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Fair Trade University Action Guide
October 2009
Table of Contents
What is this guide for? ........................................................................................................ 3
Context ................................................................................................................................ 3
Fair Trade ........................................................................................................................ 3
EWB approach to Fair Trade .......................................................................................... 4
Why EWB is well suited for Fair Trade ......................................................................... 5
How does Fair Trade work? ............................................................................................ 5
Who certifies Fair Trade? ............................................................................................... 6
Why Prioritize Fair Trade Universities? ......................................................................... 7
Achieving a Fair Trade University Distinction ................................................................. 10
Taking Action ............................................................................................................... 11
National Office Support ................................................................................................ 28
How does this fit into my chapter? ............................................................................... 28
Does your University already have Fair Trade status? ................................................. 29
Appendices ........................................................................................................................ 29
Appendix A: Deflating Fair Trade Myths ..................................................................... 29
Appendix B: Difficult Questions You’ll Need to Answer ............................................ 31
Appendix C: Fair Trade University Case Studies ......................................................... 34
Appendix D: Useful Resources ..................................................................................... 39
Appendix E – Fair Trade Fashion Show ....................................................................... 40
Appendix F – Ex. Purchasing Policy ............................................................................ 43
Appendix G – Memo from Student Affairs to President’s Office ................................ 45
Appendix H – UK University Ethical Purchasing Policy ............................................. 46
Appendix I – McMaster University Fair Trade Policy ................................................. 47
“Fair trade teaches us that consumers are not
condemned to be only bargain-hunters…Fair trade
reminds us that trade is about people, their
livelihoods, their families, sometimes their survival”
- EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mendelson
European Parliament, Brussels, June 2006
What is this guide for?
This guide aims to support you in turning your University into a Fair Trade University. The
guide outlines different important steps in reaching this goal, and provides a great deal of
information to support you in your activities and efforts. Don‟t be intimidated – none of it is
“must read” and much of it is appendices. The guide is not designed for Fair Trade outreach
primarily (though it does touch on this) – instead, it is designed to create systems change at the
University level, allowing Fair Trade to become commonplace at your University.
The vision is clear: we want to see every Canadian University become a Fair Trade University.
This is the start. We need crank up our efforts in creating long-term positive change in our
Universities. This guide will help you and your chapter members set into motion some exciting
initiatives that have the potential to get our Universities to that ever-important tipping point
where change is really able to happen!
Context
Fair Trade
“The person, or company, or community that decides what to buy, who to buy from, and on
what terms, has remarkable power. More power than they sometimes realize.”
- “The Rough Guide to a Better World and How You Can Make a Difference”,
UK Department For International Development (2004)
Fair Trade is rooted in a belief of global equality. It‟s about ensuring that the people, around the
world, who produce the goods that we consume, aren‟t being exploited. With fair trade, the
power of trade is put back into the hands of those who are thinking of more than themselves –
thinking of how they can contribute to justice. Fair Trade creates opportunities everyday, all
over the world, for people to stand up for global justice.
Fair Trade affords us the choice – and the responsibility – to live our lives in a fair way,
conscious of how our decisions impact others around the world.
For the purposes of this guide, we have decided to employ the Fair Trade definition set out
by FINE, an informal network of four significant Fair Trade organizations:
Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that
seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by
offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers
and workers - especially in the South. Fair Trade organizations (backed by consumers)
are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising, and in campaigning for
changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade.
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Caveat #1: Fair Trade definition:
The definition of Fair Trade is something that has and continues to spur much debate amongst the
different parties involved in Fair Trade activities- to a fine point, many people just can‟t seem to agree
to what Fair Trade means. It is perhaps unlikely that all involved peoples will ever agree to one sole
definition of Fair Trade – though in the meantime, we have a lot of work to do in creating
opportunities for farmers in the global south to be paid a fair price for their products.
EWB approach to Fair Trade
Core to EWB‟s work is a belief that changing Canadian attitudes and behaviours to pro-
development will contribute to a more equitable and just world. We‟re trying to create a
foundation for change in the way our government, institutions and corporations have impact on
the developing world.
We believe that promoting Fair Trade is an excellent way of achieving this goal – It reinforces
attitude change that will be needed for transformational change in how we view and support the
South, in a variety of ways:
1. When a person takes a small action like buying Fair Trade, they start to incorporate it
into their identity, which has ripple effects in further attitude and behaviour changes,
and further awareness;
2. Provides a consistent and fairly strong connection to producers in the South, who we‟re
normally completely out of touch with
3. It portrays developing countries in a positive light
With Fair Trade, there is an opportunity for immediate impact. A Canadian student, fed up
with the daunting lectures about the inequalities of world systems and feeling like the world
order is absolutely unchangeable, can feel empowered by becoming involved with Fair Trade.
Lending their support to the principles and actions of fair trade, they can directly support the
making of a more equitable trade system for our world by buying and promoting Fair Trade.
EWB views Fair Trade as a tool towards greater trade justice, and eventually, greater
global equality. We don‟t approach Fair Trade as though it were the silver bullet of world
poverty, or the end product of our work- instead, we believe that fair trade is a piece of the
puzzle, capable of moving our country and our society closer towards an equitable world by
creating a measurable, approachable mechanism of social change that has widespread appeal,
and pushes people to consider the deeper roots of global poverty.
A prosperous Fair Trade system helps push forward long-term global efforts to change the way
global trading systems work – making them more equitable and more inline with our values as
global citizens. Fair Trade isn‟t the end game, but it is an influential way of saying that we are
not willing to accept the injustice of international trade regulations. While tariffs and subsidies
from Western countries continue to cripple many Global South economies, our decision to
support fair trade ensures that people in southern countries get a fair return for their products
and hard work. This way, we are sending a strong message to the world‟s leaders that we, as
consumers, are genuinely concerned about the people who grow our food, and how those people
are treated.
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Although EWB would like to see the larger governing structures of the world functioning in a
just way, our work is informed by a pragmatic desire to see positive social change, and as
such, we will work to build change through incremental stages, using concepts like Fair Trade,
as opposed to snapping our fingers and expecting perfection immediately.
Caveat #2: Fair Trade not the outcome:
EWB doesn‟t have any naïve belief that Fair Trade is without fault, or that it is a perfect system, but we
do believe it is an improvement on the current way global trade systems operate. We are committed
to being critical of how fair trade operates and contributes to international development.
Why EWB is well suited for Fair Trade
The work of EWB is driven by a strong focus on impact and social change. As is the case
with all our work, our greatest asset, and the element that sets us apart from many others, is our
tremendous grassroots capability across Canada. With more than 30,000 nation-wide
members and thousands of active, committed volunteers, we have the capacity and the vision to
activate a grassroots movement to promote Fair Trade in Canada, in a way that changes the
attitudes and behaviors of people from coast-to-coast.
How does Fair Trade work?
Again, in line with the guidelines of the FINE network, the core principles of Fair Trade are as
follows:
To deliberately work with marginalized producers and workers in order to work with
them to move from a position of vulnerability to security and economic self-sufficiency;
To empower producers and workers as stakeholders in their own organizations;
To play a part in the wider struggle to achieve greater equity in international trade;
To give consumers a voice, allowing them to actively contribute to social justice
movements.
The problems experienced by poor producers and workers differ greatly from product to
product. The majority of coffee and cocoa, for example, is grown by independent, small farmers
working on their own land. For these producers, receiving a fair price for their beans is an
important aspect of Fair Trade. Most tea, however, is grown on estates. The concern for
workers employed on tea plantations is fair wages and decent working conditions. These can be
applied to workers‟ co-operatives, or to workers on large-scale farms, if the owners are willing to
follow the criteria. The Fair Trade criteria are based on International Labour Organization
standards.
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Products that carry the FAIRTRADE mark are guaranteed to meet certain
minimum standards, including:
Small-scale farmers receive a fair and guaranteed price for their product. This price
covers the cost of sustainable living and production. It is a price that is guaranteed not
to fall below a certain level regardless of market fluctuations. There is an obligation to
pay partially in advance, when producers ask for it. Workers on plantations receive a
fair and guaranteed wage for their work.
On plantations and in factories, minimum health and safety as well as
environmental standards must be complied with. No child or forced labour can
occur.
Democratic working processes and structures are in place. All producers are free to
belong to a trade union.
A social premium – a set amount of money, which is paid on top of the guaranteed
price – is given to producers to invest in the development of their communities.
Long-term contracts are signed between the producer organization and the trading
organization to allow for long-term planning and sustainable production practices.
**There are a few product-specific fair trade standards for each product that determine such things as
minimum quality, price, and processing requirements that have to be complied with.
Who certifies Fair Trade?
Fair Trade Certification is administered by autonomous organizations that exist in order to
ensure that products that are being sold as Fair Trade actually are produced under equitable
conditions. The international organization responsible is Fair Trade Labelling Organization
(FLO).
FLO is responsible for:
Developing criteria for Fair Trade Certified (FTC) products internationally
Performing trade audits and inspections of producers to ensure they meet the
requirements to be Fair Trade Certified
To learn more about FLO go to www.fairtrade.net
TransFair Canada, our country‟s only non-profit certification organization, is one of 20
international members ("Labelling Initiatives") of FLO (Fairtrade Labelling Organizations
International). As a Labelling Initiative, TransFair Canada facilitates the introduction of Fair
Trade Certified products across the country and across borders.
TransFair is responsible for:
Certifying importers and distributors of FTC products in Canada
Monitoring licensees to ensure FTC logo is only used on products that are certified
EWB supports the TransFair Certification system
because it guarantees that the Fair Trade standards
created to benefit farmers have been met.When you see
the following logo on a product package, you can be sure
that the product has been certified by both Fair Trade
Labelling Organization (FLO) and by TransFair Canada.
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To learn more about TransFair Canada, please visit
www.transfair.ca
Why Prioritize Fair Trade Universities?
1. Universities increasingly committed to global issues
Competition between Universities in Canada, and with other global academic
institutions, has never been so fierce. As the public consciousness around issues such as
environmental sustainability and global poverty continues to grow, the standard to
which we hold Universities has been set much higher.
Part of this shift can be seen through the massive commitments Canadian Universities
are making to global issues. At Simon Fraser University, the new slogan administrators
are employing to advertise the University to prospective students is “SFU: Thinking of
the World”. More than ever, Universities are concerned with being seen as globally
conscious institutions. On the website of the University of Saskatchewan, the school
describes its commitment to globalism as one based on a “firm commitment to social
justice and adherence to global standards”.
In Europe, where the popularity of and commitment to Fair Trade is far more mature
than in Canada, one of the key areas of initial success was at the University level. By
taking a pragmatic, well-researched and committed approach, many student supporters
were able to catalyze a great deal of action around Fair Trade in their University
communities, which has since spread to a massive Fair Trade movement at larger
country scale.
Canadian Universities are now very consciously and actively competing with other
international Universities, and as Fair Trade Universities have progressively become the
standard across parts of Europe, it would appear that Canadian Universities will have to
make similar commitments if they intend to remain relevant, appealing global
institutions.
Once universities start to switch over to Fair Trade, the competition between different
schools will increase as the standard is again raised for how a Canadian university is
expected to act. Once we reach a tipping point of support from universities, many others
will begin to follow in order to keep up. This openness and involvement in international
issues is something we must capitalize on- if our Universities are proclaiming
commitment to global standards and social justice, we must ensure University actions
accurately reflect those ideals.
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Some institutions have already taken big steps towards this, including:
The main food and beverage provider at the University of British Columbia, UBC Food
services, has actively worked with student groups and the University Office of
Sustainability to create a new criteria for their coffee procurement contracts – fair
trade, organic and shade-grown – as a basic standard for which all campus suppliers
must meet. With a new contract recently signed with a local company, Ethical Bean,
UBC Food Services coffee, at all locations, is now exclusively Fair Trade.
In 2008, after 4 years of active campaigning and working with different stakeholders at
the University, the efforts of Trent students translated into the implementation a Fair
Trade Purchasing Policy that makes the majority of hot drinks fair trade certified,
with other products like Fair Trade chocolate bars and bananas also offered. It‟s
important to note that, previous to student campaign efforts, Trent offered almost zero
Fair Trade.
2. Massive audience and influence
Public institutions, such as Universities, have procurement policies that dictate how
products are bought at a wide institutional level. If these procurement policies explicitly
supported the fair trade approach, the reach and market-share of Fair Trade could be
massively expanded (creating more Fair Trade consumers – who are an influential
portion of society – and thus more benefits for farmers in the global south.
Some examples include:
Universities:
When Edinburgh University became a Fair Trade university, Fair Trade sales in the UK
increased by 2%
Government
Wales recently became the world‟s first “Fair Trade Nation”. All the cities in Wales are
now registered Fairtrade cities and all the counties have active Fairtrade groups. In
addition, almost 400 schools have promised to use and promote fairly traded products
The European Union (EU) has passed a number of resolutions in support of Fair Trade,
and as a result, all EU institutions use fair trade coffee and some use Fair Trade tea.
In the Netherlands, Fair Trade products are offered at public schools, the majority of
municipal offices, many government ministries as well as the Dutch Parliament.
3. Prime learning environment: education and empowerment
We know that University students already consume a huge amount of coffee, tea, etc.
while at school. By creating more opportunities for University students to support and
purchase Fair Trade, and by strengthening consumer awareness about the inequalities of
the international trade system and the implications of an individual‟s purchasing power,
Fair Trade can play a significant role in empowering people to contribute to more
equitable trading relationships.
Becoming a Fair Trade University will help promote social, economic and cultural
understanding among University communities through:
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An increased awareness and understanding of how our actions can affect
communities around the globe;
An increased knowledge-depth of global issues as a result of the promotion of fair
trade issues;
An increased sense of unity between University communities as consumers and
external fair trade producers.
4. Perfect venues to combine organizational action and innovative research
Universities have an asset that arguably cannot be matched by any other establishment
in our society: leading thinkers and researchers, together in one place, all making their
individual contributions under the auspices of one institution.
Issues of Fair Trade offer University communities the opportunity to actively engage in
issues of great significance to our world order- by harnessing the connection and
bridging the divide in Universities between their research interests and their
organizational actions, we can have immense impact in furthering the Fair Trade
movement, improving our collective knowledge of the issues related to Fair Trade, and
improving the likelihood of people choosing to become more aware of global trade issues
at a larger level.
Some Universities have already started seeing the connection between the research
they undertake and their actions as institutions, including:
York University, as part of their efforts to “promote in research, conservation, biodiversity protection,
rural sustainability and environmental education in the Las Nubes Rainforest in Costa Rica,” the
University has worked with local communities to establish a plan to “produce and sell sustainable,
shade-grown, organic coffee. The economic benefits derived from the sale of the coffee will be
reinvested in promoting local sustainable development, ecologically sound agricultural practices,
and applied research by York students.”
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Fair Trade continues to gain global momentum…
Although Canada is lagging far behind many European countries in our commitment and actions
towards Fair Trade, the availability and sales of Fair Trade products continue to grow with each year.
For instance, at the end of 2007, there were 13 Fair Trade Certified base products available for purchase
in Canada, and hundreds of composite products with Fair Trade Certified ingredients- a significant
increase from 2006.
Canada need look no further than places like the U.K and Switzerland for clear examples of how Fair
Trade options have become a common choice in day-to-day life. These countries, and many others,
have created a Fair Trade movement that has wide-scale appeal, moving well beyond highly informed
communities to a high level of awareness amongst the general public. Their approaches have allowed
for effective collaboration between government, civil society and the business community- thus
allowing many Fair Trade principles to become institutionalized and engrained in the way some people
and communities think about trade.
Here are some tangible examples:
Worldwide consumers spent over 2.3 billion euros on Fair Trade certified products in 2007. This
represents a 47% increase on the previous year and means that over 1.5 million producers and
workers in 58 developing countries now benefit from Fair Trade sales.
In 2005, in the UK alone, Fair Trade sales reached approximately $390 million, up from $5.5
million a decade earlier.
Many of the largest retail chains in Europe have committed themselves to selling Fair Trade
products exclusively. For instance, COOP, a company in Switzerland, now only sells Fair Trade
bananas. Salisbury‟s (Canadian equivalent = Loblaws), in the UK, now only offers Fair Trade
coffee products.
Marks and Spencers (Canadian equivalent = The Bay), one of the UK‟s largest department store
retailers, has converted its entire range of coffee and tea to Fair Trade certified. As a direct result
of Fair Trade, many Ethiopian farmers have significantly increased their income, allowing them
to better support their families and invest some of their resources in community projects.
Instead of relying on international donors for donations, Fair Trade communities are now able to
develop independently, building schools, health care centers and food storage facilities.
Many top European retail stores are responding to public demand in having more information
available about where their products come from and how they are produced (Marks and Spencer-
Look Beyond the Label Campaign), while others have built into their business-partnership
models an explicit commitment to fairness, solidarity and sustainability.
Achieving a Fair Trade University Distinction
It is important to have a standard for Universities across Canada to measure up to, as it will
create a recognizable goal and easy success markers for various groups to work towards. Such a
distinction will help you in your efforts to push for Fair Trade on campus, and will also help your
University, as they will have achieved a goal that they will be recognized for. A distinction can
also go a long way in creating some competition between Universities – with each newly minted
Fair Trade University, the pressure will mount for other schools to follow suit and support Fair
Trade.
Find the criteria for the Fair Trade University Distinction in the separate document
“Fair Trade University Distinction Criteria”. This document also contains information
on the application and reporting procedure.
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5 Key lessons from the U.K experience
Universities in the United Kingdom have been the world‟s leaders in bringing about Fair Trade
Universities. In 2003, Oxford Brookes University became the world‟s first University to gain
official FairTrade status from the FairTrade Foundation in the U.K. Amazingly, there are now 59
official FairTrade Universities in the U.K alone!
Based on some conversations with lead actors in the U.K development of FairTrade Universities,
the following are the top 5 lessons we should try and learn from:
1. Create an official Fair Trade Universities standard for Canadian Universities. This will
create an easy standard for different groups to work towards, and will promise tangible
success markers. This recognized standard will help groups pushing for Fair Trade, and
will also help Universities, as it is an achievable goal that the university will be
recognized for. This standard also creates some competition between Universities.
2. Invest time in figuring out how Student Unions change. Understand how their
purchasing policies are made, what their general Union procedures are, and how policy
change is made at that level.
3. With all your interactions, try and address price and supply concerns- decision-makers
had a lot of doubts in the U.K over these two issues.
4. Involve local politicians. Give them the opportunity to play an active role- this can be
good for them, as they can say that they were part of their local University becoming fair
trade. Involving elected officials will also lead to them being advocates for Fair Trade as
they become increasingly aware and involved in the issue.
5. Work with the university- don‟t be antagonistic.
Taking Action
Important note:
The following steps do not need to happen in this order, and in fact, it is likely that some of these
steps will happen simultaneously. For instance, step 3 can take place throughout the entire process.
Taking Action Step 1: Research and Assessment
All the work you will be doing around Fair Trade needs to be built on a solid foundation of
understanding- not only of the issues related to Fair Trade, but also an understanding of the
awareness/interest level of your chapter members, and your larger university community.
This baseline understanding will help you strategically decide the most appropriate steps
forward for your particular University- it‟s a great way to lay the groundwork for bigger and
better future campaigning!
1. Take stock of awareness/commitment to Fair Trade at your chapter
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It is first important to identify your chapter‟s awareness and commitment to Fair
Trade. This can happen through general meetings, member learning sessions, or
just some basic polling within your chapter.
Depending on where your chapter is at, you might want to have interested
members do some more exploration of the issues before your chapter gets too
deep into mobilizing action around Fair Trade. The goal is not necessarily to
become a Fair Trade expert, but ensure that members feel comfortable with the
subject matter they are dealing with.
2. Identify the actions that have already been taken and who else is
working on Fair Trade at your university
It is extremely likely that other students or groups at your university have already
thought about, and possibly taken action on, issues related to Fair Trade. We
don‟t want to re-invent the wheel here, so make sure you‟re up-to-date about
actions that have and are already taking place.
Identify groups already affiliated with Fair Trade, and meet with their
members to get a clear picture of their activities, their impact thus far, and
what their plans are for the future with respect to Fair Trade.
Remember, these people are a great resource to your members, as they
have experiences and information that could greatly influence the way
your chapter acts. Ask a lot of questions of them and dig deep- find out about
the challenges they‟ve faced, their assessment of the University climate
for Fair Trade, and what activities have been most effective.
Talk to food distributors on campus, and find out what Fair Trade
products, if any, are available at your University. Also try and gauge
their organization‟s feelings towards Fair Trade, and ask them about
any Fair Trade campaigns or initiatives they‟ve been a part of or have heard
about on campus.
Once you have a good idea about the different initiatives that have taken place,
with your chapter members, take a critical look at everything that has happened
thus far, and decide what your group would like to build on, and who you might
want to consult and work with for upcoming actions your chapter will take.
3. Research University-wide status of Fair Trade awareness & market
As a chapter, your members have already proven themselves dedicated to and
aware of issues of social justice and international development. It is very
important that we don‟t assume that our fellow students and university members
have a similar interest or awareness about some of the things we now think of as
second nature (buying Fair Trade, commitment to principles of development,
etc.).
A pragmatic way to establish a clear understanding of the awareness and status of
Fair Trade is conducting a survey. By undertaking a University-wide survey, your
chapter will be armed with the information needed to approach the rest of your
Fair Trade activities.
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Spend some time brainstorming what it is your chapter is trying to find out from
this survey, and construct the questions accordingly. For the purposes of analysis
and time, a multiple-choice survey is probably most appropriate, and will help you
present clear-statistics to other students and decision-makers. When you
approach decision-makers with clear stats, it shows you have been diligent in your
efforts, and can be essential in proving that Fair Trade is desirable.
A fair trade survey could look like this…
1. Have you ever heard of Fair Trade?
a) Yes
b) No
2. Do you know what Fair Trade is?
a) Yes
b) No
3. If yes, is Fair Trade about:
a) The ability to move commodities freely from country to country without trade barriers?
b) Charging fair prices to the consumers?
c) Paying producers a living wage and encouraging the development of their business?
4. Do you buy Fair Trade products (ex. coffee, tea, sugar, chocolate)?
a) Whenever possible
b) Sometimes
c) Rarely
d) Never
5. If Fair Trade products were available on campus for similar prices to non-Fair Trade products, would
you buy them?
a) Whenever possible
b) Sometimes
c) Rarely
d) Never
6. If Fair Trade drinks were available at a campus location, how much extra would you be prepared to pay
per item?
a) Nothing
b) Up to 30 cents
c) More than 30 cents (within reason)
7. When you buy a product on campus, are you aware if it is Fair Trade or not?
a) Yes
b) No
**The point of a survey is to support the strong proposal you are putting forth to your administration – not to
exist and influence your university system on its own! Alone, the survey results will not be able to bring much
good, but when clear, positive results can be used to strengthen your other efforts, a survey can be really useful.
Taking Action Step 2: Creating a Strategic Campaign Plan
In order to significantly influence Fair Trade status at your University, your chapter is going
to have to plan and think strategically, and in all likelihood, long-term.
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A solid place to begin in to make a campaign plan based on your chapter‟s aims, objectives
and tactics. Bring together your chapter and lay out what you want to achieve and how you
plan on achieving it. Some important elements to consider before you delve too far into your
campaign plan are:
What resources do you have?
How many active chapter members are committed to Fair Trade?
How much time are members willing to commit?
What skills do you have in your team?
What financial resources does the chapter have?
How long are members expected to remain active at the University?
IMPORTANT: How much of your chapter resources will you devote to this?
If your chapter is working to change some level of policy at the university, there is a good chance
you will need to dedicate time and resources over a longer period of time.
Consider forming a Fair Trade team, comprising a few key individuals who will actively be
playing a role with furthering Fair Trade activities on campus. Depending on your chapter
priorities, you want to ensure that members don‟t lose focus on other key issues- forming a team
could help create a community of informed Fair Trade leaders within the chapter who will be able
to dedicate the necessary time, while keeping fellow members updated as to their progress and
needs.
What possible opportunities can you build on?
o Who else is working on Fair Trade?
o What activities can you contribute to that already exist?
o Who are the people who know the key decision-makers and how to get to
them?
o Are there professors, administrators or other University staff that are
interested in Fair Trade and you can work with?
What are some potential constraints?
o Ensuring your chapter is committed long-term to achieving Fair Trade
University status.
o Limited time and resources.
o Major opposition amongst decision-makers at your University.
Use your assets!
Every chapter and university across the country is going to be different – different team, different
interest, different opportunities, and so on. Remember to use the assets you have amongst your
chapter – your depth of knowledge and connections at your own university will allow you to
make an incredible impact on campus. Also, if this guide is missing something, go in your own
direction and feel free to bring in new ideas!
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I. Outcomes: What you hope to achieve
Aims could include:
To make Fair Trade, and the principles behind Fair Trade, an integral part of
your institution‟s policies
To create a significant starting point from which to have larger actions around
international trade justice
II. Outputs: The goals you need to meet in order to achieve your aims
Outputs could include:
To ensure all catering outlets are selling clearly identifiable Fair Trade
products
To ensure Fair Trade products, whenever available, are used for all internal
meetings and events at your University
To increase awareness and understanding of Fair Trade issues on your
campus
To form a University sanctioned steering committee to monitor the progress
of fair trade activities at your University
III. Activities: The actions you‟re going to take to achieve your objectives
Activities could include:
Hosting a “Fair Trade challenge” (1 month, 2 weeks, 1 week?)
Hosting a Fair Trade fashion show
Undertaking a petition or survey regarding Fair Trade
Organize meetings with administrators and catering managers at you
University
Writing a series of articles about Fair Trade for your campus and local
newspaper
Taking Action Step 3: Raising the bar with public outreach
Important note:
Your Public Outreach team might already be working on this step, while the Fair Trade
University team might focus solely on creating policy change through the administration.
One of the best places to start with Fair Trade action is building more awareness amongst
your University community. This can happen in any number of ways, and depending on the
experiences your University has already had, some approaches will be more applicable than
others.
Effective public outreach is about creating a collective of people who become progressively
more informed and feel more empowered to make decisions and take actions that reflect
their values and understanding. In terms of Fair Trade, a direct and measurable result of
effective University public outreach can be an increase in demand for Fair Trade products on
your campus. Creating more demand for Fair Trade products is surely one of the most
effective ways of creating a more Fair Trade friendly environment at your school. For
instance, high-level decision makers such as University Administrators and Catering
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Managers, as well as private entrepreneurs on campus, will likely respond more actively to
an increase in demand, as it stretches well beyond calls for social justice, and directly
addresses simple business rules: if there is demand, the products will sell.
Often, isolated, one-time activities are not enough to deeply effect the way people think
about Fair Trade- it is important that chapter activities be persistent, planned at key times of
the year, and happening often enough to have optimum impact.
Refer to the Orange Book of Change (Roles: Public Outreach and Advocacy – page 141)
for more ideas on effective public outreach methods and key planning tips.
There are many ways to approach public outreach activities- the way you go about this will
depend on your priorities and abilities. No one knows better than you and your chapter
what is going to be most effective at your University. The following are some ideas, some of
which have already been applied by EWB chapters and others that have been successful
through the efforts of other organizations/groups:
Public Outreach Idea 1: One-Month Fair Trade Challenge
Work with different community organizations, businesses, government agencies, etc. in
your city to create a one-month Fair Trade challenge. Your one-month challenge might
mean getting participating groups and individuals to pledge to drink Fair Trade coffee and
tea, and eat Fair Trade chocolate for one month.
This is a great and fun way to encourage members of the public to become more aware of
what Fair Trade is, how it makes an impact, and what they can do to support Fair Trade (i.e.
what Fair Trade products they can buy, where they can buy them, etc.). Your chapter could
organize fun events throughout the city during the Fair Trade month, helping to create a
larger buzz in your area around the one-month challenge and Fair Trade in general.
Based on all the groups you had participating in the one-month challenge, you could
undertake some basic research to identify some of the impacts of your event- for instance,
calculating how many Fair Trade cups of coffee were consumed as a direct result of the one-
month challenge pledge, or calculating the amount of dollars spent on Fair Trade products
during that month period. The statistics you gather can go a long way in supporting your
efforts to have Fair Trade be more available and understood at your University.
*** For more details on how to undertake a one-month challenge in your area, please see
Appendix I
There are many creative ideas that you can use at your university. Encourage fellow chapter
members to be innovative and think of what will have most impact. These are just a few
ideas, but feel free to run outreach activities that your chapter believes in!
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Public Outreach Idea 2: Fair Trade Coffee Club (Memorial University)
One of the biggest barriers to increasing Fair Trade awareness and support is a limited
visibility of products. In the case where Fair Trade is available, there is often a lack of
exposure for the products and what Fair Trade means.
Private companies and catering services are often hesitant to invest in Fair Trade products,
due in large part to a fear that they are: a) too expensive; b) won‟t generate as much profit
as non Fair Trade products and; c) there isn‟t enough popular demand for Fair Trade
products.
Operating a Fair Trade Coffee Club can go a long way in increasing awareness amongst the
student body about what Fair Trade is. It also represents a perfect opportunity to prove to
consumers that Fair Trade products are often of high quality. This will help defeat the myth
that Fair Trade products are not as good as non Fair Trade products.
By successfully operating a Fair Trade Coffee Club, your chapter will be have more evidence
with which to promote the expansion of fair trade products around your campus. It will
help you clearly demonstrate that there is a demand and a market from the student body,
the main consumers on any University, for fair trade products.
**Important Note**
Don‟t worry too much about always having to engage in a new, different kind of public outreach. Use what
works, and then use it again! Sometimes the most simple outreach ideas, if consistently applied, will bring great
results. For instance, get a team together and organize a simple, focused outreach activity that will catch peoples
eye and allow them to become familiar with what you‟re advocating for. Maybe you devote 6 weeks to blitzing the
main corridors and bus stops with information about fair trade and the Fair Trade logo, engaging people quickly
about why it‟s a good choice.
Public Outreach Idea 3:
Fair Trade Fashion Show (Idea taken from UBC & Fair Trade Universities in the UK)
A Fair Trade Fashion Show is a GREAT way to appeal to your fellow University students,
and show that there are fashionable alternatives that look just as good as other clothing,
and make a positive impact on someone‟s life at the same time!
Benefits of a fashion show:
Demonstrates the diversity of ethical, organic fashionable alternatives
Raises the profile of your chapter‟s fair trade campaigns
Attracts potential new members to your chapter, and creates more informed people
about issues of human development
Raises funds for your chapter and your campaign activities
Creates another entry point for the public to feel connected to human development,
and serves as a great way to spark the interest and inspire many people to take
tangible actions
A Fair Trade Fashion Show brings together a diverse group of people for a fun and engaging
social event. It is an opportunity to feature many different Fair Trade products, and it
creates an enjoyable venue to discuss some of the larger issues that explain why Fair Trade
is so important to improving international development efforts in Canada. Your ability to
host this kind of event will of course depend on the availability of Fair Trade clothing
available. While Fair Trade apparel still represents a small market, this is a growing
business with more distributors and retailers opening their doors across Canada.
Examples include:
-Toronto: Fair Apparel (www.fairapparel.net) -Vancouver: Shirtseed (www.shirtseed.com)
-Montreal: Kif Kif (514-527-0404) -Canada wide: Just Shirts (www.justshirts.ca)
*** For more information on how to organize a Fair Trade Fashion Show at your
University, please see Appendix II
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Taking Action Step 4: Approaching Decision-Makers
I. Identify who the key decision-makers are, how to get to them
Begin by familiarizing yourself with:
The groups of decision-makers (i.e. University Management, Catering
Services, Student Union)
The structures of those groups (i.e. The Director of Catering Services and
those staff who report directly to the Director; the hierarchy of decision-
making within the University Administration)
The policies of those groups (i.e. business partnership, social or
environmental policies that might be used as a link to a potential fair
trade or ethical purchasing policy)
The major influencers of these groups (i.e. Social Responsibility
Committee that meets with University Administration tri-annually; Key
shareholder groups)
EXAMPLE (not necessarily how it will look at your university!)
Influence Tree of University Catering Management Structure
President/Vice
Chancellor
Board of Senate
Governors
VP Administration VP Student
and Finance Services
Director of Business Director of Director of Director of Student
Operations Finance Facilities Develop ment
Director of Food Director of Sustainability
Servi ces Procurement Committee
Catering
Coordinator
Managers of Food
Outlets
All of the above people are important players in creating change at your
University. However, from this larger group, the most important people to
consider in your plans are:
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VP (or Director) of Student Services – this person is your greatest voice
within the administration, and will be key in supporting your initiative;
VP Administration/Finance – your efforts will need to make financial
sense for the University, thus, it is integral this person be on board;
Director of Food Services – they are the “implementers” of the changes
you are trying to implement with respect to fair trade
II. Identify channels of influence that can alter the system
These are the people who have a clear ability to influence the decision-makers.
Channels of influence may include both internal and external influences.
Examples of internal influences include:
Student representatives and elected officials
Members and committees of the Student Union
Alumni organizations
Catering services
University Press/Media
Student body opinion (survey-based, etc.)
Faculty groups
University Employee Unions
Examples of external influences include:
Community/regional Media
Local education board
Local government officials
Relevant community associations
It is advisable to identify as many channels of influence as possible, and clarify
how best your chapter could work with them. Some examples of how to utilize
channels of influence might include letters of support or adding significant weight
to your campaigns by adding, for instance, an alumni association to your list of
supporters.
Student Union Regional media
Catering services
Internal
Fair trading External
Citizen groups
influences your influences
university
Faculty groups Government
Fcul
University Press Education board
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The more credible supporters you have the more influence your efforts will have in
enhancing Fair Trade at your University. Be mindful of the audience and interests
of different groups. For example, if you‟re seeking the support of faculty unions,
your efforts could be more influential if you remind their members that one of the
principles of Fair Trade agreements is that members be allowed to organize in
cooperatives and unions.
III. Preparing your approach for dealing with the administration
University decision-makers are approached with an almost endless list of ideas for
how things should function at the University- for this reason, among many others,
it is really important to present your ideas and proposals in a very professional,
well thought-out way so to ensure your proposal gets due attention. Decision-
makers are much more likely to consider your concerns if they are presented in a
way that proves them well-founded- this means you need to anticipate some of the
hard questions that will be asked of our group in presenting our ambitions for
becoming a fair trade University.
Key points from Sustainability Coordinator at SFU…
“Approach the board of the student society- they will help you put together a motion to
forward to the Board of Governors. The motion is the best way to get a topic on the table.”
“I would submit a draft proposal for a plan to the Sustainability Advisory Committee with
a strong focus on how this initiative will align with the university‟s goals, costs, public
relations, and recruitment.”
“Right now, the universities will ignore most social and equity related arguments – costs
and energy savings are most important to decision-makers at this point. You‟ll have to
make a strong case and show the value to the university.”
Some key elements to keep in mind throughout the process of communicating
with decision-makers are:
a) A professional approach
Based on advice from University staff across Canada, it is essential that
student organization-led proposal be professional and well researched. All too
often well-intentioned proposals are swept to the side because they failed to
meet a relatively basic standard of professionalism.
Be conscious of your approach and adhere to basic principles of
professionalism- for instance, sending out meeting agendas and summaries of
your specific requests in advance of such meetings. EWB chapters are well
known and have a respected reputation in Canadian Universities – by
continuing to act in a professional way, we will bolster that good reputation
and increase the likelihood of our proposal being considered favorably.
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b) Anticipation of difficult questions (see the Difficult Questions section)
There is a high probability that the University decision-makers you‟ll be
approaching will not be nearly as aware of the principles of the fair trade
system and why it is an important step for global development as you are. The
onus is on us to be able to illustrate, persuasively, why Fair Trade is a practical,
smart and highly effective step for the University to take. It is also possible
that they are not in agreement with Fair Trade, in which case we need to
prepare ourselves to counter some of the critiques of fair trade.
c) Ensuring the pragmatism of requests
With every suggestion we make for wide-scale change, we have to be able to
show clearly how this change will happen, and most importantly, how it will
improve the way things currently work. This highlights the importance of
considering the complexities of all the logistics that will need to be coordinated
and mobilized in making the proposed change reality.
Explicitly outline how this is in the interest of the university to
make a concerted shift to Fair Trade on campus.
Quite simply, it is not an attractive enough proposition to call for more just,
equitable food services- we need to be able to show the practicality of making
those well-intentioned changes. Many significant bodies within the University
are implicated, and will need to adapt and change, in order to see through the
process of making your University a Fair Trade friendly environment.
For example, in effectively managing changes related to Fair Trade,
catering services will need to identify and research:
The Fair Trade supply-chain;
The cost comparison with current products offered;
The demand on campus for Fair Trade products;
The most popular Fair Trade brands
If decision-makers remain skeptical of your proposals, make use of all your
support and partnerships you‟ve already built across campus- by clearly
illustrating that you are not alone in thinking these thoughts, you will make
decision-makers feel more isolated in their opinions, enabling them to
reconsider their stance. Don‟t be afraid to use facts and figures to help make
your case- it is a tremendously persuasive fact that globally, fair trade sales
have increased by 47% in the last year alone.
IV. Generating/Leveraging cross-campus support
While your chapter, and EWB as a whole, might be in a unique position to
catalyze action around Fair Trade issues, we have to ensure that the issue gains
appeal well beyond our chapter and organization if we are going to make a strong
case to decision-makers.
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Universities have typically reacted more positively to proposals that show
widespread appeal and demonstrate different interest groups are able to work
together on one issue. While our methods and capacity might differ significantly
from other student groups at our University, it is useful to remain part of the
larger Fair Trade movement on campus- in the end, our efforts are for the benefit
of everyone on campus, and must be understood by people.
It would be wise to reach out to other groups on campus, to let them know what
we are doing, get their thoughts, and see if there are opportunities for us to work
together and make our fair trade goals more easily achieved.
While working together with a variety of diverse voices and groups can be very
important, we don‟t want to collaborate with others just to simply collaborate.
We want to ensure that any working relationship we build is effective in
improving our process of change – adding new value, skills and opportunities to
our efforts. The focus should be on quality, effective collaboration as opposed
to simply a larger network of people working on something.
V. Timing your approach to ensure maximum impact
Having invested a lot of time and effort into preparing a professional, well-
researched proposal, you now need to be very strategic in deciding the most
appropriate timing to present your proposal. The time of year a proposal is
brought forward can truly be the difference between a successful proposal and
one that never makes it past a first glance.
Some issues that could affect the timing of your proposal include:
a) Schedule of significant events for the year
When are catering contracts being reviewed or renewed?
When is the University policy review scheduled?
When is the Student Union AGM?
When are relevant committee meetings happening?
Etc.
b) Be clear with decision-makers about what you are doing, whom you‟re
doing it with, and the progress you are making – an “iterative process”.
While undertaking your research and other activities, word could circulate
about your intentions with fair trade. In order to not alienate certain
decision-makers, it is important that they hear about your intentions and
proposal before hear about things through the grapevine.
VI. Method of approach
Another very important element of ensuring success for your proposal is making
sure your method of delivery for your proposal is in accordance with the
expectations of the decision-makers – or better yet, exceeds the expectations of
decision-makers.
Some issues that could affect the method of approach for your proposal include:
Page 22 of 50
a) Many of these decision-makers may not be easily accessible- so we need
to consider the best way to target them (i.e. directly to them, or through
other possible channels?).
b) Think strongly about the priorities of the decision-makers. If their
priorities are publicity-led, put an emphasis on the positive media
attention that will result from this decision. If priorities are centered on
finances, ensure you provide them with as much financial information
about the issue as possible- use examples to show where similar actions
have garnered beneficial financial results at other institutions. Don‟t
hesitate to be concrete in demonstrating that this will be a good decision
made by the University.
c) Be as clear as possible in showing that these changes are very possible- in
a summarized report, show the key actions that should be taken, and
identify some potential partners that should be involved.
d) Leverage support wherever it might be coming from. For instance, if there
is a great deal of support for fair trade coming from a small business on
campus, work with that business first in order to strengthen your proposal
and case to the larger institutional decision-makers.
Important TIP to remember!
Being confrontational and aggressive immediately causes people to become defensive.
Remember that you want these people on your side, and in fact, you want to work
with them, not against them. You have common goals- it is great advertisement for
the university to try and sell the institution. Be professional, amicable, and remember
the complexity of their decision.
VII. Organizing and writing your proposal
Preparing a professional proposal will allow you to be clear about what you‟re
asking for, and intelligibly outline the actions that need to be taken.
Remember to keep your proposal concise- University decision-makers are
not likely going to read a 20-page proposal. In order to present what you want
clearly to decision-makers, we suggest you write a proposal of 3-5 pages.
The following are suggestions for key things to include in your proposal:
1. Outline your requests
Explain what Fair Trade status is and what criteria they need to meet
to achieve it. Be simple and focus on the positives of how the
university can affect change. From the beginning, we need to
model a respectful, forward-thinking approach that will allow us to
have good relations with key decision-makers, whose support we will
rely on.
Mention the success of this approach at some Universities already in
Canada, as well as the very sophisticated commitment currently
shown across much of Europe.
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2. Explain clearly what Fair Trade is, and how it will benefit
the University
Don‟t assume the decision-makers will have a clear grasp on the issue
of Fair Trade- explain it to them. Highlight the benefits that Fair
Trade brings to producers in the global south, and also explain the
benefits that Fair Trade will bring to the University community. Such
benefits could include:
Enabling students and staff to make socially responsible
decisions
Educating students and staff about global issues
Enhancing a students perspective of the concept of
empowerment- both that of the producers and their own as
agents of societal change
Attracting future students who might be interested in an
institution‟s ethical policies
On par with the most sustainable (social, environmental,
economic) Universities in the world
Tips for effectively working with Administrations…
Design your proposal and approach strategically – it should be inline with university goals
and plans
Make sure the “way forward” is clear and fruitful for the university
Be clear about what your asking and illustrate what your role will be in helping this process
Anything that can attract positive media coverage will help
Universities are obsessed with sustainability right now, so try and relate your proposal to
sustainability plans on campus
Proposal must make business sense: Fair Trade has to make the university more attractive
to the public and perspective students
3. Demonstrate the support you have
Include clear evidence from your campaigns and results of any surveys
you have done showing student demand for Fair Trade products, as
well as any support you have from notable partners or allies (i.e.
Alumni groups, Student Union, etc.).
Also, try and demonstrate the global nature of Fair Trade- show its
growth internationally, and give some examples of how it is becoming
a greater issue in your own community.
4. Explain the role of the chapter and organization in helping
this process along
Outline the capacity of your chapter, and the skills and time you can
collectively dedicate to supporting this process. Include some distinct
examples of what your chapter plans on doing with fair trade over the
coming months/year.
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VIII. Responding to opposition
1. Be prepared to counter their objections
Ask those in opposition to explain the reasons for their reluctance to
support your proposal and then work out a plan for how to convince
them. For instance, if they fear that Fair Trade costs more money, you
could get in contact with other Universities who are already committed
to Fair Trade and show that this isn‟t true.
2. Get more support from students and staff
Ask your supporters (i.e. other student groups, alumni networks,
small businesses on campus, etc.) to write a letter to key decision-
makers in support of your proposal
Get students and staff to sign a petition or pledge stating they
want more Fair Trade product available
Work with your Students‟ Union to introduce a motion calling
on the University to work for Fair Trade status.
Administration Point of View:
Key Points from Trent University Senior Director of Student Affairs
(Responsible for pushing through Fair Trade Policy implemented in 2008)
1. Always be professional, respectful and look for opportunities, not faults – Trent students
were so successful in influencing policy because they were committed to the goals, were
well informed and didn‟t take an approach of “fighting” with the university management.
2. Not helpful – petitions (unless massive). In the Trent experience, they were not
considered influential at all.
3. By the time you formally approach the decision-making bodies at your university, you
should already have developed a well-informed draft policy. Be open to changes – but by
bringing a well-formulated draft, you will demonstrate you are serious about making this
happen.
4. Timing is key – Food services operators are working on “sustainability initiatives”, and
as such, many are interested in fair trade in conjunction with this.
5. Continual student leadership on this type of issue is integral – an annual turnover of
student leadership could easily leave the initiative floundering.
6. Throughout your efforts, gather letters of support from reputable leaders throughout
different communities – keep these on file to show support at a suitable time.
a. To get more support and backing, Fair Trade advocates gave presentations
about their proposed fair trade policy to faculty associations, the University
Senate, the Student Union and respected campus clubs.
Taking Action Option 5: Harnessing external support
1. Work with politicians to raise awareness, generate public support and apply
pressure on the University to be more committed to Fair Trade
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2. Work with other Universities throughout Canada and around the world who
are currently leading actors in bringing more Fair Trade to Universities
Start communicating with other Universities who have taken the lead in
bringing about more Fair Trade at their school – this will provide you
with a clearer framework to work with at your own campus, and will help you
leverage your own administration in showing that other universities are
getting on board with fair trade
Speak with Student Unions and Catering Services who are already steps
ahead of your own University in terms of Fair Trade services
Create partnerships of solidarity with other University Administrations, and
use their experience to show the decision- makers at your University that
becoming a Fair Trade University is very possible!
Some ideas might include:
Harness international support to put pressure on our own leaders and decision-
makers here in Canada. For instance, Wales recently became the world‟s first
Fair Trade Nation. In Scotland, the national Parliament is considered a Fair
Trade Zone (only fair trade tea and coffee available). These are only two
examples – though both have taken a great deal of cooperation between
different stakeholders, as well as commitment from government leaders. We
could contact some of the Fair Trade champions in these types of countries to
get them to voice their support for our own initiatives. In addition, we could
ask some of these leaders to lobby and pressurize our government on our behalf
– making the case that our government is behind the times on an issue like Fair
Trade, which is now largely standardized and considered normal in much of
Europe.
A similar example of harnessing international support:
In 2007, when the United Nations Climate Change Conference took place in Bali,
Indonesia, the Government of Canada was criticized for not taking serious action to
curb environmental degradation in Canada, as well as not supporting efforts to
reach an international agreement with respect to climate change issues.
A Canadian Youth Delegation had traveled to Bali to put pressure on their
government throughout the conference. This group garnered significant media
attention when they announced Canada had won the “Fossil Fuel of the Day” award
more than any other country at the conference.
Later, it was discovered that this Youth Delegation had been supported and
financed to attend the conference in Bali by the British Government! This was seen
as a criticism of Canada‟s stance on climate change, and an attempt by the British
government to pressure Canada to change its current approach.
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See what leaders of Fair Trade Universities have to say…
“Universities are going to be judged increasingly on their ethics and on their commitment to
social responsibility. Being a Fair Trade University is going to be one of the most important
badges that Universities can have…Universities should start taking the steps towards becoming
a Fair Trade University, and not get left behind.”
- Mark Ballard, Rector of The University of Edinburgh
“I think that‟s the message that comes across very well to those who are thinking about coming
to the University- this is a University that talks a lot about these issues, that expressed a
concern about these issues, and actually puts it all into practice.”
- Simon Pepper, Rector St. Andrews University
“Committing to Fair Trade at all your food services is a process of getting your core items on
board first, dispelling the price myth, and then gradually bringing more products on. The key
with Fair Trade is, the more people who start to tie into Fair Trade, the unit price will then
start to come down.”
- Ian Macaulay, Director of Catering- University of Edinburgh
Remember, this is a process!
Depending on the current status of your University, massive change with Fair Trade, at the
policy level, will likely not happen immediately. Making Fair Trade an understood, high-
awareness issue on your campus is part of a bigger process, and it requires patience,
commitment, planning, re-planning and measurable success markers to prove your efforts
are working and moving things forward!
University fair trade change can come slow, just consider this example…
In March 2008, York University became the 17th Canadian University to adopt an “ethical
purchasing” policy, which stipulates a call for more Fair Trade products available on campus.
But this success certainly did not come overnight…York students worked for years before the
University made a commitment to ethical purchasing and Fair Trade. For much of that time,
the University Administration was not exactly perceptive to student requests- infact, it wasn‟t
until students organized a 45-hour sit-in outside the office of the University President that the
University finally agreed to commit itself to ethical purchasing standards.
The challenge for us: EWB chapters have worked hard to develop strong relations at
university campuses across Canada: we want to use our assets, our good reputation and our
extensive connections with students, administration, and faculty to try and speed up the
process of making our universities more Fair Trade friendly!
Give your chapter‟s public outreach team the chance to come up with some creative ideas for
how we can really get people thinking about fair trade. Also, don‟t forget, you have the
opportunity to stay connected to thousands of incredible development leaders across the
country – all you have to do is log into MyEWB and start sharing information and
experiences!
Essential to remember…
This guide is made for you to use, so take ownership over it! Build on it, make changes, and if
it doesn‟t seem to fit your needs, do what you have confidence will work and let the national
office know how we might be able to improve the guide!
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National Office Support
From coast-to-coast, chapters can always rely on the tremendous support and knowledge of the
national office. The national office has the role of linking all the incredible initiatives that
chapters are working around Canada – supporting your work in any way possible.
The national office has a lot of experience working on issues of Fair Trade – and having
experiences that range from chapter to chapter, they have many great ideas and insights they
can share with you based on the tremendous activities that chapters have been working hard on.
In particular, the national office Director of Public Outreach will be the go-to-person for all
activities related to making your university fair trade. Don‟t hesitate to get in touch with this
person – and remember, the national office is here to support you and your chapter!
How does this fit into my chapter?
Each and every chapter is going to approach Fair Trade in a different way. Take, for instance,
York University, where the University has already passed an ethical purchasing policy. The
needs and plans for York will certainly be different to those of another university, where there
might be very little availability and knowledge of Fair Trade.
Depending on your university situation, and the level of commitment from the chapter, we
suggest building a Fair Trade team to help guide the efforts. Your team wouldn't need to be big:
just a few committed people who are well-versed in Fair Trade issues, open to learning more,
and ready to lead the charge in fair trading your university.
Consider electing a team leader who can help coordinate and support the activities of others who
are working on this issue. One thing to be conscious of in forming such a team is a longer-term
commitment: making your campus Fair Trade will probably take more than one great event or a
two-month push – so you want to ensure some of the people who are committed to making this
happen will be around to continue the efforts and provide guidance to incoming team members.
A core group of people who can work on this will allow other chapter members to contribute to
other projects. An organized team will allow the chapter to maintain an active presence with
other issues that are priorities. Of course, the entire chapter will be aware of any activities and
progress taking place – and when the situation requires it, other chapter members can be
incorporated into different activities and efforts that are taking place in bringing more Fair
Trade to your campus!
Some encouraging words from the UK’s Fairtrade Foundation…
“In terms of Fair Trade universities, it has taken those of us in the UK a long time to reach the level
of success we have today. We needed to build demand for Fair Trade first – after that, things just
seemed to start getting easier. It will take you time to get there, but it is well worth – we first began
by getting Fair Trade team and coffee across campus, and now we see university‟s sourcing Fair
Trade certified cotton for their employee uniforms!”
- Veronica Pasteur: Campaigns Manager, Fairtrade Foundation
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Does your University already have Fair Trade status?
Congratulations on already having a serious commitment to Fair Trade at your University!
Presently, your status is quite unique in Canadian Universities. But don‟t stop there! Surely
your system is not yet perfect, and remaining committed to Fair Trade is going to require a lot of
ongoing effort from students and supporters. There is still a lot of work that can be done to
ensure more and more students and community members are aware of Fair Trade, the impact is
has on producer communities, and the impact we can have, as Canadians, on the larger
international trade system.
Do everything you can to keep the momentum going in your University. If your University has
already committed itself to the principles of fair trade, then it holds great leverage in being able
to support and advise others on how to embody a similar commitment. Not to mention, new
products are being certified Fair Trade quite frequently, so there is a lot of work to be done in
remaining aware of new Fair Trade product options, and working to incorporate those new
options into the University plans.
Already have a big fair trade presence on campus? Here’s what’s next…
Awareness-building- this never gets old, as there are constantly new students coming in and
other who have never really had an idea of what Fair Trade is. Continue to work hard by
sharing knowledge about Fair Trade, and further consider enhancing your outreach by tackling
some of the large issues related to international trade.
Just because there is a steady supply of Fair Trade products doesn‟t mean that demand will
continue to be so high. We need to constantly work to maintain and increase demand and
interest amongst the public.
Research new Fair Trade options and other ways of creating links to Fair Trade in your
University- for example, get your University to switch to Fair Trade materials for all future
worker uniforms.
Remain critical- Is Fair Trade upholding its promise to bring greater equality in the world by
supporting producer communities with a fair wage? Continue having those discussions at your
University- surely it will make for a lively discussion.
Appendices
Appendix A: Deflating Fair Trade Myths
1. Fair Trade costs more
Many other institutions that have switched to Fair Trade have found that Fair Trade
products cost no more than other products. Like any product, there is a range of price
and quality available. Some Fair Trade coffees are priced comparably to competitive
non-Fair Trade products – often gourmet coffee brands. In fact, in these recent years of
soft markets, some conventional coffee companies have been challenged as to why their
retail prices have not gone down accordingly. One reply has been that the bean cost is
only a small fraction of their overall product cost and expenses. This is absolutely true.
But if the bean cost is so insignificant as to have little effect on their cost structure, why
Page 29 of 50
do they not add the few extra cents to the growers‟ end where it can have significant
impact, barely increasing consumer cost?
Fair Trade organizations work directly with producers, cutting out exploitative
middlemen, so they can keep products affordable for consumers and return a greater
percentage of the price to the producers.
2. Fair trade products are not readily available
This is simply no longer true: Currently, there are 250 licensed companies that import
and sell Fair Trade products in Canada. The level of consumer and retail awareness is
also constantly increasing in Canada. For example, since 2001, there has been an
average annual increase of 55% in sales of Fair Trade certified products in Canada.
A lot of the biggest distributors in the country now offer Fair Trade products. For
instance, with coffee, Van Houte and Starbucks both offer Fair Trade options now. There
are also a longlist of successful, competitive smaller businesses that offer high quality
Fair Trade products at a price similar to other products.
If someone is having trouble finding a suitable Fair Trade supplier, they can simply
contact an organization like Transfair to find out all the information they will need to
make a good decision with respect to fair trade suppliers. For instance, at the University
of British Columbia, UBC Food Services recently signed a contract with Ethical Bean, a
local company 100% committed to Fair Trade, making all the coffee offered on campus
through that company Ethical Bean Fair Trade coffee.
3. We’re locked into a contract with a private catering company who don’t
offer Fair Trade…
Many Universities sign a contract with an outside catering company to operate all their
food services on campus. Typically, these contracts will last for several years and give
control, based on the agreement reached prior, to the caterer in terms of what food and
drink is available.
Despite this challenge, many student groups have proven that with a smart, dedicated
approach, it is still very possible to increase the amount of Fair Trade products available
by influencing these catering companies. Such companies are going to respond to what
the customer base is asking for- so undertaking mass outreach events and generating
cross-campus support will help show caterer‟s that committing themselves to Fair Trade
makes sense.
Another way to influence this process is to change the way your University considers
catering contracts. This will help in creating a new standard that all companies will have
to meet if they hope to win a University catering contract- if the company feels they could
lose a big contract by refusing to adapt to changes like offering substantial amounts of
fair trade, they will likely become much more flexible and willing to offer such products!
4. Fair Trade products are of a lesser quality and don’t taste as good
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Fair Trade products are predominately of the highest quality, and many have won
international quality and taste awards. Fair Trade products are now sold at most major
Canadian supermarkets, and in Europe, many large food distrution coma
5. Fair Trade isn’t a viable economic system
Fair Trade is in fact dedicated to equitable international exchange – seeking to minimize
the negative elements that result in lower labor, social, and environmental standards and
which hide the true costs of production. Some people have argued that Fair Trade
shouldn‟t be supported because if it were to become too widespread it would cause
failures in the market and wouldn‟t actually achieve the goal of ensuring stable prices for
farmers.
The current Fair Trade certification system, however, is such a small portion of the
global market that this is not a very real risk. As this changes there may need to be
adaptations made according to how the market is functioning. Ultimately Fair Trade is a
system of trade that promotes equity. The specific details are adaptable according to
what is required at different times.
6. Fair Trade is a form of charity
This is one of the most troubling misconceptions about Fair Trade: that it is a form of
charity. Fair Trade is in fact, far from charity; it is about creating a trade system that
promotes and enables justice- economic, social and environmental.
Fair Trade promotes positive and long-term change through trade-based relationships
that seek to empower producers to meet their own needs. Its success depends on
independent, successfully run organizations and businesses - not on handouts. While
many Fair Trade organizations support community development projects on top of their
work in trade, the exchange of goods remains the core element of their work.
7. There is a shortage of Fair Trade products
For example, the coffee producers who sell to Fair Trade buyers usually produce far more
than is sold through Fair Trade. They must still find buyers for the rest of their harvest.
Many farmers produce as many Fair Trade products as there is a demand for- if there
was more demand, there would be more Fair Trade. The only shortage is of consumers
who are sensitive to the consequences and effects of their purchase, and who insist on
buying Fair Trade products.
Appendix B: Difficult Questions You’ll Need to Answer
By no means is everyone going to agree with you that Fair Trade is an important step to take at
your University. Here are some questions you might be asked, and some possible responses:
1. Why don’t the producers complain or refuse to sell for such a low price?
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Workers may be denied basic rights and prevented from joining trade unions. They
therefore struggle to complain about low wages.
If they cannot get a higher price for their goods then producers will sell for whatever
they can get to avoid hunger. They often can‟t afford to shift productions to more
profitable goods. Trade rules may prevent countries from supporting their
producers. Fair Trade supports workers and producers in taking control of their
situation.
2. I have several jobs while at University. Why should I spend my hard-earned
money to pay other people more?
Everyone works hard for their money; but as workers in this country we are
relatively well protected, and can ensure our basic rights are respected. Fair Trade
is about solidarity with workers in the global south who don‟t have the same rights –
fair pay is a human right. Supporting Fair Trade is about making sure that they
(southern partner producers) get a fair deal for their work, and making clear that
people in this country are committed to the concept of, and demand, workers‟
rights.
With the growing popularity of Fair Trade and the increased competitiveness in the
Fair Trade market, Fair Trade products, such as coffee and tea, are most often no
more expensive than non-Fair Trade products of equal quality. While in some cases
Fair Trade products are certainly more expensive, this is often only correlated with
the quality of the product, and not simply due to the fact that all Fair Trade is more
expensive.
In addition, demonstrating to our government and society that people care about
fair working conditions and are willing to stand up for them helps guarantee and
protect our rights in this country.
3. Fair Trade is too expensive: I can’t afford it.
Fair Trade products are often the same price as other products. In cases where Fair
Trade is more expensive, they are generally only a few cents more expensive! In
addition, there are many Fair Trade products available, at a range of prices.
The most popular Fair Trade products, like coffee and chocolate, are now sold at a
lower price than when they first appeared on the market, in large part because there
has been a great demand for them: as the demand grows, the price drops. This will
happen with other Fair Trade products as well, if there is similar support. With the
expanding market, many Fair Trade products are now equally priced to non Fair
Trade products.
4. Some producers complain that it is too expensive to meet the high social,
ethical and environmental standards enforced by Fair Trade. Doesn’t this
mean that the poorest of the poor are left behind?
Fair Trade is certainly not a perfect system. The benefits of Fair Trade reach a
significant number of producers but it is unrealistic to expect Fair Trade to reach all
those who are in need of benefit. The ideal solution is for international trade rules
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to be changed and decent prices being paid to producers across the world. In the
meantime, Fair Trade acts as an important stepping-stone for thousands of
producers.
5. Is there really enough demand for Fair Trade products?
Last year alone, global sales for Fair Trade products increased by 47%! In Canada,
we have seen steady increases in demand for Fair Trade products over the past few
years, and more and more businesses are becoming licensed to import and sell Fair
Trade products.
6. Can you prove to me that Fair Trade actually works?
One of cornerstones of Fair Trade is a commitment to local community
development. In addition to the Fair Trade guaranteed floor price, a social premium
is paid to the cooperative and is invested in projects meant to improve the local
communities‟ health, education, environment and economy.
Worldwide consumers spent over 3.7 billion dollars on Fair Trade certified products
in 2007. This represents a 47% increase on the previous year and means that over
1.5 million producers and workers in 58 developing countries now benefit from Fair
Trade sales.
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Appendix C: Fair Trade University Case Studies
1. Trent University – Peterborough, Ontario
i) Achievement
University-wide Fair Trade Policy
ii) Timeline of major accomplishments
2003: Initial Fair Trade organizing began in the 2003-2004 academic
year with the creation of Fair Trade Trent, a working group of the
Ontario Public Interest Research Group
2004: Significant turnover in the Fair Trade Trent student leadership,
forcing the group to re-evaluate its potential to affect change on
campus
2005: Core group of student leaders take Fair Trade Trent to the next
level – creating two areas of focus in the group,
education/awareness and advocacy for fair trade policy, each with
a dedicated team of volunteers
2006: Establishment of „Food Advisory Committee”, inclusive of
representatives from all the key decision-makers and
stakeholders, beginning the process of looking at policy options
for Fair Trade products at Trent
2007: Committee work continues. Simultaneously, Fair Trade Trent
continues to work on public awareness issues around campus,
and actively works to find more supporters for their desired Fair
Trade policy
2008: Fair Trade Purchasing Policy is finalized and approved by the
Colleges and Student Services Committee, and finally approved
by the President‟s Executive Group – implementation will begin in
Fall 2008
iii) Tactics
Educational outreach events
o Hosted coffee give-a-ways on campus, advertising Fair Trade as a more
equitable and better quality option
o On Halloween, Fair Trade Trent members handed out Fair Trade
sweets
o Hosted a Fair Trade fair on campus, selling different Fair Trade
products, including handicrafts
o Published stories in the University paper to generate student interest
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Guest speakers
o Guests from Oxfam‟s “Make Trade Fair” campaign
o Panel discussion with local Fair Trade business people, experts,
academics, etc.
o Sponsored a presentation from a women‟s cooperative from Mexico
o Sponsored a similar presentation from a Fair Trade tea producer from
Sri Lanka
Petitions
o Over 2000 signatures attained over 2 year period – all sent to food
service provider and University Administration
iv) Fair Trade Working Group
Throughout the groups 4 years of advocacy, they always maintained contact and close
relations with the administration and different stakeholder groups on campus.
Once Fair Trade Trent had considered its options and drafted a well-researched fair
trade policy, they approached Student Services to create a working fair trade
committee. At this point, it is important to remember that Fair Trade Trent had
already drafted a policy document, in the hopes of showing professionalism and their
ability to work seriously on this initiative.
Trent University Fair Trade Committee – membership
Director of Food Services
Fair Trade Trent representatives
Faculty representatives
Representative from President‟s Office
Representative of Athletics Complex
Senior Director of Student Affairs
Head of Aramark (Food service provider)
Student Affairs Administrator
Student representatives from Cabinets and Associations
Director of Procurement
Once the group was formed, 3 sub-committees were created, focusing on:
Food products
Sports equipment
Improving the policy document
The Fair Trade Committee was responsible for improving the draft policy, and for
educating the food services advisory group and the cabinets and associations (key
decision-makers in the Trent case).
From the time the Fair Trade Committee was established, it took 2.5 years to create
and have implemented an actual fair trade policy. The entire committee would meet
every month and a half, with sub-committees actively working in the meantime.
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v) Top 3 tips
a. Be prepared to do the work! Your group will not only need to be informed
in great detail about the issues and its relation to university policy, but you will
likely also have to maintain continual pressure towards making fair trade
significant on your campus. This means you will likely be the one leading
this process and making it happen more than anyone else!
b. Articulate your plan clearly. Establish a clear mandate and direction from
the outset. Define what exactly it is your group is asking for. In your case,
you‟re explicitly asking for a university-wide purchasing policy that would
institutionalize the procurement of Fair Trade products.
c. Move from “activist” to “diplomat”. According to the Trent experience,
in the “Fair Trade policy journey” there will be two distinct phases. First, your
group will likely engage in a type of activism in order to generate enough
grassroots support for Fair Trade on campus. The second phases, however, is
defined by a more diplomatic approach, making way for negotiations between
the university administration, food service providers, and the student body
(with your group working on their behalf). During this phase, you will have to
work around the constraints of the university system and contracts in order to
make any desired change.
Quote from University Administration
“The group at Trent were as successful as they were because they were committed to
the project, committed to finding ways to work with the administration as opposed to
the typical approach of “fighting” the management”.
2. University of British Columbia
i) Achievement:
Exclusively Fair Trade coffee offered through Food Services and Alma mater
Society (i.e. UBC Student Society) – these two bodies represent roughly 90% of food
services on campus.
ii) Timeline of major accomplishments:
2003: Based on the leadership of students and their demands for more
ethical products, the Alma Mater Society declares all the coffee
products exclusively fair trade
2005: Group of 5 UBC students undertake research to better understand
the opportunities for Fair Trade growth on campus. This report,
“Fair Trade Coffee: Good Coffee, Good Cause”, focused on
highlighting opportunities for UBC Food Services to increase its
commitment to Fair Trade. The report focused not only on the
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ethical side of the Fair Trade argument, but also included a strong
business case for why Fair Trade is a suitable investment
2006: UBC Food Services introduces a new business approach, called
SPICE – sustainability, people first, innovative, caring, excellence.
This new approach brought in many new innovative sustainability
initiatives, including a commitment to Fair Trade, organic, shade-
grown coffee
2006: UBC Food Services, responsible for approximately 80% of food
distribution on campus (including cafeterias, residence, etc.),
selects Pura Vida as their campus-wide coffee supplier. Pura
Vida is 100% fair trade, and in a non-profit organization that
invests their money in coffee growing countries, focusing on child-
based initiatives
2007: UBC Food Services decided to change their coffee supplier
criteria, introducing 3 integral points any supplier company must
meet: 1) Fair Trade; 2) organic and shade-grown; 3) local
company
2008: UBC Food Services awards coffee contract to Ethical Bean, a
local 100% Fair Trade company
Policy Considerations:
Currently, the Alma Mater student executive is working to formulate a rubric based on the
sustainability and ethics of all student society procurement (and even the financial
investments of the Alma Mater Society). They hope to have the module finished by the
summer, though this may not happen until Fall 2008. In any case, all UBC Alma Mater
Society businesses/purchasing practices/suppliers will be run through this rubric and they
will be making any necessary changes to their purchasing policies based on that formula.
iii) Situation:
UBC has shown a great deal of leadership around the issue of Fair Trade, and
sustainability as a whole. In large part, a culture of sustainability and ethical
purchasing has emerged at the university. Seeing the potential to use this as
evidence of its leadership and dedication to just causes, the administration has stood
firmly behind the idea of the fair trade initiatives championed by food services and
the student society.
In 2003, when the Alma Mater Society introduced exclusively Fair Trade coffee at its
locations, this helped to get the ball moving and create momentum towards ethical
purchasing. They noticed coffee sales actually increased with the introduction of
more Fair Trade, and whether or not this is linked to its being Fair Trade or not,
other food service providers seem to have taken notice.
A few years later, Andrew Parr (UBC‟s Director of Food Services) championed the
introduction of a similar initiaitive through food services. The fact that 100% of
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coffee offered through UBC Food Services is quite an achievement, considering this is
a profit-model business venture that doesn‟t have its roots in student representation
or social justice issues, much like the Alma Mater Society.
According to Dorothy Yip, Purchasing Director for Food Services, a significant
influential factor in getting Food Services converted to Fair Trade was the leadership
of a small group of students at the university. Over a few years, a number of students
undertook some research to show the benefits of fair trade – not only the benefit to
coffee growing communities, but also the benefits to UBC and UBC‟s image as a
progressive, equitable university. These students were able to influence decisions in
the food management of UBC because they were able to show the practicality of
offering Fair Trade – such products were widely available in Vancouver, they were
generally in the same price range, and it created a marketable-edge for the university.
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Appendix D: Useful Resources
Transfair Canada www.transfair.ca
Canadian Students for Fair Trade www.csftn-recce.org
Equita www.equita.qc.ca
Ethical Purchasing Forum www.ethicalpurchasing.bcics.org
Fair Trade Manitoba www.fairtrademanitoba.ca
Fair Trade Toronto www.fairtradetoronto.com
La Siembra www.lasiembra.com
UBC Food Services www.food.ubc.ca
Fairtrade Foundation www.fairtrade.org.uk
People & Planet www.peopleandplanet.org
Fairtrade Labelling Organization www.fairtrade.net/imp_africa.html
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Appendix E – Fair Trade Fashion Show
Ethical Fashion Show
ORGANISERS PACK
ORGANISING A FASHION SHOW: some hints & tips.
Fashion shows are fun and creative way of highlighting some of the ethical issues
surrounding the fashion industry. There is a lot to be considered so it is well
worth planning ahead.
Organising a fashion show can be very time consuming and there is a great deal of
hard work involved. However, on the day, when the buzz and excitement of the show
take over, it is all worthwhile. Highlighting some of the problems within the
industry is also an extremely valuable thing to do. Whether you want to
concentrate on child labour, environmental damage, workers rights or recycling
there are a lot of issues to address. It is not a task for one person alone, but
for a team. Work together to get the best possible results.
In the fashion industry shows tend not to last more than half an hour. Your show
can be as long or as short as you feel is appropriate. Take into consideration the
amount of models you have, the number of outfits you are showing, other
entertainment you are having and the number of people you expect to be in the
audience. If you want dance routines, live music or an art exhibition to be part
of your event – feel free. Be as creative as you
like with the format of a catwalk show.
Date and Venue:
When is the show going to be? Is it going to be a daytime affair or an evening
one? Bear in mind that if you opt for an evening time show, ideally you should be
able to provide entertainment for a couple of hours (including an interval).
Alternatively, it could be a shorter show staged during lunchtime and maybe
repeated a couple of times throughout the day to ensure maximum exposure – i.e.
everyone who wants to see it can. This sort of show sill take less organising and
works well if the audience is just going to be fellow pupils at school. The venue
of the show might dictate the date and the length of the show. If it is going to
be at school, book the hall as far in advance as possible. Consider whether it
will be possible to hold rehearsals there in the run up to the show. If you are
planning the venue to be outside school you will need to check with a teacher that
the venue has the appropriate insurance for the show. You will also need somewhere
to practice. You should also bear in mind that there will need to be some sort of
space to keep the outfits in and a place for the models to get changed. A separate
area for boys and girls will be needed. If possible this area will be private and
warm.
The catwalk:
The key feature of the show is of course the catwalk and there is the length and
layout to consider. Stage blocks are ideal as there are about the right height. If
you would rather not use a raised catwalk (or there are no stage blocks) a floor
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level stage area can work just as well. You can mark out the shape and length of
the catwalk with masking tape or double sided tape, with one side covered in
glitter to add a bit of sparkle to the stage. Ideally the stage should be white
but black works well too.
A show cannot be organised by one person alone. Dividing the key jobs between a
group of you is certainly the most ideal way of doing things and will ensure the
smoothest running show. It is also an easy way on making sure everything gets
done.
Models:
Generally speaking it is easy to find willing volunteers to model in the show. A
variety of height, shapes and sizes is good. You must have the models measurements
as soon as possible to ensure the outfits all fit.
The Show:
Discussing the small details of the show is perhaps the most fun and creative part
of organising the event. How are you going to make your show really original, make
it really stand out? The team should get together to brainstorm a few ideas. How
is the show going to work? Is it going to beone continuous catwalk show or is it
going to be broken up into ‘scenes’ or ‘looks’ with a short break in between? If
so, how are you going to fill the break, remember you need to entertain the
audience at all times?
Here is a list of things you might want to consider:
If you opt for a continuous catwalk show, you must give the models time to get
changed. Estimate the rough time it will take a model to walk down the catwalk.
Allow 3 minutes minimum for a change. Work out how many models must go in between
a models first and second appearance. THIS IS NOT AS COMPLICATED AS IT SOUNDS!
Perhaps there is a band or singer who would like to perform. Or perhaps some
dancers who would like to perform a routine.
A poetry reading or short drama piece.
A magician or jugglers always entertain the audience.
Use the breaks to highlight some of thinking behind the show. EG if you want to
highlight the use of child labour in the fashion industry you could show a film1
or read an account of children working to produce clothing for Europe.
If the show is being organised as a fundraising event then a spokesperson from
the charity could make a short speech about the nature of the charity.
Think about how you are going to introduce the show. Are you going to have a
compere to introduce the different sections of the show? Consider whether you will
have amplified sound. Or perhaps at the beginning of each section the first model
can hold a sign signifying the new ‘look’.
What music are you going to use?
Themes:
Just because the show is about ‘ethical fashion’ does not mean it has to follow
any particular format. Be as inventive as you like. Enjoy it. Fashion should be
responsible but FUN and enjoyable. A few ideas for themes are:
Minimalist – think clean lines, simple colours, and black and white, Cream and
grey. Sophisticated and grown up.
Bold, striking and flamboyant – bright, garish colours, crazy unconventional make
up. Very fun.
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Wild and natural – think greens, browns, Mother Nature and our relationship with
the planet.
EMO/Goth/Punk – black, red, purple. Dark eyes, loud music. Angry about damaging
the planet?
The 60s, 70s, 80s and/or 90s – want a historical reference? Research the key
looks www.fashionera.com is a great site for over viewing the key trends in the
different decades.
Junkyard angel – recycled fashion, with heavenly make-up and accessories. Think
peaches, pinks, golds, silvers and sparkles.
Childhood Innocence – pale colours, soft shapes. Feel free to interpret any of
these ideas as you like. They are just there to get you started. Keep in mind what
the purpose of the show is and try to think of ideas and themes around that.
The Clothes:
Without clothes there will be no show. Since the show is about ethical issues you
must ensure that the clothes you use have been produced in an ethical fashion. Be
clear about this in your programme. If you are finding it hard to find clothes,
make a point of this. Your show could be used to highlight the fact that ethical
clothes are hard to come by. Find out about designers and brands that are using
organic or fair trade items and approach them with information about your show.
Approach local boutiques and stores, who stock an ethical range, to ask if they
will lend them to you for the evening. Go in and ask in person but take a letter
with you with explains about the show. More and more of the high street stores are
stocking organic or fair trade clothes. Most likely they will be keen to promote
the fact that they are now taking an interest in the larger issues in the
industry.
Also approach second-hand shops and charity shops. A creative eye can put together
great outfits and you can find lots of really unique bits and bobs. This is a
really cool way of making your show stand out from the others.
You could also organise a re-fashioning event for other students at school. Get
them to customise or re-style an old item of clothing. Then show them on the
catwalk. This is a great way to get more people involved and interested
in what you are doing. The crazier the designs the better they will look on the
catwalk.
You must look after very, very carefully any clothes that you are lent. You will
have to return them after the show in excellent condition. You must ensure the
models know this.
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Appendix F – Ex. Purchasing Policy
Purchasing Policy for Fair Trade Certified Products
At Trent University
Drafted by Fair Trade Trent
Preamble
The purpose of this policy is to set current and future guidelines for the provision and availability of Fair
Trade Certified products at Trent University.
The Fair Trade label in Canada indicates that the product has been certified by TransFair Canada, an
independent, non-profit certification body as meeting Fair Trade standards. TransFair Canada is a
member of the Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO), which sets the standards for Fair
Trade certification internationally. The Fair Trade Certified logo guarantees Fair Trade standards.
Implementation of this purchasing policy does not require Trent University to undertake any tracking and
monitoring of the production and trading path of Fair Trade Certified products.
Definitions
Fair Trade:
An international trading system based on “dialogue, transparency and respect”. It offers producers better
trading conditions and a fair alternative to the conventional system of trade. Fair Trade offers producers
fair prices and wages, promotes and enhances environmental sustainability, improved social services and
improved local infrastructure.
Fair Trade Certified:
A “rigorous international system of monitoring, auditing and certification governed by the Fair Trade
Labeling Organizations International (FLO).” FLO is the international body which, in partnership with
fair trade producers, businesses and member organizations set the standards for Fair Trade certification
globally. Certification or licensing of specific products is conducted by FLO member organizations in
each country, such as TransFair Canada.
Fairly Traded:
Business or trading practices which work within the paradigm of Fair Trade but which are not Fair Trade
Certified. Many organizations which fall into this category are federated under The International Fair
Trade Association (IFAT). Fairly traded are often handicrafts but commodities such as coffee are also
fairly traded.
Organic:
Plants or animals which are raised or produced in agricultural system which “promotes and enhances
biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity”, integrating the parts of the farming system
into an ecological whole. In an organic system of agricultural fertilizers and soil conditioners utilized in
production must be primarily derived from animal or vegetable sources as opposed to mineral or
petrochemical sources; no herbicides, pesticides or chemical fertilizers.
Certified Organic:
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Systems of monitoring and regulation of production processes which ensure that a product is produced
organically. There are multiple organizations which certify a product as “organic” and there is an ongoing
debate around what really constitutes organic. There are multiple certification bodies which certify
products as organic in Canada. In 1999, the Standards Council of Canada developed the Canadian
Standard for Organic Agriculture which acts as a minimum standard for all organic certification bodies in
Canada.
Terms and Conditions
All non-flavoured coffee sold at Trent University managed or contracted outlets shall be Fair Trade
Certified. This excludes the Tim Horton’s outlet outside of the Bata Library.
At Trent University managed or contracted outlets where tea, hot chocolate, and chocolate are available,
there will be at minimum a Fair Trade Certified option in each of these products.
This policy applies to all present and future Trent University managed or contracted outlets, including but
not limited to the cafeterias located at Champlain, Otonabee, Catherine Parr Traill, Lady Eaton, and
Gzowski Colleges; at all University functions where coffee and/or tea are served, including but not
limited to receptions, banquets and ceremonies; in vending machines; and at the Trent University
Bookstore.
Fair Trade Certified products must be clearly labelled by the supplier and the vendor with the Fair Trade
Certified logo for consumers to see. Fair Trade Certified products must be priced such that cost alone
will not be an overriding factor in consumer selection.
The majority of Fair Trade Certified products are also certified organic. When feasible, Fair Trade
Certified products sold at Trent University shall also be certified organic.
There are multiple standards for organic certification and this policy does not specify one standard for
organic certification.
Implementation
The Terms and Conditions above are effective at date of policy approval.
Expansion
Trent University managed or contracted outlets and operations will actively pursue the inclusion of
additional Fair Trade Certified products as they become accessible to the vendors. Tea, sugar, produce
and sports balls will be prioritized for continued research and addition to campus provided options as
soon as possible.
Monitoring
The Fair Trade Coordinator, currently responsible for promotion, education, enforcement and
implementation of the Fair Trade Purchasing Policy for Apparel will assist in monitoring the availability
of fair trade options in all venues.
Review and Updates
Provision of Fair Trade products represent a growing understanding of the social, political, economic and
health issues related to food. The College and Student Services Committee added a sub-committee in
2006 that will be convened at minimum, every three years, to review the implementation of this policy, to
research and examine evolving food issues and provision practices, and to make recommendations for
expansion of the policy as required by best practices.
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Appendix G – Memo from Student Affairs to President’s
Office
**This memo is significant because it was sent from the Office of Student Affairs (University
Administration) to the President’s Office, advocating for fair trade. This adds legitimacy and
improves the chance that the Executive will decide to pass a Fair Trade Policy.**
OFFICE OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
MEMO
DATE: August 2007
TO: President’s Executive Group
FROM: Meri Kim Oliver
RE: Fair Trade Policy at Trent University
_____________________________________________________________________________
Fair Trade purchasing policies and practices can be found on many campuses in Canada for
items such as apparel, coffee, chocolate and free range eggs. (McMaster, York and Guelph are
just three Ontario examples.)
During the 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 academic years, students from OPIRG met with
University and Aramark representatives (participant list, Appendix A) to examine options to
expand Fair Trade purchasing practices at Trent.
The group reviewed existing practices and contracts and worked to find ways to include
additional fair trade products on campus in the form of coffee, tea, sugar, hot chocolate,
chocolate and sports balls. Where possible, Fair Trade products have been added to retail venues
and in February 2007, the Fair Trade group coordinated a two week awareness campaign. As
part of the campaign, additional fair trade products were added to the retail operations and 397
customers participated in surveys to gauge the level of support for limiting options to fair trade
products. (Survey results Appendix B).
The OPIRG participants also drafted a purchasing policy to complement the existing Fair Trade
Purchasing Policy for Apparel. The policy proposal has undergone significant review and
revision to reflect current options for best practices at Trent and to set future goals. The proposal
is attached with request for review and approval.
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If there are any questions, Patrick Clark (policy writer) and I would be pleased to meet with you.
Thank you for your time.
Appendix H – UK University Ethical Purchasing Policy
University of Edinburgh Procurement Strategy Updated August 2004
4.3 The University Fair Trade Policy
The University of Edinburgh achieved “Fair Trade University” status as defined by
Oxfam and accredited by the Fairtrade Foundation in March 2004, progress reported annually
to Fairtrade Foundation via University Sustainability and Environmental Advisory Group.
The University of Edinburgh Fair Trade policy aims to meet the following criteria:
1. Range of Fairtrade foods available at all campus shops, canteens, cafés, restaurants,
bars.
2. Fairtrade tea and coffee used at all meetings, and in at least 50 per cent of formal outlets.
3. Ongoing publicity and awareness-raising maintained on campus.
4. A Fairtrade steering group set up. (under Sustainability and Environmental Advisory
Group)
The University of Edinburgh is the first University in Scotland to achieve “Fair Trade
University” status and supports the City of Edinburgh “ Fair Trade City” Initiative.
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Appendix I – McMaster University Fair Trade Policy
McMASTER UNIVERSITY
Complete Policy Title: Fair Trade Purchasing Policy for University Suppliers and Licensees
Policy Number (if applicable):
Approved by: SMM
Date of Most Recent Approval: June 13, 2002
Revision Date(s):
Position Responsible for Developing and Maintaining the Policy:
Contact Department: Vice-President (Administration)
DISCLAIMER: If there is a discrepancy between this electronic policy and the written copy held by the
Policy owner, the written copy prevails.
McMaster Ad Hoc Code of Labour Practices Development Committee Members:
Mary Keyes (Chair), Associate Vice President Student Affairs
Eva Bodrozic, Office of Student Affairs
Glenn Fletcher, McMaster University Staff Association
Robert Hilson, Athletics and Recreation
Heather Grigg, User Services CIS
Tina Puchalski, McMaster Association of Part-time Students
Bryce Rudyk, McMaster Students Union
Donna Shapiro, Titles Bookstore
Sara Tedford, Ontario Public Interest Research Group- McMaster and Graduate Students
Association
Don Wells, McMaster University Faculty Association
Roy Adams, Professor Emeritus School of Business, McMaster University
Karen Belaire, Vice President Administration, McMaster University
Luke Chan, Executive Director International Affairs, McMaster University
Terry Galan, Director Purchasing Resources, McMaster University
Peter George, President, McMaster University, McMaster University
Bob Jeffcott, Ethical Trading Action Group (ETAG) secretariat
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Murray Lapp, Director Human Resources, McMaster University
Greg Marshall, Head Football Coach, Athletics and Recreation, McMaster University
Marcel Mongeon, Associate Director Research Contracts & Intellectual Property, McMaster
Emmie Morwald, Director Research Services, McMaster University
Albert Ng, Director Hospitality Services, McMaster University
Ken Norrie, Provost and Vice President Academic, McMaster University
Therese Quigley, Director Athletics and Recreation, McMaster University
Marvin Ryder, Associate Vice-President CIS, McMaster University
Ian Thompson, Maquila Solidarity Network
Daniel Woolf, Dean of Humanities, McMaster University
Fair Trade Purchasing Policy for University Suppliers and Retailers
Prepared by the McMaster Ad Hoc Code of Labour Practices Development Committee
I. Fair Trade Purchasing Policy for Coffee Suppliers and Retailers
It is preferred that all coffee sold by retailers at McMaster meets the Fair Trade standard. At a minimum,
each retailer shall provide its customers with a choice between coffee that meets "fair trade" standards and
coffee that does not. In addition to retail coffee supplied directly by McMaster hospitality services, this
policy shall apply to all new retail coffee contracts at McMaster. Certified Fair Trade coffee is coffee,
sold by coffee retailers and roasters, that meets the standards set by TransFair Canada, a non profit
monitoring organization that is a member of the Fairtrade Labelling Associations (FLO) headquartered in
Europe. TransFair Canada's basic guidelines for fair trade coffee are:
1. Coffee importers agree to purchase from the small farmers included in the FLO Fairtrade Coffee
Register. The farmers listed in the register meet various criteria related to democratic organization,
organic farming strategies, and commitment to a high quality product.
2. Farmers are guaranteed a minimum "fair trade price" for their coffee. (As of December 2001, this price
was $1.26 U.S./pound of coffee FOB). If the world price rises above this floor price, farmers will be paid
a small premium above market price (As of April 28, 2000, this premium was $0.05 US/pound).
3. Coffee importers provide a certain amount of credit to farmers against future sales, helping farmers to
stay out of debt to local coffee `middlemen' who may charge usurious rates of interest.
4. Importers and roasters agree to develop direct, long-term trade relationships with producer groups,
thereby cutting out `middlemen' and bringing greater commercial stability to an extremely unstable
market.
A list of Canadian coffee importers and roaster/retailers that meet the TransFair Canada criteria is
available from TransFair Canada, 323 Chapel St., 2nd floor, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 7Z2 (email:
fairtrade@transfair.ca ; web: www.transfair.ca).
The coffee that meets "fair trade" standards shall be:
1. Clearly marked so that customers are aware of the "certified fair trade" standard that the coffee meets.
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2. Available for sale by each retailer and by McMaster Hospitality Services. In other words, customers
will have a choice.
3. Priced such that cost alone will not be an overriding factor in consumer selection.
II. Administration
The Code of Labour Practices Advisory Committee (see Code of Labour Practices for University
Suppliers and Licensees) shall advise the University on issues related to the Fair Trade Purchasing Policy
for University Suppliers and Retailers, including its administration. It is intended that over time this
purchasing policy will be extended to other "fair trade" commodities (e.g. cocoa, tea) where this becomes
feasible.
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