What is Fairtrade?
Brent Fairtrade Network We are volunteers who work with Brent Council to promote the use of Fairtrade certified products in our area. We welcome anyone to join us who lives, works or studies in Brent. We visit shops and cafés to encourage them to sell Fairtrade products.
Fairtrade goods come from a variety of companies. They include products such as coffee, tea, bananas, chocolate, rice and much else. Farmers and producers are guaranteed a fair minimum price and, on top of that, a premium that is invested in their communities. Fairtrade helps millions of farmers and producers in poor countries build a better life for themselves, their families and communities, and build links of friendship and solidarity across the
We work with schools, colleges, faith and community groups, businesses and other organisations in Brent asking them to use and promote Fairtrade goods. We promote the use of Fairtrade products in council catering contracts, staff canteens, vending machines and staff tea clubs. We hold awareness raising events, and run stalls at events around the Borough - we celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight (usually in the first two weeks in March every year). We get publicity and media attention whenever we can. We hold a list of shops and cafés that sell Fairtrade products in Brent. http://www.brent.gov.uk/fairtrade
The FAIRTRADE Mark The Fairtrade mark guarantees:
Brent: Fairtrade Borough What it means to be a Fairtrade Borough:
The Council has passed a Resolution supporting Fairtrade, and undertakes to serve Fairtrade coffee and tea at meetings and in its offices and canteens.
A range of Fairtrade products is readily available in many local shops and growing numbers of local cafés and restaurants.
Fairtrade products are used by a number of local work places (hospitals, offices etc) and community groups (faith groups, schools etc). We attract media coverage and popular support for the campaign. A local Fairtrade steering group promotes Fairtrade.
Decent wages. Minimum health and safety standards. A fair minimum price and a social premium for the community. A longer term trading relationship. Enlist more faith groups, businesses and A commitment to better environmental standards community bodies and working towards sustainable production. Work more with schools and governors The right for workers to join trade unions. A Fairtrade Mark display in Kensal Green Strengthen our volunteer network; Offer window stickers to Fairtrade shops / cafés. Guarantees better deal for third world producers
Future Plans
WE ARE A FAIRTRADE BOROUGH !
How can you help? Look for the FAIRTRADE Mark and buy more Fairtrade goods such as bananas, coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate, cotton, sugar. Choose Fairtrade at work and use Fairtrade tea and coffee for meetings and tea breaks. Why not join the Brent Fairtrade Network ?
Take a Fairtrade coffee break - request Fairtrade from your coffee maker - Fairtrade is now on offer at many of the high street coffee shops. Ask for Fairtrade goods in your local supermarket or shop - if you don’t see Fairtrade goods on the shelf ask! Encourage your school to learn about Fairtrade, buy the products and use the educational materials available. Share Fairtrade with your friends and family: buy Fairtrade gifts Look for Fairtrade suppliers online e.g. put “Fairtrade coffee”, or “Fairtrade shirts” into your search engine Encourage your community or faith organisation to use Fairtrade products and promote the cause.
FOR CONTACTS AND RESOURCES SEE BACK
Resources and Contacts Brent Fairtrade Network Chair: Robin Sharp CB: 020 8969 0381 robisharp@googlemail.com Vice-Chair: Dr Peter Moore: 020 8933 5848 pacmoore@onetel.com Council Support: Marion Hofmann 020 8937 5380 fairtrade@brent.gov.uk Treasurer: Ruth Kitching: 020 8969 6408 ruth@kitching.clara.co.uk Fairtrade schools www.fairtrade.org.uk/schools Fairtrade wholesalers www.fairtrade.org.uk/products/ wholesaler_suppliers.aspx Find us online: www.brent.gov.uk/fairtrade London wide: www.fairtradelondon.org.uk email: volunteer@fairtradelondon.org.uk For national and international information, campaign materials, news www.fairtrade.org.uk Issue I
September 2012