Global Coffee Calibration Is the World’s Largest Training

The event, which will unite coffee professionals from across the world, is raising money for SCA Ukraine.

BY KATRINA YENTCH
BARISTA MAGAZINE ONLINE

Graphic courtesy of Global Coffee Calibration

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has caused global outrage, and in turn concern for the safety of Ukrainians worldwide. In efforts to support Ukraine’s coffee community, Caffeina Consulting‘s Emma Haines is putting together the world’s largest coffee training through a day-long event called Global Coffee Calibration. Taking place April 29 this year, the event will give anyone the option of attending a class hosted by a volunteer trainer through GCC’s website, and funds will go toward providing relief to Ukraine.

Where the Idea Originated

Although the idea of hosting a worldwide coffee training has been on Emma’s mind for several years, the true call to action came the day after Russia invaded Ukraine. “By the following day I knew I needed to do something—anything to help,“ she explains. With the help of Caffeina Consulting’s head of training, Chris Gallon, and colleague Jon Townsend, a concept was formed within hours. “By the time I had driven home that evening, the GCC idea had been born, and by 5:30 a.m. the following morning I was building the website. I realized that I could combine the desire for accessible education with a fundraiser for Ukraine, which seemed like a great way to spend some energy,“ says Emma.

Here’s What to Expect

With an emphasis on low-cost accessibility, anyone has the option of attending a coffee training class in person or online through the Global Coffee Calibration website. For a rate of 10 euros per class, the proceeds from these classes will go directly to SCA Ukraine, or a grassroots organization of their choosing for local distribution. According to Global Coffee Calibration, “By supporting the SCA Ukraine chapter we are able to support our coffee family and show our unity without engaging in any political complications, and without diluting funds via larger charitable organizations who all have overheads to contend with.“

This portal currently has the list of class availability, which has a wide variety of subjects within coffee such as green education, roasting, latte art, cocktails, sensory, business, and plenty more. Emma is especially excited about the variation in which classes are being presented. “I also love how the classes really vary in technical ability with lots available regardless of your experience,“ she comments. “We have also had lots of different languages and time zones, which is incredible!“

Who to Expect at Global Coffee Calibration

Once Global Coffee Calibration came to fruition, “It took to a life of its own,“ says Emma. With close to 65 trainers onboarded already, viewers have the opportunity to get education from coffee competitors, business owners, and many more longtime professionals. Some featured folks include Onyx Coffee Lab‘s Lance Hedrick, Andrew Tolley at Coffee Knowledge Hub, and World AeroPress Champ Wendelien van Bunnik.

An Annual Contribution

Emma is looking forward to making Global Coffee Calibration an annual event, and a way to continue distributing aid to others in need. “Several of the projects I have run in the past have involved working with (people experiencing) homeless(ness) and refugees, so I have experienced the fallout from conflict and the displacement of people and know how hard it is,“ she says. … “I hope the momentum that the GCC has gathered will continue year on year and enable us to reach out and support global communities in any way we can.“

If you’re unable to make the event, you can also donate without attending here.

About Katrina Yentch 221 Articles
Katrina Yentch (she/her) is a freelance writer and Barista Magazine's Online Editor. When she's not writing, you can find her napping, cooking, and drinking whatever's on drip.