Why Fair Trade?“Fair trade coffee, fair trade policies, NAFTA, fair trade policies…” when our group decided to start the group FairTrade at Northwestern, we noticed how many years we have heard the words “Fair Trade,” without truly knowing what it meant. All of us came to passion to fair trade through various paths, but, together, we agreed that Northwestern needed a presence of fair trade advocacy, especially since it is the only university in the Chicago-land area that does not have a group exclusively dedicated to fairtrade. As students and global thinkers, we have the power to give voice to those who endure dire working conditions and wages, who are silenced by large corporations on whom they rely on for income and survival. In summary, our project is dedicated to making Northwestern a catalyst for change through education of fair trade, increasing the use and sales of fair trade products, and advocacy within the larger Evanston-Chicago community.
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Our Project |
This project would challenge Northwestern University to commit to enhancing its purchasing from fair trade companies, especially in the University bookstore and food outlets, and challenge students to consider the consumerism that often creates desperate situations for the poor in other countries.
Our project is based on a 5-step method for fair trade advocacy, which includes these steps: (1) Building a team (2) Reaching out to campus outlets (3) Sourcing Fair Trade at meetings and events (4) Committing to Fair Trade Education (5) Passing a Fair Trade Resolution. Currently, we are focusing on steps 1, 2 and 4. Furthermore, we created a two part objective for this year: (1) working on a banana campaign with Beyond the Seal, a fair trade banana advocacy group created by Northwestern alumni, and (2) educational events, which raise awareness and support for fair trade throughout the year. The banana campaign is focused on the implementation of fair trade bananas in Northwestern dining areas and cafes. Advocacy events we have done include a panel and documentary screening with the makers of Beyond the Seal, the Fair-500 “World’s Largest Fair Trade Banana Split” on World Fair Trade Day in Daley Plaza, a fair trade booth at Philfest and a documentary screening of The True Cost for students. |
Join Us! |
We would love any support for helping Northwestern to become Fair Trade Certified! Northwestern University is an amazing and dynamic place with educated and well-rounded students. With your help, we can bring awareness for Fair Trade to the forefront of campus issues and help Northwestern and its students become conscious consumers.
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