Best Practice: “Participation Space for Organisations and Topics related to Migratory Processes: Talk with a Coffee Tasting from the Intermon Oxfam Organisation on Fair Trade, Presenting its Café Tierra Madre Mujer Projects”

Presentation, talk and debate about fair trade and coffees tasting in of the Intermon Oxfam projects: Café Tierra Madre Mujer

Space for knowledge and debate in the hands of different organisations, in this case, Intermon. Explanation of fair trade (videos and documentation in this regard), presentation of Intermon’s projects on fair trade and women, debate about fair trade and the situation of women in different parts of the world and how to contribute and act to carry out an objective and fair consumerism. Tasting of coffee from the explained projects.

Aim of the best practice:

The objective of this practice was to create a space for the participation of different organisations that work on issues related to migration processes, in this case with Intermon Oxfam and its work with Fair Trade and its various projects to empower women residing in countries, in the process of development.

Objectives of the best practice:

Through the Intermon Oxfam organisation, a presentation of fair trade projects was given, so that the participants could understand first-hand how these projects work and how they affect people. Another objective of this practice was to create debate and open a dialogue about fair trade and the situation of women in different countries, since the projects presented by Intermon were aimed at women.

Thanks to this presentation and theme, many of the participants were able to comment on experiences of existing projects and fair trade in their countries of origin, creating a very significant channel of communication and expression.

The main actors that participated in this experience is the group of TCNs and locals.

In addition, the group of volunteers from the Intermon Oxfam organisation who reported and conducted the tasting.

Another important actor is the facilitator of the experience who is in charge of coordinating the activity.

For the correct implementation of this practice, it is necessary to have a minimum of 10 participants and a maximum of 20. This number is adequate for the participants to interact and make comments and reflections.

The approximate duration of this practice is 4 hours. During this time there is an introduction to the theme (fair trade) and the work of the Intermon Oxfam organisation followed by a debate and a coffee tasting from the projects developed by women of this organisation.

To carry out this practice it is necessary to have certain resources:

Humans: group of TCNs and locals participants in the practice with a certain interest in fair trade issues. Intermon Oxfam organisation staff. Facilitator of the experience that coordinates and stimulates the participation and involvement of the participants.

Materials: screen, projector, computer and informational materials about the organisation, projects and fair trade. Chairs for participants.

Infrastructure: spacious and comfortable space to carry out the activity. In the case of Spain, this experience was held at the Mingle Point, a space dedicated to the development of various Mingling experiences. This large tent was the perfect space to carry out these types of activities.

The main strengths of this experience were the exchange of knowledge and experiences of the participants, as well as the possibility to answer questions regarding fair trade.

Some of the other strengths of this practice were: creating a space for dialogue, to highlight important issues such as fair trade, projects developed by women or the situations that exist in different parts of the planet, especially in developing countries.

In addition, being able to enjoy a coffee tasting from the projects financed by Intermon contributed value to this practice.

The weaknesses detected in the development of this practice are related to the informative material and its complexity. It would be necessary to offer information in a simple and suitable way for anyone.
It is also advisable that this material is supported by other more attractive media, such as audio-visuals, so that the explanations are better understood.

It is interesting to have collaborating organisations in the development of the practices, since, in addition to contributing to the dissemination of their work a very fruitful exchange is created.

It is also important to have topics that arouse interest and informative materials presented in an attractive media appropriate to the level of communication of the participants.

Finally, it is necessary that the facilitator of the practice assume the role of moderator of the debate and encourage everyone to participate.