Lead for Change Blog

Fair Trade Congregations Launch in US

September 11, 2014

The U.S. Follows Lead of United Kingdom Fair Trade Campaigns is proud to announce its new national initiative called Fair Trade Congregations aimed to engage communities of faith in issues of global poverty.  With a growing movement in the U.S., and following the lead of over 7,300 Fair Trade Congregations in the United Kingdom, Fair Trade Congregations […]

August Campaign Achievements: Making Progress

September 7, 2014

We would like to take a moment to recognize all of our campaigns hard at work making this summer a huge success! Badges and Declarations: Altadena, CA – Reach out to Retailers Lawrence, KS – Reach out to Retailers; Get Some Love from the Media Metuchin, NJ – Engage Your Local Government Penn State University, PA – […]

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 […]

TOWN TIP #1: Engaging Your Town

August 19, 2014

Reaching Goal #3: Engaging Your Town   Goal #3 is all about engaging community organizations. To reach this goal you will need to complete the following: Based on population size, your town will have a certain number of community organizations offering a Fair Trade product. This means getting a commitment from community organizations like schools, places […]

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 […]

Academic Year in Review: 1 Year. 11 Declarations

July 1, 2014

Let’s take a moment to reflect on the achievements, challenges and milestones of this past year. The Movement is Growing. At the end of August 2013 Fair Trade Colleges & Universities started off its 6th year with: 14 Declared Colleges and Universities  69 Active Campaigns As of June 2014 there are now: 25 Declared Colleges and Universities (79% increase!) 90 Active Campaigns (30.4% increase) This Spring semester saw […]

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 […]

Fair Trade in Costa Rica – A Student’s Perspective

May 8, 2014

About our Guest Blogger: Suzi Kondic is a Sophomore at Tulane University. She spent the Spring 2014 semester in Costa Rica through Tulane’s study abroad  program and had the opportunity to visit a Fair Trade Coffee Cooperative (CoopeTarrazu). Below she shares some of what she learned through the experience.  “I have always thought of myself […]

5 Tips to Promote Your Event

April 23, 2014

Here’s our top tips for getting crowds to  your World Fair Trade Day or Study Break event!  1. Partner Around Town & Campus: As advocates we often make things harder than they need to be.  Look around and see if anyone has something similar planned in your community or to see who would be a […]

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 […]