Campaigner story

Anthony Day, 20, from Hartlepool, first began campaigning for Fairtrade in 2003, when he was just 14. He was recognised for his work in 2007 when he received a Diana Award for Inspirational Young People. He is currently doing an accountancy apprenticeship, and hopes to volunteer in the police force.

What did you get your Diana Award for?

I was given the award in 2007, having been nominated by my Headmaster and Deputy-Headmaster for the work I had done in promoting Fairtrade in school. I was a member of the first-ever Fairtrade Young Cooperative set up in the UK, selling Fairtrade produce at school, and also at local council offices. Hartlepool became a Fairtrade Town in 2007 and I was involved with that. I have also sent letters to Buckingham Palace, Gordon Brown, David Cameron, and Tony Blair (who sent me a signed book!).

Last July I helped set up the Diana Award Channel, a website in which 25,000 Diana Award winners can blog about issues concerning them, from knife crime to bullying to global issues. I interviewed a Fairtrade campaigner from my town and posted that on the site, so Fairtrade’s message is getting on there!

Do you have any tips for campaigners?

For me, being part of a Fairtrade co-operative was brilliant; everyone is equal and it is a really great way of getting involved. Also talking to your local MP or Mayor about Fairtrade, and how they might be able to support it in your local area can be really worthwhile. Educating and informing people about the benefits of buying Fairtrade is really important, at schools and colleges in particular.

Have there been any memorable high points?

Earlier this year during Fairtrade Fortnight I spoke to a Fairtrade producer, who told me how Fairtrade has improved his life, and how he hopes that his children can have a much better education than he was ever able to have - and that is all down to Fairtrade. It just showed how campaigning for Fairtrade does affect real people’s lives all over the world, and that you can make a real difference by supporting Fairtrade.

See some of Anthony’s postings at: www.radiowaves.co.uk/s/Diana+Award

©Summer 2009 Fair Comment