Sandhurst Fairtrade Group

FAIRTADE FASHION SHOW October 17th, at St Michael’s Church Pastoral Centre, 8pm, tickets on sale early September price £6

Goals for Fairtrade Towns, Schools etc.

All over the UK, people are beginning to learn how the choices they make can affect the lives of farmers and craftsmen in other countries. And we are starting to put pressure our supermarkets and restaurant chains to make Fairtrade the norm.

When whole organisations adopt a Fairtrade policy, it has a huge impact on suppliers. They have no choice but to add Fairtrade to their range. All over the country, schools, churches and businesses are now adopting Fairtrade policies. Whole villages, towns and cities are banding together in support of Fairtrade. The first Fairtrade counties have been inaugurated.

A Fairtrade Town is one that has made a commitment to supporting Fairtrade, through raising awareness and using, selling and buying products with the FAIRTRADE Mark. Local residents must recognise the FAIRTRADE Mark and understand its meaning of guaranteeing a better deal for the producers in developing countries. Fairtrade products must also be available in the areas' supermarkets, cafes and places of work.

In May 2000, Garstang in Lancashire declared itself 'the world's first Fairtrade Town'. Since then many towns/cities have followed suit. Throughout 2006, there has been a host of major developments for Fairtrade in the UK. One of the main successes has been an increase to 270 in the number of Fairtrade Towns - communities where active Fairtrade networks pledge to promote Fairtrade in their towns, villages and cities. There are also 50 Fairtrade Universities and 3,500 Fairtrade Churches.

To become a Fairtrade Town (including villages, cities, islands, zones, boroughs and counties) five goals must be met. Groups can work towards the goals in any order. We suggest starting with what is easiest in your area and building the support needed to meet more challenging goals through early achievements.

1. Local council passes a resolution supporting Fairtrade, and agrees to serve Fairtrade products (for example, in meetings, offices and canteens).
   
   
2. A range of Fairtrade products are readily available in the area’s retail outlets (shops, supermarkets, newsagents and petrol stations) and served in local catering outlets (cafés, restaurants, pubs).
   
   
3. Local workplaces and community organisations (places of worship, schools, universities, colleges and other community organisations) support Fairtrade and use Fairtrade products whenever possible. Media coverage and events raise awareness and understanding of Fairtrade across the community.
   
   
4. A local Fairtrade steering group is convened to ensure the Fairtrade Town campaign continues to develop and gain new support.

For Fairtrade Schools etc please go to www.fairtrade.org.uk.