Lead for Change Blog Schools

Back to School Photo Contest

August 30, 2014

Kick the year off with the Back to School Photo Contest – participating campaigns will receive FREE CHOCOLATE! Last year we had over 3,000 students, faculty and staff participate – this year let’s aim for 5,000! This Year’s Theme: Cocoa While the cocoa industry generates $16 billion dollars each year, cocoa farmers annually earn $30 – 110 dollars. In addition, […]

Two Ways to Put Pressure on the Cocoa Industry with Catholic Relief Services & Global Exchange

August 19, 2014

There are a lot of great organizations that are supporting the Fair Trade movement and putting pressure on the cocoa industry. Here is information on two of our partners for the Back to School cocoa program; Catholic Relief Services and Global Exchange. Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Background Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian […]

SCHOOL TIP #1: How Do I Build My Team?

July 22, 2014

Reaching Goal #1: Building Your Team  Goal #1 is all about building your team. To reach this goal you will need to complete the following: A teacher and/or student-lead group should be formed to implement the campaign. The Fair Trade committee provides leadership and direction for your campaign objectives and drives awareness. Parents can and should […]

Q&A With The Fair Trade Campaigns Interns!

July 10, 2014

They’re here! We’ve got a great and talented bunch of interns working with Fair Trade Campaigns this Summer. Take a look below to familiarize yourself with the folks who work to keep us connected, prepared, and moving forward. Fair Trade Campaigns’ Summer 2014 interns! (Left to right: Stephanie, Lena, Alison) Lena Crown (Washington University): Social Media Intern […]

2014 Fair Trade Month Campaign

June 27, 2014

Did you know that institutional purchasing accounts for 2/3rds of the U.S. economy (that’s 10.1 trillion dollars a year)?  It’s no wonder that we’re focusing our Fair Trade Month program on building relationships and educating constituents and leaders of institutions.  We’re providing free swag for you to pass out, and participants will be entered to win a grand prize with […]

From Nicaragua to Seattle: A Fair Trade Farmer Tour

June 6, 2014

In April roasters, brands and farmers descended upon Seattle for the Specialty Coffee Association of America’s (SCAA) annual conference. Afterwards Fair Trade Campaigns visited schools in the Seattle area with representatives from PAC – a Nicaraguan Fair Trade organization. Seattle – Where Coffee is King Coffee rules in Seattle. The home of Starbucks also has the most cafes per […]

3 Campaigns Baking it Right

May 30, 2014

How to Get a Crowd at Your Event! Campaigns across the country received baking kits last month to host World Fair Trade Day & Study Break events highlighting the variety of baking products available at your grocery store. Thanks for participating – ya’ll made some splendid looking treats! We thought we’d take a moment to reflect […]

Fair Trade Schools: How Millennials are Combatting Child Slave Labor

May 12, 2014

Every child deserves an education.  But, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO), child labor is a reality for 168 million boys and girls in Latin America, Africa and Asia.  Can you imagine your son, daughter, niece, nephew, neighbor or YOU picking cocoa beans instead of going to school? It’s easier than you think to […]

FORUM: Interactive Q&A on Community Grounds

April 16, 2014

Welcome to the New Fair Trade Campaigns Forum!   Our new Forum is now live and campaigners are able to educate one another about their personal experiences, ask questions, and find answers to everyday campaign issues. Everyone with a Fair Trade Campaign user account can participate   Check it out!   How to Use the Forum: […]

World Fair Trade Day & Fair Trade Study Breaks

April 4, 2014

Here’s How to Win a Baking Kit with Tons of FREE Samples! What better way to celebrate World Fair Trade Day than with deliciously baked goods or a well-deserved rest during finals! This year Fair Trade Campaigns encourages Towns, Schools, and Colleges & Universities to host Bake Sales, Bake offs and Study Breaks to honor […]

Campaign Spotlight: John Carroll University

March 18, 2014

Exploring the Roots of Fair Trade  Read about the journey of the John Carroll University students and their trip to Nicaragua. Our guest blogger is Grace Donnelly – a member of the Fair Trade Colleges & Universities National Steering Committee and a leader for Fair Trade John Carroll.   Visiting Nicaragua This past January I traveled to Nicaragua […]

REGISTRATION OPEN: Mid-West & Mid-Atlantic Gatherings

March 8, 2014

Fair Trade Campaigns is hosting two Regional Gatherings this Spring in the Midwest & Mid-Atlantic and you’re invited! Fair Trade Town and Fair Trade College & University campaign organizers and supporters will come together to establish regional support networks, build and grow our campaigns, and learn from our peers. Mark your calendars! Midwest Regional Gathering […]

WORLD FAIR TRADE DAY: Get Your Bake On!

March 6, 2014

Samples, Event Resources & Materials Coming Soon! What better way to celebrate World Fair Trade Day than with deliciously baked goods! This year Fair Trade Campaigns encourages Towns, Schools, and Colleges & Universities to host bake sales, bake offs  and study breaks to honor this global celebration. Campaigns who host bake sales, bake offs or […]

VIDEO: Max Havelaar Fair Trade Label Turns 25!

February 14, 2014

Did you know that the first fair trade labelled product was coffee? It was first launched in the Netherlands in 1988 with the label of Max Havelaar. This name was taken from a fictional Dutch character who opposed the exploitation of coffee workers in Dutch colonies. Over the years, the Fair Trade movement expanded to […]

DOCUMENTARY: Stand With Me – One Girl’s Dream to End Child Slavery

February 5, 2014

If life gives you lemons, end child slavery Vivienne Harr, a 10-year-old girl from Fairfax, CA, set up a lemonade stand to fight child slavery. Her first audacious goal was to free 500 children with the proceeds. However, her dream took her much further. Vivienne kept up her lemonade stand for one whole year – […]

Fair Trade Schools Launch in the United States

February 4, 2014

Fair Trade  Campaigns Announces New Initiative to Empower K – 12 Schools Commit to Ethical Purchasing Fair Trade Campaigns, a national network of Fair Trade advocates in 170 towns and campuses across the United States, is proud to announce its newest campaign – Fair Trade Schools. Mirroring a growing demand for Fair Trade products, Fair […]

Share the Love this Valentine’s Day

January 23, 2014

Below we have compiled a number of ideas and resources (including discounts!) to help make your Valentine’s Day easy and educational. Valentines to Farmers and Artisans Wouldn’t it be great if you could send a note of personal thanks and gratitude to Fair Trade Farmers and Artisans? Well now you can! We are partnering with […]

VIDEO: The Merits of Fair Trade

January 15, 2014

This short video, entitled ‘The Merits of Fair Trade,’ takes viewers through an engaging overview of Fair Trade. Use it to educate and make the case for Fair Trade in your community. Help us spread the message and make the most of these new resources: 1) Watch the video here: http://bit.ly/10jjFhH 2) Share it with friends, […]