Fair Trade Federation Newsletter

6 12 2011
Great Products From our Newest FTF Members

A warm welcome to our newest members:

Connected Goods    www.connectedgoods.com
Dsenyo   www.dsenyo.com
Africa Schools of Kenya    www.askenya.org

Just in time for your holiday shopping, here are some of their products!
Maasai necklace 

Fair + Fashionable. Accessorize in style: festive hairbands, a luxurious gold pendantor brightly beaded Maasai necklaces are on trend.

 

shawl 

Get cozy. With colder weather arriving, lounge around the house in cute pajama pantsand a shawl. Curl up with a cup of tea and a warm lambswool throw to complete the experience!

pumice set


Give the gift of relaxation
during the hectic holiday season, with smoothing  body oils or a charming

 

laptop sleeve
Wrapping it up. A bold, functional laptop sleeve protects tech toys. Or give a gift inside a gift! Tuck something small inside a leather tote, reusable shopping bag, or  wristlet!

2012 Annual Conference Call for Speakers 

 

Our 2012 annual conference will be held May 21-23 in Bellevue, WA. We are seeking proposals for conference sessions that will speak to the needs and interests of FTF members and others involved in fair trade.   Click here for more information about the conference and to download the speaker proposal. Submit proposals to  info@fairtradefederation.org by December 1. Please also pass this along to others in your network who may be dynamic speakers – particularly those in the Seattle area.

Thank you for helping us to build a dynamic and informative conference program!
Sincerely,

Fair Trade Federation

Handcrafting Justice ad

Give the gift of hope this holiday season by empowering women in the developing world.

Purchase fair trade gifts for your loved ones!


Visitwww.handcraftingjustice.organd shop today.

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Support Clarity In Fair Trade

6 12 2011

Together we can make a difference in our own communities and in the lives of marginalized farmers, workers and artisans around the world. Please consider a tax-deductible donation to FTRN, the only national, Fair Trade organization that educates about all certifications, organizational recognitions, brands and producers in the Fair Trade movement.

Donate Online

Your year-end donation helps Fair Trade producers and advocates get clarity during these confusing times of monumental change:

  • School kids-Project Have Hope winner
    Photo courtesy of Project Have Hope

    FTRN produces the only national, ongoing, live public discussions of key issues in Fair Trade through webinars, seen by over 1000 people in 2011. Our inclusive approach has enabled advocates to interact with diverse panelists such as: the Director of the Small Producers Symbol and Latin America Producer rep on FLO Standards Committee (Jerónimo Pruijn van Engelen); the CEO of Fair Trade USA (Paul Rice); a leading researcher of the impacts of Fair Trade (Danielle Giovannucci); a certification officer of a Dominican Republic banana business (Helen Nicolas); the Fair Trade Organic Coffee Buyer of Green Mountain Coffee Roasters (Ed Canty); co-founder of Equal Exchange (Jonathan Rosenthal); and, Director of Canaan Fair Trade & Founder of Palestinian Fair Trade Association (Nasser Abufarha). All webinar recordings and notes are free to access.

  • FibresofLife-woman
    Photo courtesy of Fibres of Life

    Over 2500 people voted in our 3rd annualFair Trade Photo Contest, in which producers and advocates submitted photos and told stories about Fair Trade. The 12 winning photos became the featured images in our 2012 Fair Trade Calendar, the only wall calendar focused on Fair Trade in N. America.

FTRN is the only organization in N. America focused exclusively on promoting Fair Trade education and discussion. We are also distinguished in a fragmented movement by being inclusive of broad Fair Trade interests.

Your donation will help FTRN to make these new programs successful:

  1. WFTD10-postcard artisanCo-organizing a Fair Trade Leadership Summit, through which stakeholders in N. America’s movement can clarify direction for Fair Trade and collaborate on urgent issues.
  2. Launching N. America’s only inclusive, grassroots membership program for the Fair Trade movement, Fair Trade Society, through which any person can access in-depth analysis of news, receive free advocacy resources, and qualify for specials on Fair Trade products.

FTRN will also strengthen our widely respected existing programs, such as:

 

1. World Fair Trade Day - We coordinate N. America’s largest Fair Trade event, as over 60,000 people take part in hundreds of events around N. America every May.

2. FTRN.org - this acclaimed website serves as a hub for over 100,000 people per year seeking a free Power Point overview of Fair Trade, movement news updates, reviews of books and films, a N. American Events Calendar, the world’s largest catalog of research papers, job listings and more.

2012 calendar cover-lo res3. Several popular and definitive publications about Fair Trade: the 2012 Fair Trade wall calendar, a kid’s book Think Fair Trade First!,and a leading introductory booklet that has over 65,000 copies distributed, An Overview of Fair Trade in North America.

We ask for your support of the Fair Trade Resource Network to strengthen educational resources and discussion about all interests within the fragmented Fair Trade movement. Your donation also creates life changing opportunities for marginalized people around the world.

Donate Online


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Categories : 63547, Action, Quality of Life

Fair Trade VS. Free Trade

6 12 2011
Fair Trade:
The transparent declaration all along the supply chain of the economic, social and ethical aspects of the goods being produced under Fair Trade standards (principles).
Here is a good article from Wikipedia:
Free Trade:
The elimination of tariffs, taxes and government subsidies in the movement of goods and services from producers to consumers.
Here is another good article from Wikipedia:
Pure economists favor free trade as it eliminates the distortions in the free market system. They do not like the implied social (wage) premiums paid under the FLO systems of labeling Fair Trade.
Here  is some good material from the Economist – worth reading:

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Update From La Mesa

6 11 2011

     During the past few months we have been bringing you news of the ongoing campaign to make La Mesa a Fair  Trade Town. The campaign continues and is learning weekly from the process. At the urging of some city council members, perhaps too soon, La Mesa Fair Trade got itself on the agenda for the October 11th city council meeting to vote on passage of a council resolution in support of Fair Trade Town status. Despit strong support from two council members other city council members were not yet ready to support passage of the resolution. Even though the vote before the La Mesa City Council did not result in the passage of a Fair Trade Town resolution, La Mesa Fair Trade and Fair Trade San Diego arefurther energized to continue our efforts of working in partnership with La Mesa City Council to pass a resolution in support of La Mesa being declared a Fair Trade Town as well to continue our broader efforts to raise awareness of the benefits of Fair Trade certified products.

Since October 11th the LMFT steering committee has been meeting one on one with La Mesa city council members to further

ftlm at spacebarclarify what it means to pass a city resolution in favor of Fair Trade Town status. In addtion committee members continue to meet with local merchants who currently sell Fair Trade products as well as those who are interested in beginning to do so.  As a result of the city council vote, the campaign received media attention from the East County Magazine, the La Mesa Patch and the Union Tribune. During October Fair Trade San Diego was able to have a letter to the editor published in all three media outlets so as to let the community know that the efforts to make La Mesa a Fair Trade Town have not slowed.

According to Fair Trade Towns USA, “The Fair Trade Towns designation provides a platform for continued outreach and education to build the Fair Trade movement locally and deepen each community’s commitment to international justice”. Passing a city council resolution is one of the last stages in the process of becoming a Fair Trade Town and is a recognition of support for organizations such as La Mesa Fair Trade to promote consumption of Fair Trade certified productsand educate on their impact. A city council resolution is not an endorsement of any particular local business.

Links to read letters to editor:

  http://lamesa.patch.com/articles/fair-trade

http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/7682

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/oct/25/mortgage-reform-plan-global-warming-organ-donation/


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Categories : 63547, Action, Fair Trade in the Media, Public Policy, Quality of Life

NEW “FAIR TRADE CERTIFIED” MARK ANNOUNCED

6 11 2011

October 28, 2011  Jeff

Fair Trade USA (FTUSA) has announced that the dominant label on U.S. and Canada products certified as Fair Trade will change to the one pictured at left. Both the new label, as well as the outgoing “bucket boy” one, will appear on products sold in N. America in 2012. The new “Fair Trade Certified” label, for the first time, can also be used on products sold in countries outside of N. America. So, the 3 widely recognized product labels in Fair Trade (Fair Trade Certified, FAIRTRADE, and Fair for Life) will now be seen in the U.S., Canada, and other countries.

Details at new Fair Trade Certified Label Launch


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Fair Trade Staying Connected with OOVOO.com

30 10 2011

By Joan Harper

In the ever growing world of Technology, Fair Trade would like to share something to keep you connected with people or someone special in the world. OOVOO.com a free video chat/conferencing website. Please check out the link and let us know how you oovoo.

http://www.oovoo.com


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Categories : 63547, Action, Fun stuff

Holiday Global Bizarre at Craft & Folk Art Museum

30 10 2011
Hope you are getting ready for the holiday season! 
Please find attached PDF version of Holiday Global Bazaar invitation!  The Printed version will be here on 10/31, and we will send them to you unless you would like to pick them up at the museum.  If so please let me know!
Please use the invitation to promote the event- we are going to feature each of you on our website and face book page, so keep your eyes on it, too.
If you have not “like” the museum, please do it today!
Please let me know if you have any questions!
Yuko
_________________________
Yuko Makuuchi
Global Merchant
Craft and Folk Art Museum
5814 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Tel: 323.937.4230 x22
Fax: 323.937.5576
www.cafam.org
www.theeggandtheeye.com

 


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Categories : 63547, Action, Events, Present & Past Events

Saturday Nov 5th, 10,000 Villages Event

30 10 2011


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Fair World Project Newsletter

18 10 2011
In This Issue
FWP’s Statement on FTUSA/FLO Split
Hot off the Press! For a Better World Magazine
Panama, Korea and Colombia “Free Trade” Deals Poised for Passage
FWP Tour: Tast of Palestine
Fair World News Bytes
Quick Links
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Fair World Project is a 501c(3), your donations are tax deductible.
Join Our Mailing List!
Dear Joan,
Fair World Project’s (FWP) Statement on Fair Trade USA’s Resignation from Fairtrade International (FLO)

Fair trade is a social movement and market model that aims to empower small-scale farmers and consumers in underdeveloped countries to create an alternative trading system that supports equitable trading, sustainable development and long-term trading relationships. Fair trade supports fair prices and wages for producers, safe working conditions, investment in community development projects, and the elimination of child labor, workplace discrimination and exploitation.

On September 15th, Fairtrade International (FLO) and Fair Trade USA (FTUSA) jointly announced that 

FTUSA is resigning its membership in FLO, effective December 31, 2011.

 

Fair Trade USA’s move raises many questions for fair trade producers in the Global South. Many producers rely heavily on the US market for sales and distribution. FTUSA’s rash exit from the FLO system will most certainly cause chaos in the near-term as FTUSA has failed to publish its own standards or details regarding its new labeling scheme. In the long run, everything from consumer apathy to competing labels that make similar claims will undermine the fair trade market and the overall positive impact for producers.

 

 

 

 

Read FWP’s comlplete statement.

Join the conversation on FWP’s blog.
Hot off the Press! For a Better World Magazine 
 

 

Fair World Project’s is proud to announce the publication of the 3rd edition of “For a Better World” magazine. This edition contributing authors address the true cost of bananas, fair trade quinoa production, the challenges of certifying fair trade crafts, organic fair trade alcohol production in Ecuador, unpacking major fair trade certifiers, and the domestic fair trade experience of Swanton Berry Farm.

 

Distribute “For a Better World” for free at your business, organization or center of worship. “For a Better World,” a free semi-annual publication, is the first of its kind. Featuring articles from a variety of perspectives; from farmer workers to 100% committed fair trade brands to deciphering certification schemes and trade organizations, “For a Better World” is an excellent resource to educate consumers.

 

Click here to request copies of “For a Better World” for distribution

Click here to download a free PDF of “For a Better World”
Panama, Korea and Colombia “Free Trade” Deals Poised for Passage
The Obama Administration and Congress are closing in on three “free trade” agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea. These NAFTA-styled agreements expand the failed trade policies and false promises of NAFTA to the rest of the world.

According to Public Citizen: Passing the Korea deal would kill U.S. jobs. Even official government studies show it will increase the U.S. trade deficit. Passing the Colombia deal would kill any leverage Colombian union, Afro-Colombian and other community leaders and their U.S. union and civil society friends and allies have to stop the murders, forced displacements and other acts of political violence that dominate life in Colombia. And passing the Panama deal would kill our ability to fight tax havens without risking attack by corporations under new privileges established in the pact.”

Take action:

Tell your Representative to vote against the Korea, Colombia, and Panama trade Deals

For more information:

The U.S.-Colombia FTA: Still a Bad Deal for Human Rights

 
Fair World Project Tour: A New Taste of Palestine

A New Taste of Palestine

February 3th-13th 2012

Please join the Fair World Project (FWP) the Canaan Fair Trade and Run Across Palestine (RAP) to explore the emerging world of Fair Trade in Palestine. FWP’s Palestine tour will provide a unique opportunity to learn from Palestinian farmers, workers, and their families. In addition to experiencing the reality of Palestinian farmers and producers, tour participants will share in the richness of Palestine’s cultural and religious heritage, visit historic and off-the-beaten-track places, and experience the hospitality of the Palestinian people. The tour will also meet and accompany runners that are participating in the “Run Across Palestine” ultra-marathon event.

FWP’s Fair Trade Palestine tour will accompany portions of the Run Across Palestine. RAP will raise funds and awareness for the plight of Palestinian olive farmers who have been displaced from their ancestral farms due to the ongoing conflict in the region. Funds raised from the RAP will have several immediate impacts including purchasing and planting thousands of olive trees. Funds will also provide scholarships for the children of Palestinian olive farmers. All this is designed to reestablish sustainable olive growing practices in this land known for its centuriesold traditions of hospitality and fine orchard crops.

Tour Highlights:

  • Canann Fair Trade olive, tomato and wheat farmers
  • Visit with Palestine Fair Trade Association producers
  • Hebron Seeds Bank with the Union of Agricultural Work Committees
  • East Bani Zayd Organic Olive Oil Co-operative
  • Qasaba Market
  • Accompany Run Across Palestine activities
  • Cultural activities in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Jenin, Ramallah and Hebron.

Download tentative itinerary

 

Cost: $2000

Package Includes:

  • 3 Star Hotels and Guest Family Housings; three meals a day
  • On-ground transportation including airport pick-up and drop-off
  • Translation and program activities
  • Preparatory reading materials
  • NOT INCLUDED: airfare, airport departure taxes, lunches, tips, and personal expenses. Single rooms are available for an additional $200.

How to Register:

Register online and pay a non-refundable deposit of $400 by November 1st.

 

Register online!

 

 

Contact Ryan (ryan@fairworldproject.org) with any questions about this trip, or call toll-free 800-631-9980.
Fair World News Bytes

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Categories : 63547, Action, Events, Fair Trade in the Media, Fair Trade LA Links

Immigration and Fair Trade

18 10 2011

IMMIGRATION and FAIR TRADE

WHAT IS FAIR TRADE? Fair Trade is an economic initiative that promotes sustainable development for small producers throughout the world. Characteristics include:

* Fair price for products

* Democratically organized cooperatives

* Direct links between producers and businesses: fewer middlemen

* Community projects: schools, health clinics.

* Environmentally friendly practices

* No child labor

FAIR TRADE vs. FREE TRADE: Free trade is a market model in which goods and services flow between countries without government restrictions. Profit, with little regard for persons or the planet, is most often the overriding concern. Fair Trade is a variant of free trade that also takes into consideration the small producer and the environment. Fair Trade brings life values to free trade … it’s free trade with a conscience.

PRODUCTS: Coffee is at the vanguard of the movement as the second largest traded commodity after oil (twenty five million small coffee farmers in an 80 billion dollar industry) The fair trade market currently offers 200 additional products including tea, chocolate, cocoa, sugar, wine bananas and a whole host of handicrafts.

HOW DO I KNOW IT’S FAIR TRADE? For commodities such as coffee, chocolate and tea look for the “Fair Trade Certified” or “Fair Trade Federation” seal on the package ( photos below) The recently introduced “Fair For Life” label also identifies a Fair Trade product.

There is no certification label available for handcrafts. The credibility of the seller is the assurance that the product is within the Fair Trade market. Catalogues from Catholic Relief Services and Ten Thousand Villages and local businesses such as Fair Trade Express of Long Beach are examples of reliable fair trade merchants.

SHOPPING and the GOSPEL
“Therefore treat others as you would have them treat you. This is the whole meaning of the Law and the prophets.” Matthew 12:9

“We all have to go shopping. Fair Trade is just shopping with respect (for others)”

Kwabena Ohmeng-Tinyase, Managing Director of Kuapa Koko, a Fair Trade cocoa cooperative in Ghana

IMMIGRATION and FAIR TRADE

ENFORCEMENT ONLY:

1994 2004

Spending $765 million $3.8 billion

Border Patrol Agents 3,964 agents 11,863 agents

Number of undocumented 4.1 million 9.3 million

“Show me a 50 foot wall and I’ll show you a 51 foot ladder” Janet Napolitano, as Gov. of Arizona

IMMIGRATION : ROOT CAUSES “Immigration is a global issue … we need to talk about root causes and get over the obsession with legal aspects” Jeffrey Kaye, author of ” Moving Millions – How Coyote Capitalism Fuels Global Immigration.”

“We begin with the premise that people should have the option to remain in their homelands with economic opportunities to support their families ….. Both countries should address the root causes of immigration. A Pastoral Letter Concerning Migration from the Catholic Bishops of Mexico and the United States

FAIR TRADE : OPPORTUNITY AT HOME “ I was planning to go to work in a factory because the prices I was receiving before Fair Trade were not enough to maintain my farm and family. Thankfully, our cooperative’s sales of Fair Trade bananas increased, and I have been able to stay with my family. Fair Trade has increased the income of our members, decreased migration ….

Ivan Ramon, Cerro Azul cooperative, Ecuador.

“..it’s amazing to see how migration has decreased almost to zero! The social impact of the fair trade market is incredible for us.”

Jeronimo Bollen, President, Manos Campesinos Coffee Coop, Loma Linda, Guatemala

FAIR TRADE : PUTTING A FACE ON THE STRANGER The Fair Trade movement brings to light the stories of small producers. Santiago Rivera of Nicaragua moves the You Tube viewer almost to tears as he speaks simply of his deep gratitude that Fair Trade has allowed his family to move from a diet of tortillas and salt to one of tortillas with beans. The stories awaken compassion and open dialogue.

FAIR TRADE : COMMON GROUND Whether one is on the right or left, favors a high wall or no wall, trends towards compassion or punishment, all should be able to come together to support a Fair Trade movement which decreases the need to migrate.

FAIR TRADE: THE WORLD THAT YOU WANT

“To buy is to vote. To buy is to vote for the kind of world that you want” Father Franz Van der Hoff, Founder of the Fair Trade coffee movement.

Fair Trade affords everyone the opportunity to align their everyday shopping with the values of the Gospel, live in solidarity with people throughout the world, and join with millions in a movement to transform the global economy and make economic migration past history.

EVERY PURCHASE MATTERS


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Categories : 63547, Action, Justice, Public Policy

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