By Susan Sklar: Interfaith Program Manager at Equal Exchange

This past year, during the pandemic, the Monona United Methodist Church in Wisconsin, had its best sales ever. The church sold $9,000 of Equal Exchange products, $2,000 above the previous year. This was in spite of no group gatherings and virtual church services. And it’s not even a large church–there are only about 300 members. Maybe sales were so strong because of the fact that the church has built up momentum over 15 years and were determined to get through the pandemic. And maybe it’s due to Kay Mackie‘s determined leadership and her congregation’s commitment to small farmers and alternative trade. This year Kay will be retiring from her role and passing the program baton to two new coordinators. We wanted to share some of Kay’s story with you.

Monona UMC fair traders (L to R): Sally Buffet, Kay Mackie, Jackie Hull

For a decade and a half, Kay always kept people in the congregation well informed about the mission of Equal Exchange. Each month, she produced an article in the church newsletter called the “Java Jive” that would highlight a new topic about an aspect of EE.  On the day that products were sold once a month, Kay would give a two minute talk at the beginning of services to spotlight new  products. And she put together a great team of 6-8 people who supported the project by helping to set up, sell products, and put things away. People really liked to participate together. Now that she is due to retire, folks from that committee will keep the mission going.