Students have always been at the forefront of the Fair Trade movement. Whether it’s advocating on campus to convert their dining services or educating their peers through classroom discussions, the fair trade community on college campuses is vital to the success of our movement.

Large institutional accounts drive enormous volumes of sales for Fair Trade companies and in turn the farmers that grow the food we enjoy every day. Organizing for Fair Trade on your campus has a direct impact not just on your community, but on farming communities around the world.

It also sets a positive example for other universities and student groups to follow in educating, activating and organizing the broad support for fair trade among college students and transforming the way your schools and universities do business to better reflect their values.

Hosting a Fair Trade event is an easy first step to get your campaign started and a fun and educational way to engage your peers in creating a movement for Fair Trade on your campus.

Ready to get started? We’ve got everything you will need to host a successful event at your school including discussion guides, films, and resources for converting your dining services to Fair Trade. Need some ideas? Check out what other campuses are doing below.

University of Florida (Gainsville, FL)
Thursday, August 28, 2008

Fair Trade in Florida

Lauren Cohen, co-president of Students Making Trade Fair, takes a picture of a student posing as "bucket boy"- one of many activities at the Fair Trade Fair

Students Making Trade Fair held a Fair Trade fair featuring a giant coffee mug, Fair Trade Certified food and information, magic shows and entertainment. The organization gathered at least 200 signatures on a petition to encourage Java City to offer fair trade espresso on campus. In addition to expanding Fair Trade availability on campus, the group advocates communitywide education on fair trade and an open forum for debate on trade and international policy.

"Fair trade isn't about giving people monetary aid, but it gives them economic opportunities, directly to the farmer," said Tina Steiger, a political science freshman and spokeswoman for the group. You can find the Gainsville Sun article on the Fair Trade fair here .

Students Making Trade Fair's Website