From big cities to small villages, rural counties and urban boroughs, nearly 500 communities across the UK have already sent a powerful message about how they want trade to work by  becoming a Fairtrade Town. Recognizing this milestone and the countless hours of passion, creativity and hard work have gone in to building Fairtrade from the grassroots up, an Early Day Motion (EDM – 848) has been tabled in Parliament and in the Scottish Parliament (S3M – 7192).

Please ask your MP to sign up, adding their support for the movement behind Fairtrade and the continued growth of fair and ethical trade in the UK. MP contact details can be found at www.theyworkforyou.com.

Here's a guide of the wording you could include when e-mailing or writing to your MP. Please add as much local, personal flavor to the ask as possible so it has a stronger impact! -

Dear [name] MP,

Subject:  Please support Fairtrade Towns

I am writing to you as your constituent to ask you to sign EDM 848 – 500th Fairtrade Town / S3M – 7192: We Would Make 500 Fairtrade Towns

As a passionate supporter of Fairtrade, I think it is really important to recognise the hard work and achievement of campaigners across the country as they reach the important milestone of naming the 500th Fairtrade Town.

(Add details of your town/borough campaign)

Here is a copy of the EDM:

EDM – 848 - 500th FAIRTRADE TOWN

That this House congratulates the Fairtrade towns for their commitment to fair and ethical trade; thanks local supporters, activists and decision-makers across the country for their hard work and dedication in making the Fairtrade town movement a success; anticipates the 500th Fairtrade town to be named in the autumn of 2010; recognises the important role Fairtrade towns have played in helping consumers recognise their potential to act to improve the lives of the poorest producers in the world; acknowledges Britain as a world leader in the Fairtrade town movement, with more than half of the Fairtrade towns in the world; and reaffirms the House's commitment to supporting the continued growth of fair and ethical trade in the UK.

Or, in Scotland:

S3M – 7192 S3M-7192: We Would Make 500 Fairtrade Towns

That the Parliament congratulates the Fairtrade Towns, including Scotland’s first towns to achieve this status, Strathaven and Aberfeldy, for their commitment to fair and ethical trade; thanks local supporters, activists and decision makers across the country for what it believes is their hard work and dedication in making the Fairtrade Town movement a success in Scotland, Wales, England and Northern Ireland; anticipates that the 500th Fairtrade Town will be named this autumn, and praises those involved in and supporting the 500 Miles for 500 Towns Bike Ride, including Graeme Obree and the Proclaimers.

I would be grateful if could consider supporting this EDM.  Many thanks in advance for your support.  I look forward to your response.

Kind regards,

Your name
Your home address (important, they will ignore otherwise!)