KINDLY WRITTEN BY BAFTS' MEMBER, RITA VERITY of SONIA'S SMILE
Fairtrade Norway recently hosted the 7th International Fairtrade Town Conference on 28-29th September, where a gathering in Oslo of representatives from 23 Countries shared stories and ideas about their campaigns http://www.fairtradeoslo2013.
These images are a photo of the Olympics, the "Big Tent" approach from Fairtrade International and Oslo:
http://gallery.mailchimp.com/
http://gallery.mailchimp.com/ http://gallery.mailchimp.com/
This conference heard a lot about the 'Big Tent' approach used by the National Steering Committee in the USA which is about working closely with other certification bodies for purposes of the criteria, and therefore it is an inclusive model that works to promote and drive sales of a wide range of Fair Trade thus benefitting many more producers in the Global South. Following on from the resolution passed in Rio to introduce a certification label for crafts means we are widening the whole fair trade market while at the same time raising the profile and recognising those who are striving to do the most for the vulnerable people we represent.
I was particularly inspired by the opening speaker Erik Solheim who is now a special envoy for the UN having previously been Norway's Minister of the Environment and International Development. He is doing amazing work and his passion shines through, gaining him many awards including the UNEP's 'Champion of the Earth'. We heard about Seoul which will be the largest Fair Trade city in the world when they achieve the status, having a population of 10 million.
Other speakers included James Bennett, Head of Brand and Out of Home for Fairtrade International. He explained the work done with the Olympics not only to get Fairtrade products included in the procurement, but also get the Fairtrade logo on the publicity and promotional materials. Given that Coca-cola and other global brands were the main sponsors this was an incredible achievement.
In small workshops, we had discussions on our own campaigns and working with local authorities and schools etc. The message I always take from any gathering of people who are involved with trade justice is that we all understand that we can and must do something. From the Ministers and the Mayors to the volunteers and individual shop owners like myself we all know that we are changing the world one purchase at a time.
I am very fortunate to be in a position to go to these conferences and spend time with others who believe wholeheartedly that it is our duty to campaign against unfair and unjust practices. Fair Trade Towns campaigns are made up of individuals, the majority of whom have nothing to gain financially, they are not shops, importers or suppliers. They are simply people with a conscience who do not want to enjoy cheap luxuries at the expense of another persons life and they spend time and money campaigning to bring about this change.
Being a member of BAFTS should mean that we go over and above normal business practices, and that should be far more than just 'not exploiting' the producer. Paying a fair price should be the starting point only and not using child labour at the expense of their education similarly so. BAFTS shops should be the face of Fair Trade on the High Street and I know many are involved and leading Fairtrade Town campaigns.
If we are to be a credible member organisation we have to demonstrate that we comprise of businesses and individuals with a common goal and are committed to the 10 principles set out by the WFTO. I am grateful to the board for the work put in to oversee the running of our organisation but as Fair Trade continues to grow and is gaining strength, the scrutiny of our members is also key to our credibility. Being a member of BAFTS gives us all the privilege of participating in the process of ensuring that we uphold the principles and work together to keep our organisation at a level, at which we are all proud to be a member.
I urge everyone not already involved in playing a part of this incredible social movement to find out more about either Fairtrade Towns or participate in the work which the BAFTS board are doing. |
