Lead for Change Blog

Join the Fashion Revolution

April 1, 2019

April 24 marks six years since the Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh. This tragic event brought global attention to the conditions of garment workers, and calls for stricter standards and greater transparency in the apparel industry. Since 2013, some progress has been made. We see more brands focusing on social and environmental sustainability, and more […]

A Glimpse Into the 2019 Conference

March 22, 2019

The 2019 Fair Trade Campaigns National Conference began in the best of ways: a rapid-fire lineup of speakers from the Fair Trade, conscious consumerism, social impact and anti-human trafficking movements delivered rousing speeches. Later on, we heard from Fair Trade USA CEO and founder Paul Rice, who left the audience in awe after recounting how […]

Highlights from the 2019 National Conference

March 5, 2019

Knowledge. Passion. Motivation. Advocacy. Friendship. These are just a few of the words that emerged when we asked attendees what they were taking away from the 2019 National Conference. In March 2019, we brought together over 375 Fair Trade partners, advocates, friends and supporters for three days of learning, networking and conversation in Chicago. Building […]

Fair Trade Finals – Spring 2019

February 26, 2019

Fall 2018 Program Highlights We worked with 91 campaigns on college and high school campuses in 29 states across the country who have strong relationships with campus administration and food service and are influential voices in their communities.   Of the 91 total campuses, we had 81 colleges and universities and 10 high schools participating in the Spring 2019 program. Campus events reached over 10,500 people–including students, faculty, dining […]

We’re Hiring! 2019-20 Fair Trade Fellowship

February 19, 2019

Applications are now closed. If you’re interested in other opportunities to support our regional work, please send us an email at admin@fairtradecampaigns.org. Are you passionate about Fair Trade and social justice? Are you a student or recent graduate looking for rewarding part-time work? Do you want to gain hands-on experience supporting grassroots organizers, developing leaders, […]

5 Reasons to Attend the 2019 National Conference

February 13, 2019

On March 1, we’ll welcome over 350 Fair Trade advocates and supporters to Chicago, representing businesses and NGOs, farms and cooperatives, Fair Trade campuses and communities, and more. We’re still feeling the energy and inspiration from the 2018 National Conference, and we can’t wait to bring this community back together to continue driving conscious consumerism […]

#FTConf2019 Partner Spotlight: Nonprofit Leadership Alliance

February 4, 2019

 The following is a guest post from the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, a partner organization and co-host of the Career Fair & Expo at the 2019 Fair Trade Campaigns National Conference. Who We Are In 2014, Fair Trade Campaigns joined the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance as a National Workforce Partner. The Nonprofit Leadership Alliance is a network of colleges, […]

Campaigner Spotlight: Anne Michele-Boyle

February 1, 2019

As one of the Fair Trade Campaigns Fellows in the Great Lakes Region, I get to meet and speak with with so many wonderful people through my work. Along this journey I have had the pleasure of getting to know Anne-Michele Boyle, a teacher at Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, who is working in […]

Share the Love: Valentine’s Day 2019

January 4, 2019

On February 14, many of us take time to show a little extra love to the special people in our lives. This year, we invite you to share the love with the farmers, workers and artisans behind your favorite Valentine’s Day gifts. Give Fair Trade flowers, chocolate and greeting cards (find discounts from our partners below!) or send […]

Year in Review: Top 10 Achievements of 2018

December 14, 2018

2018 was an exciting year for Fair Trade Campaigns! Let’s take a look back at the Top 10 Achievements of the year. 1) We welcomed over 330 advocates, supporters and partners to the 2018 National Conference in Washington, DC. In March 2018, we spent three inspiring days learning from leaders from across the Fair Trade […]

Fair Trade and Human Rights: A Celebration of Human Rights Day

December 7, 2018

Human Rights Day is celebrated on December 10 each year to commemorate the 1948 adoption of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, which this year marks its 70th anniversary. This document was the first enunciation of the inherent and inalienable rights due to each person simply because she or he is a human being. “Recognition […]

Fair Trade Your Holidays 2018

November 19, 2018

To help take some of the stress out of your holiday preparations, we’ve rounded up a collection of Fair Trade gift guides and recipes right here. Did we miss your holiday favorites? Share in the comments below! The holiday season is a time to gather and give thanks with family and friends. However you celebrate, […]

Farewells and Welcomes: Fair Trade Campaigns Fellows

October 31, 2018

As the Fair Trade movement continues to grow across the U.S., we are more grateful than ever for the strength of our regional networks. In the Mid Atlantic, Northeast, Southwest and Great Lakes, these networks bring together town, college and university, school and congregation campaigns to learn from and collaborate with one another. None of this […]

Fair Trade Finals – Fall 2018

October 10, 2018

Fall 2018 Program Highlights We worked with 86 campaigns on college and high school campuses in 29 states across the country who have strong relationships with campus administration and food service and are influential voices in their communities.   Of the 86 total campuses, we had 73 colleges and universities and 13 high schools participating in the Fall 2018 program.   Campus events reached almost 10,000 people – including students, faculty, dining staff and campus administration – with Fair Trade educational materials, product samples and other activities.  Here’s your chance to get some […]

Fair Trade’s Role in Supporting the UN SDGs

October 1, 2018

Fair Trade is a global movement and Fair Trade certification ensures that products are produced according to rigorous economic, social and environmental standards. Fair Trade seeks to enable economic development through equitable trading partnerships, ensuring consumers that the products they purchase were grown, harvested, and traded in ways that improve lives, benefit communities and protect […]

A Fair Trade Milestone: Arizona State Becomes Largest Fair Trade University in the U.S.

September 27, 2018

Movements for social, economic and environmental justice take time and the Fair Trade movement, specifically on college and university campuses, is no exception. This week marked an incredible milestone, when Arizona State University (ASU) celebrated their designation as the 50th Fair Trade University in the U.S. – and the largest university to achieve Fair Trade […]

Strength in Numbers

August 28, 2018

All of you Fair Trade campaigners out there you know that gaining and keeping members and volunteers involved with  your campaign is crucial to your success. Here at Fair Trade Campaigns, we’ve thought of a few tips to help you do this! Passion as a Motivator  A key strategy to keep in mind as you […]

Partner Spotlight: Fair Trade Judaica

August 23, 2018

Fair Trade began with communities of faith. Human rights, social justice, dignity, respect – these values are central to Fair Trade and to the teachings of many faith traditions. In recognition and celebration of this connection, Fair Trade Campaigns launched Fair Trade Congregations in 2014. Over the years, we have been honored to work with […]