Springing Into Action by Connie De Jong

Springing into action

by Connie De Jong, PhD

Spring is typically aligned with hope as winter

calms and the world emerges as if from a deep sleep.

It is the season that reflects our innermost desires right now – the need to escape from isolation and introspection, to get out and change the world for the better.

Whether planting political seeds of change or literal seeds for food, we are called to act during this season. We in the world of Fair Trade embrace this moment as one where people are thinking more deeply about how our relationships ought to be – how can our actions be deeply rooted in dignity for all?

We invite and request space for dialogue so that we can collectively spring into action. As we plan workshops, open our stores for more hours, and organize community events, we are abuzz with the promise of returning to hang out with one another.

The birdhouse pictured on the front of our zine is a character with bark for skin, wide eyes and open mouth. This character is a tree sprite, shouting for us to wake up and honor the earth, to connect in joy, and act in harmony. When we do, we enter into sacred agreements with all living beings. Isn’t it cool that a birdhouse can remind us to do that?