Lead for Change Blog
RECORDING: Answering Difficult Questions Webinar
July 18, 2012On July 10, Fair Trade Towns USA hosted a webinar called Answering Difficult Questions in Your Community. With the help of two of our National Steering Committee and local lead organizers, Joan Harper (Fair Trade Los Angeles) and Ryan McDonnell (Fair Trade Boston), this webinar helped to bring clarity to the challenges and issues […]
Go Bananas for Fair Trade this October!
July 12, 2012Take The Challenge We need you to build consumer demand for Fair Trade bananas in your community! Take the Go Bananas Challenge from noon on October 13 to noon on October 21 by organizing Fair Trade banana themed events. Campaigns will submit photos and/or number of bananas eaten at their event(s) to win cool prizes. […]
Organizer Spotlight: Paul Renshaw – Mankato, MN
July 11, 2012Ever wonder what inspires people to start Fair Trade Town campaigns? How about what kind of impact a campaign can make on the availability of Fair Trade products in a community? Get the low-down on Mankato, Minnesota’s phenomenal success through the words of their chair, Paul Renshaw.
Save the Date: National Conference
July 10, 2012Save the Date: National Conference Friday – Sunday, October 26 – 28, 2012 Chicago, IL To bring together Fair Trade enthusiasts from across the nation, Fair Trade Towns & Colleges/ Universities will be organizing the 2nd annual National Conference in Chicago on the weekend of October 26-28. The 3-day gathering will focus on […]
Organizer Spotlight: Laura Mullin – Winter Park, FL
June 28, 2012It is so empowering to be a part of a worldwide campaign. I hope that one day Fair Trade is not just a limited option, but instead the opposite; the only option. I am excited to continue to develop relationships with those dedicated to the fair trade movement. I am proud to know that I have had something to do with the awareness of fair trade in my own community, and I am ready to see this movement grow into something beautiful!
Giveaway: HAE Now OrganicTees
June 26, 2012Looking for a sustainable t-shirt to print for your next fundraiser or event? Or, are you trying to get restaurants and community organizations to embrace Fair Trade with cool options? Then check out HAE Now’s high quality fair trade organic cotton blanks where you’ll find t-shirts, aprons and baby items. Soon you’ll find bistro aprons, polo style t-shirts and wash cloths.
The National Team Grows!
June 8, 2012In February 2012, Fair Trade Towns USA invited four new members to join its National Steering Committee: Joan Harper, Scott Tess, Ashley Fessler, and Elizabeth O’Connell. Each member brings creative ideas and new perspectives to the table, continuing to spread the Fair Trade movement throughout the country with their unique and invaluable experiences. Prior to these fresh faces, the committee consisted of a team of seven people from various backgrounds, such as Fair Trade USA, Fair Trade Resource Network, declared or in-progress Fair Trade Towns, faith-based organizations, and more, all cooperating and working towards the similar vision of a Fair Trade nation. You can find stories and biographies of all current members of the National Steering Committee here.
Fair Trade Photo Contest Accepts Entries June 1-26
June 7, 2012The 4th annual Fair Trade Photo Contest has begun! Educate about Fair Trade, or help spread the word about your business or organization and the beauty of Fair Trade.
Campaign Spotlight: La Mesa, California
June 5, 2012The Fair Trade movement is gaining momentum in La Mesa and throughout San Diego County, thanks to the La Mesa Fair Trade Town steering committee. The word is spreading that, simply by our consumer choices, we can make a difference for the environment, the marginalized and local businesses.
Campaign: Bethlehem, New York
May 24, 2012By Anna McMahon, Lead Organizer, Fair Trade Bethlehem The Fair Trade Bethlehem NY campaign began in May 2009 with a Fair Trade coffee-sampling outside one of our independent cafes. Since then we have expanded our efforts in many directions: organising public events; taking presentations to local schools and community groups; generating media interest and […]
Fair Trade USA and Partners Deliver Record Impact in 2011
May 24, 2012Community Development Premiums Empower and Improve Fair Trade Farming Communities; Impact Driven by Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration By: Fair Trade USA Fair Trade USA recently released its 2011 Almanac, an annual publication which provides detailed information on the supply and impact of Fair Trade Certified products. According to the Almanac, in 2011 farmers and farm workers […]
Giveaway: Kopali Organics
May 21, 2012Win 1 of 3 FREE bags of Fair Trade Certified Kopali Chocolate Bananas! Find out how at the bottom of this post. Kopali Organics: What’s In A Name? Did you know Kopali (ko*pah*lee) is an ancient Mexican Nahuatl word meaning “incense”, particularly identified with the forms of tree sap resin used as a […]
Fair Trade Tour with Indian Artisan Coordinator, Lata Kachhawaha
May 11, 2012Lata Kachhawaha joins Handmade Expressions and Fair Trade Towns for a fair trade tour along the west coast. There are millions of artisans around the world who live in poverty. Lata Kachhawa is a passionate social activist who has devoted her life to improving the conditions of such impoverished artisans, particularly women. Lata ji founded […]
Fair Trade Coffee in the Dominican Republic: From Seed to Bean
April 30, 2012In March, Fair Trade Towns USA sent 12 volunteer organizers on a 7 day learning tour of Fair Trade farms in Dominican Republic. The travelers came from town and city campaigns all over the country to see the effects of their hard work visiting cocoa, coffee and banana farms, as well as a sweat-free apparel […]
The First Fair Trade University: University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
April 28, 2012The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh became first Fair Trade University in the U.S. in 2008 by making a commitment to do its part toward ending trade injustices that result in millions of people living in poverty. UW Oshkosh’s four governing bodies endorsed a resolution outlining its commitment to: sell Fair Trade certified coffee, tea and […]
Fair Trade Bananas and Young Leadership in the Dominican Republic
April 28, 2012Margo with COOPROBATA Board and staff Did you know that the Dominican Republic is the largest exporter of organic bananas? In March, Fair Trade Towns USA sent 12 volunteer organizers on a 7 day learning tour of Fair Trade farms in Dominican Republic. The travelers came from town and city campaigns all over the country […]
Giveaway: Global Mamas
April 24, 2012History Global Mamas would not exist without the dedication of co-founders Renae Adam and Kristin Johnson who met in Ghana during their tenure in the US Peace Corps from 1992-95. Throughout those years they collaborated on many projects working to empower women. Both Renae and Kristin fell in love with Ghana, its people, and the […]
Fair Trade Towns & Universities Producer Tour with Kenyan Coffee Producer
April 18, 2012Raymond Gitau of Kenya Joins the Fair Trade Towns & Universities Producer Tour Follow the travels of Raymond as he hits the road with Courtney Lang, Grassroots Outreach Manager at Fair Trade USA, to see how concious consumers and Fair Trade organizers like you are spreading the word about Fair Trade in the US! […]