The Green Bean Elan Organic Coffees Newsletter

	The Green Bean Elan Organic Coffees Newsletter: December 2008 Written by: Kayd Neill
International Women's Coffee Alliance Women in the coffee industry from seed to cup attended the IWCA's International Conference in Costa Rica this October. The theme of the conference was from Hands to Hearts providing hands-on training and optional farm visits. The goals of the conference were to increase attendees coffee knowledge from tree to cup, promote lasting mutually beneficial relationships, expose attendees to best practices in business, production and sustainability and finally to make a lasting difference in attendees lives. Erika Hernandez and Karen Cebreros had the opportunity to travel to Costa Rica for the conference. Erika reflects "The conference was a motivational learning experience with great leaders from around the globe. The speakers were presenting what they have accomplished in their own countries, motivating other women to follow in their footsteps. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet other women and a reminder of how great our industry truly is." For more information on the IWCA click here
Elan Organic, Grounds for Health and CECOCAFEN Help Fight Cervical Cancer Last week Yesenia had the opportunity to volunteer with the non-profit organization Grounds for Health in Matagalpa, Nicaragua. Grounds for Health creates sustainable and effective cancer screenings as well as trainings in coffee-producing regions. CECOCAFEN, one of Nicaragua's largest cooperatives, joined forces for the first time with Grounds for Health and the Regional Hospital of Matagalpa. With help from American and Nicaraguan health providers, 450 women were screened for cervical cancer in one week. Nicaragua has one of the highest rates of cervical cancer and mortality in Latin America, in women between the ages of 15 and 44. CECOCAFEN provided round trip transportation for all women from their coops. Some women traveled more than 4 hours to receive cervical cancer screenings. Yesenia had the opportunity to serve as an assistant and translator for Grounds for Health doctors, nurses and the pathology lab team. She also helped coordinate and organize the women traveling from various coops. Yesenia had the opportunity to meet the entire team from CECOCAFEN and learn more about their programs and accomplishments. Yesenia reflects, "Volunteering for Grounds for Health and CECOCAFEN has been a very humbling experience. I had the chance to meet and speak with the women who work so hard to produce our beautiful coffees. We were able to bring the resources needed to treat these women, it was an honor to be part of this mission. I feel grateful that I had the chance to give back to the women at origin." For more information on how you can help Grounds for Change and CECOCAFEN click here
Coffee Course Offered at San Diego State University A local roaster has succeeded in getting a coffee course on the registrar at San Diego Sate University! The course is designed to teach consumers more about coffee origins, cupping, the roasting process, politics and trends in the coffee industry. For more information on the course and how to register please click here.
New Online Offering Lists West Coast & East Coast Elan Organic Coffees 1205 J Street Suite F, San Diego, CA. 92101 Phone 619.235.0392 Fax 619.235.0394 for more information contact kayd@elanorganic.com "Every Bean Counts"