Extraordinary Coordinator: Grace Miley
Rev. Blake Spencer and Grace Miley, Ocean Heights Presbyterian Church, New Jersey.
Why our fair trade program has flourished
Our church became involved with Equal Exchange in 1996 when we started serving “Fellowship Blend” for any church gatherings. I remember being curious about the concept of fair trade, which was new to me. As EE products expanded, I became the new EE volunteer in our church with no clue where this adventure would lead me.
In 2009, Equal Exchange products expanded exponentially, and I was challenged to try new products and remain solvent. We had a meager profit of $128.70 in 2009 and slumped to $61.95 in 2010. Sales were progressing slowly when Ed Purinton joined me in 2011. Ed was a friendly person who would give personal testimonials to people about his favorite products. He even created another successful tactic by having his grandson sit near us and munch on his very own bag of raisins. It worked, and our sales increased. Ed was also skilled with computer graphics and loved to bake. Our table was beginning to look very enticing.
I started writing a monthly newsletter article using the current news from the Equal Exchange communications. They offered descriptions of new products and portrayed human interest stories. The EE catalog was also helpful with additional product information and beautiful colored photos which we added to our table display. Gifts Boxes of mini chocolates were a huge favorite and helped to introduce the idea of gift giving. Within a year or two it became apparent that we were making a positive impact on our church community.
Then in 2013 our church not only welcomed a new pastor, Rev. Blake Spencer, but also moved our church community to a new location. This change benefitted us with a supportive minister, a new geographic area, new members, and a better display area. In addition, Blake was experienced with Equal Exchange products and was an enthusiastic supporter of our mission. We retained our consistent sales schedule on the second Sunday of the month. Sales were announced one week prior to the Sunday sale through a group email.
When Covid closed our church, we implemented a “Safe Sale on our Parking lot.” Through a monthly group email, we offered current “selling news”, an updated price list, and implemented ordering online. Orders were bagged and ready for pickup, and payment was by check. Our successful parking lot sale allowed members to pick up at a scheduled time, which soon became a safe and welcomed socialization time. Now that our church is open again post-Covid, we are continuing our successful online ordering, and selling from a display table in the hallway. We have been able to maintain quick sales and no congestion.
I was motivated to start the Equal Exchange program because throughout the various jobs that I've held in my life, I discovered that I was a "people person." I participated in a crisis intervention hotline through my church. I was a teacher and also a volunteer coordinator for a rehab hospital and worked as a medical assistant for a doctor. I enjoy interacting with folks, so it was an easy transition to share my enthusiasm about the Equal Exchange mission and products with others.
I continue to appreciate the global outreach of Equal Exchange and its hands on approach to small farmers, as well as US small businesses. I am very grateful to be involved with this worthy organization and promote the sale of excellent products.
Part of our success is due to:
Consistency in communicating and maintaining a routine
Knowing our congregation and what they like
Building a committed core of customers
Promoting the story behind the products being offered with photos and text
An attractive table with information about the products available
Clear pricing
Sampling and suggested combinations
Baking with products and offering recipes
Enthusiastic promotion of products and expressing gratefulness to buyers
A supportive pastor who reinforces our commitment to this “mission” and how it helps the Presbyterian Hunger Program.
