Trade As One, whose purpose is to address the growing issue of human trafficking on both the international and the domestic levels. My academic discussion in the classroom suddenly became a reality through this internship.

For some attending the human trafficking conference at Congregation Netivot Shalom, a synagogue in Berkeley, California, this was their first introduction to the effects of human trafficking. Although Trade as One is all too familiar with slavery and its effects, the experience was new in one respect, this was the first time we’ve been invited to an event taking place within a Jewish community. This was special because it brought us into contact with a whole new community of people with whom we share so many values. We got to connect with them and share our common desire to fight slavery, and we also got to share one of our favorite producer stories, Thanksgiving Coffee. They are a coffee co-op from Uganda made up of people who have intentionally set aside the religious differences between Muslim, Jewish, and Christian neighbors and have united to combat extreme poverty, which plagues each individual group.

Upon arrival to the Congregation Netivot Shalom, attendees were given real stories of people encountering trafficking from around the world. Following the stories, the 8 organizations featured at the event, including Trade As One, shared about the work they are doing to bring an end to human trafficking. Trade as One is particularly concerned with the employment of people who have recently escaped human trafficking. Goods that Trade as One sells from producers such as: Hagar, Nightlight, and Rahab Bazaar, directly work with escapees from human trafficking.

As an intern, now more than ever, I have been forced to face this question: what is my responsibility towards problems that surround me? Issues such as human trafficking and poverty are indeed issues that are worldwide, but they are also here in our own backyards. What I have begun to understand is that while I am not from a poor household, I live under mandate to care for those who are poor and oppressed. My internship with Trade as One has opened my eyes to ways of alleviating poverty, and helping the oppressed through business venture. I am able to take part in a company that emphasizes social change and development around the world through the simple purchase of everyday goods. This is an opportunity that has shaped my purchasing habits, and has taken what was once an academic discussion, and made it personal and real.