 | I've always wanted to make Thanet a Fairtrade Island, at least since hearing the excellent news that Garstang had become a Fairtrade Town. At the time, I was serving on the board of two
national charities. This involved a lot of travelling around the UK promoting Fairtrade, and the plight of rural women worldwide. When I retired, Canterbury Fairtrade Group invited me to join their Steering Group, and shortly afterwards, I formed Thanet Fairtrade Initiative.
My top tips
- Journalists are your friends. Get some friendly contacts at your local newspaper and radio station and press representative on your Steering Group. When you’ve got a story to shout about, they’ll be invaluable.
- Count on your council. Support from your local council is crucial for your campaign. I’ve secured a regular column in Thanet council’s quarterly magazine. It goes to every household and next issue Fairtrade will feature on the front cover.
- Vital and virtual.www.thanetfairtrade.org.uk tells people what our campaign is about, highlighting events, news and local suppliers.
- Publish a Fairtrade Guide. Our colourful handout lists local shops, restaurants, cafés and workplaces offering Fairtrade products.
- Hold events. Use annual events to highlight your campaign, such as World Food Day in October and World Fair Trade Day in May.
|
Challenges
- Show me the money. For local impact you’ll need financial support. It’s worth asking around. Try your council, supermarkets and small local businesses.
- Bust those Fairtrade myths. People often think Fairtrade products are more expensive. I always explain that Fairtrade is about people and giving farmers in poor countries the oppportunities we take for granted.
The future
On 12 July 2008, the people of Thanet will come together to celebrate our Fairtrade Island status with a celebratory mix of drama, song and dance, by professional artists and pupils and staff of local schools.
This is just the beginning of Thanet’s Fairtrade journey. The focus is now on encouraging schools to become Fairtrade, and more workplaces to join the campaign.
In five years I expect to see Fairtrade available in all restaurants, hotels and B&Bs. All educational establishments will be either Fairtrade or working to gain Fairtrade status, and I hope Thanet will have already gained an Imaginative Fairtrade Award from the Fairtrade Foundation.
©Summer 2008 Fair Comment