Five top tips for getting started

• Plan ahead. Examine the school calendar and identify your opportunities for stalls and events early. When is there a quiet time? When are the parents and governors meetings
• Spread the word. Hold a taster session. It’s vital to choose the right place and the right time. At Ringwood school, the canteen does not open at break time so it was a perfect chance to corner the market. Warm summer breaks provide opportunities for al fresco Fairtrade.
• Jobs for all. Recruit energetic student leaders, such as Stef Edwards and Robbie-Anne Williams who have driven Fairtrade at Ringwood. Then make sure you include everyone. There are roles for every talent, whether you’re good at talking to people, organising meetings or decorating for events.
• Be resourceful. The posters and leaflets available from the Fairtrade Foundation are invaluable. They give the message to everyone and other resources, such as bunting, can be reused at your next event. At Ringwood, our catering manager is brilliant: she supports us and even stores the bunting.
• Keep talking.  When organising meetings, make sure they are put on the calendar and email students and teachers as far in advance as you can – and make sure everyone receives the minutes.

What were the challenges you faced?

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Finding time. Many students have packed diaries and conflicting commitments so it can be hard to call a steering group meeting. Communication is the key; use email to keep everyone updated so they know when meetings are, and make the meetings fun!arted with the successful local food lunches regularly hosted by our Eco Group.

What does the future hold for Fairtrade at Ringwood? 

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We are going to continue running our Fairtrade cafés because they are such a great way of recruiting supporters. This is vital in a school where every summer some of your key students leave. We’ll hold more events such as Fairtrade fashion shows, and encourage younger members of the school to organise them. We’ll have no problem maintaining students’ enthusiasm. Those who have been involved have found it genuinely empowering: they believe they have a voice and it really builds their confidence.

Action

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