#47: How the Coffee Industry Can Make Successful Refugee Resettlement Possible | Expo 2018 Lectures

Summary: It goes without question that the US is currently locked in a very public debate over what type of country we want to be for refugees. The US has a long tradition of welcoming refugees, but is at a crossroads of what that will look like in the future. The coffee industry is uniquely positioned as a major influencer in American society that can create structures to both welcome refugees and promote their acceptance in our local communities. As coffee companies and their customers increasingly demand that humanity is valued across the entire supply chain, integrating recently arrived refugees in our businesses is another way we can continue our global impact here in the US. Though our intentions may be in the right place, the realities of running a customer-facing, profitable business can raise questions on the realities to take part in this mission. Today’s episode was a safe-space conversation to provide lecture attendees with practical information on how to hire and work with refugees in their community and allowed the opportunity to ask hard questions. Related Links - Read the full transcript on SCA News: https://scanews.coffee/podcast/47/how-the-coffee-industry-can-make-successful-refugee-resettlement-possible-expo-2018-lectures/ - Listen to other episodes of the SCA Podcast: https://scanews.coffee/category/podcasts/sca-lectures-podcast/ - Learn more about the upcoming 2019 Lecture Series: https://coffeeexpo.org/lectures Subscribe to this podcast on your favorite app: - iTunes: www.apple.co/2sXdmSj - Stitcher: www.bit.ly/2JBJOk8 - Pocket Casts: www.bit.ly/2JBowTT - RadioPublic: www.bit.ly/2JCfeGY Table of Contents 0:00 Introduction 2:15 Introduction by Rachel Tabor, introducing speakers and 1951 11:15 What is the refugee challenge across the globe? How big is it? What does the word ‘refugee’ even mean? 15:30 Meg’s journey as a refugee in Nepal and moving to North America and finally in coffee 31:30 Doug Hewitt on the process of settling refugees in the US and the realities of working with refugees in the coffee industry 46:45 Practical steps for cafe owners who are interested in hiring refugees 56:00 Audience questions 1:11:00 Outro