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Our Coffee Journey: How A Small Idea Became A Global Movement

By 24th August 2023No Comments4 min read

Picture yourself as an integral part of the bustling global coffee industry. Envision being part of a spirited community that spans from the lively cafes of New York to the verdant coffee farms of Brazil. Yet, you’re battling low wages, dealing with unfair practices, and struggling to adapt socially. A harsh reality for many coffee professionals worldwide.

Every year, the coffee market’s value rises, creating an illusion of prosperity. However, this financial achievement doesn’t trickle down to the hardworking baristas and coffee farmers, their earnings don’t reflect this industry growth.

That’s where we, at I’M NOT A BARISTA, come into play. We aim to shine a light on these hidden challenges, giving a voice to the often overlooked coffee professionals. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive coffee culture that values and supports every individual in the coffee supply chain.

Uplifting Coffee Professionals

We aim to uplift coffee professionals, particularly baristas, by offering them a platform to share their experiences and expertise. We work tirelessly to educate the public about the hurdles these professionals encounter and their crucial role in delivering your favored cup of java right to your table.

Supporting Coffee People in Need

In addition to our educational and engagement efforts, we are devoted to assisting coffee people in need. Through various fundraising initiatives, we aim to provide financial aid to those in the international coffee community who are facing hardships, thus nurturing a supportive and caring environment for everyone.

In the refreshing fall of September 2022, we launched a heartfelt mission—a charity initiative named ‘Charity Coffee Wristbands’ In the 2022 World Brewers Cup. Our goal was to bring together coffee enthusiasts from all around the world, co-creating unique coffee-themed wristbands while raising funds to help those in need within the coffee community.

Fast forward to now, our joint efforts have yielded results. We have built strong relationships with 26 partners across 14 diverse countries, and together, we have managed to raise and donate a remarkable amount of approximately $7000 USD.

As an independent not-for-profit organization, we take great pride in our achievements. Our funding doesn’t come from any government or large corporations, but from the very community we serve. Every penny of profit is reinvested into our mission, building connections among thousands of passionate coffee people worldwide. This network includes the talented designers of our beautiful wristbands, the supportive buyers who spread our message on social media, and the ultimate beneficiaries of our aid—like the cherry pickers in Indonesia earning a mere $0.13 per hour, the barista battling leukemia in China, or the small family-owned farm in Mexico now roasting their own coffee beans after acquiring a business license.

Despite our limited resources, we’ve made a significant impact, all thanks to the vibrant global coffee community. We are here to serve you, and together, we are making real, meaningful changes in the world of coffee.

Our work, however, is far from complete. Our mission serves as the guiding light propelling us forward. Our aspiration is to expand our initiative, reach out to more individuals, instill a sense of teamwork and camaraderie, and provide support to our cherished coffee community. Together, we can make a difference.

Join us in our mission to foster a fair and inclusive coffee industry. Together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of coffee professionals worldwide. Your involvement, no matter how small, brings us one step closer to our goal. Let’s connect, engage, and work collectively to create a wholesome coffee community.