The list of city-based fair trade coalitions has a permanent link in my sidebar, but for those who want a more macro view, you might check these out.
Of course, other big orgs, like Co-op America, Oxfam, and Global Exchange also tackle fair trade issues — This list names those orgs that’re about creating large, grassroots networks of specifically fair trade advocates.
US-based
United Students for Fair Trade. A national network of student organizations advocating around Fair Trade products, policies, and principles. The core objective of USFT is to raise the awareness of and expand the demand for Fair Trade alternatives, both on campuses and in communities. US students make up the bulk of the org, but USFT actually isn’t limited to the US — it isn’t even limited to students!
I’d say the best and most exciting way to join in is by attending the annual International Convergence, which attracts students from all over the country (and Canada) as well as non-student fair trade activists. That’s the way I joined in :) Those with low income can apply for scholarships and such to cover travel, lodging, and conference fees. To find out more, contact the coordinator in your regional area (list here).
Africa
PEACE (Plate-forme d’Etudiants Africains pour un Commerce Equitable/ African Student Platform for Fair Trade. Based in Dakar, Senegal, the org connects students from over 20 African nations to promote fair trade in Africa and beyond. Its slogan: “Respecter autrui, c’est Å“uvrer pour un monde meilleur.”
Australia and New Zealand
Fair Trade Association of Australia and New Zealand (FTAANZ). A nonprofit, member-based org for all individuals and organisations interested in and supportive of fair trade. FTAANZ seeks to increase awareness of fair trade through activities, assist producers from developing countries to access Australian and New Zealand markets; and establish a regional organization to manage Fairtrade certification and labelling.
Hooked. A national student fair trade group in Australia, established in 2005. The core objective: “to raise awareness of and increase demand in educational institutions and the wider community for global economic justice.” Hooked’s inaugural conference is this May!
Canada
Canadian Fair Trade Network (CFTN). Founded in Aug. 2004 to increase the market share of Fair Trade products in Canada through consumer outreach and education in order to further social justice and environmental sustainability internationally.
Canadian Student Fair Trade Network (CSFTN). A national group of high school and post-secondary students and student orgs advocating for Fair Trade principles and purchasing policies. The group’s a collaboration of CFTN, Équiterre, Oxfam Canada, Oxfam Québec, and TransFair Canada.
UK
Student Fairtrade Coalition. UK’s student network that works with Fairtrade Foundation, Oxfam GB, and Christian Aid to support and found student fair trade advocacy groups across the UK.
Update, 5/12/06: Fair Trade Resource Network. If you’re part of a fair trade business, you might look in to FTRN — an independent nonprofit made up of an association of fair trade wholesalers, retailers, and producers, focusing on consumer education about the importance of purchasing fair trade products. FTRN started out as a part of FTF, but became an independent nonprofit in 2001.
May 9th, 2006 at 9:14 pm
Hi Siel,
Thanks for the list. Ten Thousand Villages is another US-based group promoting fair trade since 1946. I volunteer for the Austin, TX, store. I’ll drop you a separate e-mail with more details.
Hope this helps.
Best,
Wilson