As an ethical promotional products distributor, community building is an essential part of our commitment to provide quality, sweatshop-free products to organizations that need them. We work with many incredible organizations whose missions support what we believe in: justice for workers and a clean, healthy planet. Our latest work with Ignatian Solidarity Network (ISN) to form an ethical purchasing alliance supports our mission and helps reach more organizations looking to source socially-responsible products.
Community Building for Change
The new alliance with ISN, Collection, and Equal Exchange, called CEPA (Catholic Ethical Purchasing Alliance), is the first of its kind in the Catholic community. CEPA serves as a community resource and offers guidance on ethical purchasing for stores, events, and other merchandise needs. Another component of CEPA is network building with local living wage manufacturers at the Carolina Textile District.
To strengthen the connection with the manufacturing process, organizations can take immersion trips to the region to learn about where their swag comes from, how it’s made, and meet workers. Connecting workers, manufacturers, and purchasers brings an awareness to the process that is often overlooked.
Next Steps for Action
CEPA membership is growing steadily, and several organizations have committed to providing ethical options: Ignatian Solidarity Network, Georgetown University, Villanova University, Boston College, Sojourners, the Diocese of Richmond, Loyola Marymount University, and the National Catholic Youth Conference. To read more about CEPA’s goals and background, check out this informative article by ISN’s Kelly Swan:
For more information about CEPA, you can visit the CEPA site or contact us at justmarkets@ethixventures.com.
