redamteblog

[redamteblog]

What You Need To Know

Redamtè is going through some pretty big changes in the next few months. As our customers and friends, we want you to know what's happening. 

           Dear Friends, 

We will be closing our café doors at 449 State St. on Saturday, May 31st. The decision to close at the beginning of the summer was an incredibly difficult, but necessary one in order for us to move forward in our mission in the long term: to engage and empower individuals, organizations and communities to participate in restorative entrepreneurship. It has been an amazing few years of serving the downtown and campus community with high quality, local, and fairly sourced products as well as facilitating a variety of educational and community building events. It has been a great joy to get to know so many of you, not just as regulars but also as friends, and we will certainly miss seeing you on a regular basis this summer in the café. 

So what’s next?

We have been talking seriously with another location in the Campus/State St. community for the past few months. While nothing is certain at this point, we are working hard to make this possibility a reality. This new location would be an amazing opportunity for Redamtè to reach a wider community and have a greater impact in our mission. With this new possibility our timeline for reopening would be sometime early in 2015.

In the meantime, we will continue to give updates through social media and our website about how things are progressing. We also plan to continue many of our events such as Defining Social Entrepreneurship and Recipes for Change with Slow Food UW in other downtown locations as well as other new event possibilities.

How can you help?

Stay in touch!

Keep following Redamtè on Facebook and Twitter and sign up for our email list to get the latest updates on how things are progressing. Also, since we’ll be revamping a number of things with the reopening, we will seek yourinput on how to do it best. 

Come on out to events!

A great way to stay involved this summer is to come out to the different events we will be offering. These events will be posted on Facebook, Twitter and our website. 

Stop by the rest of May!

You can help Redamtè in the transition process by helping us finish strong here at 449 State St. A strong finish to the year will improve our ability to create a new space to better serve you when we reopen. That, and we’d love to see as much of you as possible!

And lastly, keep making change a part of your day - every day. 

Thank you again for all your support over the past few years. It really has been a joy and honor for us to serve you and the Madison community.

[redamteblog]

Let's Talk About Racial Disparities

Join us in learning more and embracing the discomfort that comes with this issue. 

                      Over the past month at Redamte we've been focusing in on the issue of racial disparities. We've been sharing powerful and convicting statistics from the Race to Equity Report and hosting events that discuss the perspective and insight of college students and community leaders. This Friday we will be hosting another installment of Recipes for Change with Slow Food UW to again come together over a delicious meal and discuss issues of racial disparities in regard to the justice system. During First Wave's performance at Recipes for Change earlier this month, the word of the night seemed to be 'uncomfortable.' It could be uncomfortable for presenters to open up and share personal experiences, uncomfortable to come face to face with the realities of prejudice in our community, and uncomfortable to consider the prejudice within our own hearts. The Race to Equity Report exposed great inequities within our community that won't change unless more and more people are willing to endure this discomfort. Not just for a night, or for a month, but for as long as it takes to see lasting change. This Friday will be the last event in our series focusing on racial disparities but we hope that you will join us in continuing to seek out opportunities to affect change. Below are links to learn more about these issues and hopefully find a way that you can connect. Justified anger: Rev. Alex Gee says Madison is failing its African-American community Justified Anger Website Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership Development Boys' and Girls' Club of Dane County Urban League of Greater Madison

photo credit The Cap Times

[redamteblog]

Racial Disparity in Wisconsin: This issue is real and prevalent.

Wisconsin was just named the worst state in America for black children, according to this article from PolyMic.

Wisconsin scored the lowest in ability to prepare black children for educational and financial success and showed a low percentage of black children living in economic security. Meanwhile, white children in Wisconsin are far more likely to be well-off in terms of education and economic security.

The results are staggering, and they cannot be ignored. 

At Redamtè, issues such as this one really stop us in our tracks and make us think, What can we do about this? How can we move toward a solution to this issue?

The first step is learning. We must be knowledgeable about the issue. We must share information, discuss causes and results, and gain an understanding of this issue that is happening in the very place we live. 

Join us as we seek to dive into this issue. Redamte will host a discussion about racial disparity, social entrepreneurship, and how you can get involved in making change happen. This Wednesday, April 23, Rev. Dr. Alex Gee from Nehemiah will discuss this with us at Redamte at 7 p.m. 

If you are interested in learning more, Redamtè also has resources in the cafe about racial disparity in Dane County from three charities: Urban League of Greater Madison, Boys’ and Girls’ Club of Dane County, and the Nehemiah Community Development Program. Come on in and learn with us!

photo from PolyMic

[redamteblog]

Upcoming Events

Check out the events coming up at Redamtè this month!

*EVERY WEDNESDAY*  Yoga for Change Join us for a relaxing chance to unwind with some late night yoga. All proceeds will go toward children in need in Haiti. 10-11 p.m. $10 suggested donation Wednesday, April 23 Defining Social Entrepreneurship with Reverend Dr. Alex Gee  Join us for this month's Defining Social Entrepreneurship discussion, this time with guest Rev. Dr. Alex Gee from Nehemiah Community Development Corporation.  7 p.m. Friday, May 2 Recipes for Change with Slow Food UW Come to Redamtè for a delicious meal from Slow Food UW and an inspiring documentary and discussion. Details to follow.  6 p.m. Friday, May 9 Show: Vinyl Theater with Emile Brandt Enjoy an evening of music with Indie Alt Pop band Vinyl Theater and guest Emile Brandt. Doors: 7 p.m. | Music: 8 p.m.

[redamteblog]

New Menu and April Theme

Curious about what’s going on in the cafe? Read on for a full update on the new spring menu!

Spring Food Specials

Garden Veggie Grilled Cheese - Farmer John’s sharp cheddar, cream cheese roasted yellow peppers, spinach and tomato

Veggie Burger - Nature’s Bakery veggie burger with vegan cream cheese, spinach and roasted red pepper coulis 

Chicken & Brie - Chicken, Farmer John’s brie, avocado and organic raspberry jam

Sweet Potato Pesto - Renaissance farm sweet basil pesto, roasted sweet potato, almonds, Farmer John’s gouda cheese and spinach

Chipotle Chicken and Bacon - Ruegsegger Farm’s chicken, Jordanal Farm’s bacon served with avocado and chipotle ranch 

NEW: On-the-Go Sandwiches:

Chickpea Salad on Ciabatta

Summer Caprese on Ciabatta

 Spring Drink Specials 

Lavender White Mocha

Lavender White Steamer 

Coconut Mocha

Nutty Caramel Latte Come on in and enjoy a delicious spring drink and sandwich!

[redamteblog]

Free coffee all month!

...Ok, April Fool's. However, there are a number of interesting events and delicious menu changes for you to get excited about this month!

New Menu Launches Today!  This part is not an April Fool's joke - our spring specials are now available. This new menu contains many new drink flavors, including our Lavender White Chocolate Mocha made with our homemade lavender syrup and the Nutty Caramel Latte, made with a hint of almond. And of course, with the warmer weather we are happy to ice your coffee and tea. The sandwich menu features the return of Garden Veggie Grilled Cheese and some new On-The-Go options. Come on in and check them out.

What else is going on in April? 

This April, Redamtè is focusing on Race Issues. Racial equity is more relevant today than many realize, and we will be hosting a series of events to encourage conversation and increase awareness of this topic. The proceeds from each of our events will go to three charities involved in awareness or alleviation of race issues in Madison.

Follow the links to explore the participating charities as well as the many events!

Urban League of Greater Madison

Nehemiah Community Development Corporation

Boys' and Girls' Club of Dane County

[redamteblog]

Excellence

                     Redamte has six core values: Impact, Empowerment, Joy, Integrity, Community and Excellence.

But what exactly does it mean to value excellence?

Excellence is pursued at Redamtè by striving to put forth the best product and service to our customers. It also means being responsible and wise administrators of resources so that we might achieve that goal.   We aim to put our best foot forward in all that we do at Redamtè. As team, we work together to create, develop and execute operating procedures that lead to quality products and experiences for our customers. Not only do we desire for our customers to have the best mocha or breakfast panini we can deliver, but receive it in a way that they feel welcomed as a part of the Redamtè community.    None of this is possible with out the hard work of our Redamtè team of volunteers, interns, and staff. Excellence is a result of the investment put in by our team. Everyone on our team cares for Redamtè's mission to to engage and empower individuals, organizations, and communities to participate in restorative entrepreneurship. This helps to create an environment where all who walk through the door have the best possible experience.   Our question at Redamtè is always, “How can we, as a business, make the world better?” As a team, one way we strive to live that out in our work is by providing excellent care to all who come into our café.

[redamteblog]

Your Redamte To-do List

3 things to do at Redamtè this month March is full of events and opportunities to connect with one another and discuss Redamtè's March theme, women’s issues. Check out these three ideas for you to stay involved at the cafè:

1. Get a raffle ticket and win prizes. Why get a raffle ticket? Because all proceeds go to our three charities for the month, each focused on some aspect of women’s issues and empowerment: Girls on the Run, DAIS, and WE International. Not only is this a worthy cause, but you also have a chance to win prizes from wonderful supporters like Ian’s Pizza, Little Luxuries, Endless Knot and Inner Fire Yoga. Tickets: $1, sold at the cafe OR receive a ticket when you attend any March event. 2. Attend thought-provoking events. If you’re into music, come to the benefit concert. If you’re into discussions and inspiring woman leaders, come to the TED Talk. If you’re just into connecting with a community of thoughtful people, come to any (or all!) of these March events centered around women’s issues. You can find a full list of March for Women events here.

3. As always, enjoy good coffee with good friends. The Redamtè cafe exists for this very purpose - to provide an inviting space for you and other members of this community to connect, converse and enjoy good food and drinks. Come and enjoy this vision with us. Plus, with spring ahead, you don’t have much longer to enjoy our limited time winter drink specials!

[redamteblog]

March for Women

This month, Redamtè is focused on women's issues. Check out what we have going on to raise awareness and start conversation about this topic.

                                                       What is March for Women?

In March, we are hosting a series of events entitled March for Women: Making Strides to Initiate Conversation and Raise Awareness of Women’s Issues. We have a variety of events planned thus far, each centered around the theme of women's issues. The proceeds from each of our March events will be donated to three charities involved somehow in women's rights or empowerment.

Join us as we celebrate and discuss this relevant topic. Follow the links to explore the participating charities and supporters as well as the many events! How can YOU get involved?

You can help these charities and win prizes!

For every “March for Women” event you attend, you will automatically receive one raffle ticket. The drawing for this raffle will take place on Friday, March 28 at our Tangled Up in Blue Benefit Concert. You can also get a raffle ticket apart from these events for $1 at the cafe.

For most prizes you do not need to be present to win. However, certain prizes will be reserved for attendees of the Tangled Up in Blue Benefit Concert.

All proceeds will go to our three local, women-focused charities: Domestic Abuse Intervention Services, Girls on the Run Dane County, and WE International.

More questions about March for Women? Visit the webpage here.

[redamteblog]

There are more slaves around the world right now than at any time in recorded history. A problem that most people think ended more than a century ago is, in fact, thriving as never before. -EnditMovement.com

Fair trade coffee can help end slavery.

In honor of February 27th, Shine a Light on Slavery Day, Redamte invites you to explore how fair trade can help to end modern day slavery.

Did you know there are still 27 million slaves in the world today?

27 million men, women and children trapped in various ways: brothels, mines, factories - even coffee plantations.

As a coffee house, Redamte has a unique opportunity to take a stand against this form of modern-day slavery. For this reason, from right here in Madison, Redamte strives to make a difference by buying fair trade coffee such as Just Coffee.

How does fair trade fight against slavery?

Generally, fair trade strives to promote sustainable living for producers. What most people don’t realize is that the families who benefit from this fair-wage living are also prevented from slavery situations. Slavery and trafficking situations are significantly reduced if families can produce sustainable living and live by fair trade standards.

Our question at Redamte is always, “How can we, as a business, make the world better?” Promoting awareness of modern day slavery and buying fair trade coffee are some small yet effective ways that we can answer this question.

Learn more about Just Coffee Cooperative, Shine the Light on Slavery Day and EnditMovement.

[redamteblog]

Upcoming Events

We have great events in the remainder of February, and March marks our first “themed” month! In March, we will focus on women’s issues, hosting events and supporting charities involving this topic. Check out what great things we have going on!

*Event Tomorrow!* Pitch Night Wednesday, February 19 8 p.m. Come out and share your ideas for a new business, product, book, etc. and get feedback from others to help you develop that idea further. Pitch night is a wonderful way to start conversation about your own ideas and get inspired by others. RSVP

Saturday Morning Sunrise Flow Saturday, February 22 8 a.m. Start your day off right with some Morning Yoga! Megan will lead us through the flow class. All levels are welcome! 100% of the donations will go toward our chosen charities. Charities TBA. RSVP

Defining Social Entrepreneurship Wednesday, February 26 7 p.m. Sit down with Gary Molz, Vice President of EZ Office Productshttp://www.ezop.com/, and learn more about how sustainability is ingrained in this local, independent office supply company. RSVP

All Good Things w/ Steven Hobert Friday, February 28 Doors: 7pm | Music: 8pm RSVP http://www.allgoodthingsmusic.net/

Redamte and Slow Food UW Present: Recipes for Change Friday, March 7 Come join us in March for the monthly dinner and documentary event sponsored by Slow Food UW. Dinner begins at 6 p.m. and the documentary starts at 6:15 p.m. Documentary TBA. RSVP

Saturday Morning Sunrise Flow Saturday, March 8 8 a.m. Start your day off right with some Morning Yoga! Megan will lead us through the flow class. All levels are welcome! 100% of the donations will go toward our chosen charities. Charities TBA. RSVP

TED Talk Tuesday: Why We Have Too Few Women Leaders Tuesday, March 11 8 p.m. Join us for March's TED Talk Tuesday. This time, the talk will go along with our theme for March, women's issues, featuring Sheryl Sandberg's thought-provoking TED Talk: Why We Have Too Few Women Leaders. RSVP

Mike Mains & The Branches w/ Todd Kessler Friday, March 21 Doors: 7pm | Music: 8pm RSVP http://mmandtb.com/

Benefit Concert w/ Tangled Up In Blue Friday, March 28 7:30 p.m. Join us for an evening of fun a capella music - all to make a difference! The money raised by this event will go to charities in our community. Charities TBA. RSVP

[redamteblog]

Why a Cafe?

Learn more about how and why Redamtè strives to be a community space. 

When we first opened Redamte, we recognized that the greatest potential for us in creating social change would come through leveraging our position as a community space. Cafés provide the community with a laid back, come as you are, stay-for-a-while atmosphere that creates what is commonly known as a 'third-space.' Third-spaces provide individuals with a place they can go to socialize outside of the work place with all its formalities and the home where they play the role of hosts. This position as a 'third-space' is one of the reasons we regularly facilitate community-building events such as TED Talk Tuesdays, Pitch Night, and Defining Social Entrepreneurship and partner with groups like UW Slow Food in presenting Recipes for Change. It also allows us to play the role of host for all sorts of great events put on by a variety of student organizations and non-profits in the Madison area. If you haven't already had the chance to attend one of our regular events, take a moment to check out our calendar, keep an eye out on Facebook, or just stop by the cafe and ask about what's coming up. It's a great way to meet new people, have fun, and engage in meaningful conversations. If you're with a group interested in hosting an event at Redamte, we would love to work with you to make that happen. We offer special discounts for student groups and non-profits to help make hosting an event downtown more accessible for groups. Stop in to enjoy our community space, attend an event, or ask about hosting your event here at the café!

[redamteblog]

You made it to February!

Redamtè is full of hot drinks, fun music and interesting talks to get you through another month of winter. Check out what you can look forward to this month!

Cafè Our winter drink and sandwich specials are still available (and delicious as ever!) Come on in for a Matcha Tea Latte or Mexican Hot Chocolate.   Community is one of the main reasons why this cafè exists. Next week, look for an email explaining how Redamtè strives to be a community space – a space to get together and share good music, food, conversation and ideas. If you aren’t on the cafè email list, make sure you sign up here to receive a monthly café-specific update.   Events With all the events going on, this month is sure to fly by – make sure you don’t miss the great music like Mike Droho w/ the Traveling Suitcase, the next Pitch Night, a fascinating TED Talk, and the return of Slow Food’s Recipes for Change! To receive a monthly email update on Redamtè events, make sure you join the events email list.   Redamtè’s Values Make sure you join Redamtè’s Values email list to receive a monthly update about the true core values and goals behind Redamtè. This month, learn about the value of Excellence and what that means to Redamtè as a café. Enjoy the start to your February. We've got the warm drinks and good conversation waiting - come on in and join us! 

Photo credit trendsimages.com

[redamteblog]

Amanda's Reflections on Haiti

         My trip to Haiti with Redamte was my first time stepping off American soil. I had no idea what to expect, other than non-subzero temperatures (yes please!). 

         The days were long and packed with adventures, from bustling hurriedly through the packed downtown Jacmel market place, to touring orphanages in the area, to visiting a massive sugar factory, to hiking up the mountain to a paradise swim hole and much more. We also had the wonderful opportunity of meeting (and playing slapsies with!) the children that Redamte's Meal 4 Meal and Thirsty Thursday contributions go to! It was great to experience Redamte's impact outside of my Madison community bubble.

         Although we visited many places, I think what I will remember more than anything was the "getting there." The gorgeous island view from the airplane; the traffic jams and vendor- filled sidewalks of Port au Prince; the beautiful yet turbulent mountain drives; the horribly non-sensible sneakers I managed to ditch after two days; and the motos! I got to know the most of Jacmel and Haiti while clinging white-knuckled to the back of a three-to-a-bike motorcycle taxi. We zipped through the densely populated, traffic filled streets of downtown Jacmel, cruised down the surrounding country roads, and deftly maneuvered around all manner of speed bumps, rocks, potholes, and ravines. I saw roadside stands and street vendors, kids walking to school in uniform, goats and chickens grazing sparse city pastures, and dogs loping around in search of table scraps. We drove past several concrete buildings with rebar sticking out of the tops, implying future plans to build up. The the only thing that stopped the motos (besides a gas shortage that doubled the rate for a moto ride) was the parade that overtook the streets in observance of the fourth anniversary of the earth quake. Thousands of Haitians crowded down the street, followed by a massive truck blaring Kompa music. I was struck by how simultaneously joyous and somber the atmosphere was. 

         The first time I was told to hop on the back of a moto, I was unnerved to say the least. By the third day, I was a natural. The roads were sometimes scary, and always new and unexpected. But wherever we roamed to, there was always an ice-cold Prestige - the finest Haitian beer - and a delicious plate of Spaghetti Creole or fried plantains waiting for us when we returned exhausted to the hotel. This trip was a great experience and I am grateful to have had this adventure with such awesome, compassionate, and forward-thinking people.

-Amanda

Redamtè Volunteer

Amanda riding the moto with Ted, our translator and friend.

[redamteblog]

Redamtè's Heart for Haiti

It's hard to believe that two weeks ago today we were in Jacmel, Haiti. Our trip taught us far too much to put in one blog post, but I would love to share with you a few of my thoughts about Redamtè's impact in Haiti.

I went on this trip with five others from Redamtè in order to see Redamtès impact in Haiti. It was incredibly exciting and motivating to witness many Redamtè supported projects, such as a completed house where an amazing and selfless Pastor and his wife now care for nine children. We also visited a house that was just completed so that two precious sisters can live together with their family instead of being split up or sent to orphanages. Seeing these and other projects firsthand was incredible, but the real impact of Redamtè lies in our desire to see this community grow, develop and build a better future. Redamtè exists to engage and empower individuals, organizations, and communities to participate in restorative entrepreneurship. When we see the country of Haiti and specifically the community of Jacmel, we see potential that is worth investing in, not just a needy group of people to give our things to. We cannot expect to empower and build healthy relationships with people if we do not invest in their strengths; simply dropping in with some charity and well wishes can create long-term dependency rather than empowerment.  I see potential everywhere in Jacmel. I see it in the beauty of the city, the abundance of fruit such as mangoes and plantains, the potential of industries such as the large sugar factory, and the intelligence and ambition of young adults and children at the orphanages and schools. Choosing a community like Jacmel, Haiti - a community with so much potential yet so much poverty - and sticking with it is one way that Redamtè hopes to engage in restorative entrepreneurship. The partnerships we have built are based on the goal of helping communities to realize their potential and the resources around them. 

The coolest part is that it's happening. With your help, we have been able to continue and expand consistent relationships with members of this city. Thank you for coming alongside us as we explore what it means to empower others in beautiful community of Jacmel, Haiti. -Katie Redamtè Communications Intern

[redamteblog]

Music and Events at Redamtè

Check out the upcoming live music, TED Talks, and other events at Redamtè!

                          Saturday, February 1 Marty Finkel w/ special guests Doors: 7pm, Music: 8pm Tickets: $8 RSVP | BUY NOW Friday, February 7 Mike Droho w/ The Travelling Suitcase Doors: 7pm, Music: 8pm Tickets: $8 RSVP | BUY NOW Tuesday, February 11 TED Talk Tuesday is back! More info to come on the topic for this month's TED talk. Mark your calendars!  Tuesday, February 18 Defining Social Entrepreneurship Continue the conversation and hear from guest speakers about their journey in social entrepreneurship and what that really means. Anyone is welcome! More info to come.  Friday, February 28 Firefly Forest w/ special guests Doors: 7pm, Music: 8pm Tickets: $5 (For sale soon!) Stay tuned for more updates on events and deals at Redamtè at www.redamte.com .

[redamteblog]

1 year. 81 trees. 857 meals. 3538 gallons of water.

What do these numbers mean? This is how much Redamtè made a difference in Haiti with your help in 2013! 

By now, you are probably familiar with Redamtè's "Meal 4 Meal Mondays" and "Thirsty Thursdays." On Mondays, for every meal purchased Redamtè donates the cost of a meal to children in need in Haiti. On Thursdays, for every drink purchased Redamtè donates one gallon of water to children in need in Haiti. Redamtè also plants one tree in Haiti for every reusable mug that is donated at the cafè. We've collected the numbers, and there is an amazing result from the past year: this year, Redamtè donated 857 meals, 3538 gallons of water, and planted 81 trees in Haiti. All of this would not be possible without your help by making purchases at Redamtè. Thank you.  One of our passions here at Redamtè is applying social entrepreneurship to poverty alleviation. We strive to make a difference not just in our own community, but in the world - specifically in Haiti. These numbers from our donations in 2013 give tangible evidence that you can make a difference from right here in Madison, simply by purchasing a meal or drinking coffee. Help us continue this in 2014 by coming in on Meal 4 Meal Monday and Thirsty Thursday!