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IRTF Events Calendar

March 24, 2025 to May 4, 2025: War and the Environment: One Course to Address Two Existential Threats
online

“Climate change is the defining issue of our time and now is the defining moment to do something about it.” (António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations).

War and the Environment is a six-week online course that features six core modules, three interactive Zoom sessions, and a strong emphasis on reflective practice, collaborative learning, and community building throughout. As the world races to prevent climate collapse, finding solutions to today’s unprecedented socio-ecological challenges has never been more urgent. While discussions on climate change continue, it is crucial to address the elephant in the room—war. The call to end war is not just about peace and security: it is essential for the survival and flourishing of humanity and the planet.

As wars, preparations for wars, and environmental destruction escalate—and much of the focus remains on human conflict—it is vital to better understand and respond to the far-reaching impacts of war and militarism on people, all living beings, and the planet. This course empowers you to do just that. By doing so, it also addresses a question of central importance to everyone—how can we live together in more sustainable and peaceful ways? This is the most pressing challenge of our time; everything else is secondary.

Format: Online Course
Start Date: Monday, March 24, 2025
Duration: 6 Weeks
Time Commitment: 3 to 6 hours per week
Cost: On a sliding scale from $25 to $100 or more if you can afford it

more information and registration option here: https://worldbeyondwar.org/war-and-the-environment-an-online-course/?link_id=8&can_id=540e92ff874a6b94a0ca720db2a7dff1&source=email-new-course-alert-media-and-communications-for-peace-register-now-5&email_referrer=email_2621983&email_subject=_-war-and-the-environment-one-course-to-address-two-existential-threats-_

May 7, 2025: Equal Exchange Book Club!
7-8pm
online

Equal Exchange invites you to their Book Club Meet-ups: Apr 16 and May 7

Join us for an engaging discussion of the Coffee Barons chapter from Austin Frerick’s book Barons: Money, Power, and the Corruption of America's Food Industry, where we will explore the impact of multinational corporations on the global coffee industry. In this session, we’ll dive into how these powerful “coffee barons” manipulate prices, exploit farmers, and perpetuate inequality within the coffee supply chain. 
 
As an independent coffee company, Equal Exchange stands in stark contrast to these monopolistic systems. These chapters (Coffee Barons, Grocery Barons) align closely with our work as an independent food company and our mission to challenge monopolistic systems—particularly in the coffee industry. Together, we’ll reflect on the ways Frerick’s analysis of the coffee industry relates to our mission to create more equitable, sustainable, and fair trade practices. We’ll think through how Equal Exchange’s model—focused on direct relationships with farmers, cooperatives, and ethical sourcing—challenges these corporate giants and promotes a more just food system. This will be an opportunity for us to connect, learn, and discuss how we can continue to support positive change in the coffee industry. We look forward to your insights and hope to see you there!
 

To access the book without having to buy it (though purchasing is always an option too!), we recommend checking with your local public library. You can either borrow the book directly or use the Libby app, a free platform that lets you borrow digital books from your library. It's a great way to access the book at no cost.

If you're interested in joining the book club, register for the dates to discuss. If you have any questions, please feel free to reply to this email. You can register for one or both of the dates.

 
May 7, 2025: Equal Exchange Book Club!
4-5pm
online

Equal Exchange invites you to their Book Club Meet-ups: Apr 16 and May 7

Join us for an engaging discussion of the Grocery Barons chapter from Austin Frerick’s book Barons: Money, Power, and the Corruption of America's Food Industry, where we will explore the impact of multinational corporations on the global coffee industry. In this session, we’ll dive into how these powerful “coffee barons” manipulate prices, exploit farmers, and perpetuate inequality within the coffee supply chain. 
 
As an independent coffee company, Equal Exchange stands in stark contrast to these monopolistic systems. These chapters (Coffee Barons, Grocery Barons) align closely with our work as an independent food company and our mission to challenge monopolistic systems—particularly in the coffee industry. Together, we’ll reflect on the ways Frerick’s analysis of the coffee industry relates to our mission to create more equitable, sustainable, and fair trade practices. We’ll think through how Equal Exchange’s model—focused on direct relationships with farmers, cooperatives, and ethical sourcing—challenges these corporate giants and promotes a more just food system. This will be an opportunity for us to connect, learn, and discuss how we can continue to support positive change in the coffee industry. We look forward to your insights and hope to see you there!
 

To access the book without having to buy it (though purchasing is always an option too!), we recommend checking with your local public library. You can either borrow the book directly or use the Libby app, a free platform that lets you borrow digital books from your library. It's a great way to access the book at no cost.

If you're interested in joining the book club, register for the dates to discuss. If you have any questions, please feel free to reply to this email. You can register for one or both of the dates.