Companies, Students, Farmers, Activists Convene to Grow the Fair Trade Movement
OAKLAND, California (November 8, 2018) –
Global Fair Trade advocacy organization Fair Trade Campaigns will host its annual national conference, a multi-stakeholder gathering of Fair Trade supporters, in Chicago, IL, March 1-3, 2019. The conference, which will focus on tangible pathways for growing the Fair Trade movement, will bring together a diverse and active audience – from Fair Trade farmers, workers and artisans to NGOs, students, citizen advocates and companies. Over 250 campuses and communities from Fair Trade Campaigns’ U.S. network will be represented, as well as Fair Trade stakeholders from across the globe.
The event will build on the energy and engagement of the 2018 National Conferencein Washington, DC, which convened over 325 local, national and international leaders in sustainability, social justice and Fair Trade. The 2018 conference featured presentations from industry leaders including 1% for the Planet CEO Kate Williams, Patagonia’s Vice President of Global Sportswear Helena Barbour and Fair Trade USA Founder and CEO Paul Rice.
“This gathering is all about engagement and inspiration,” said Billy Linstead Goldsmith, Director of Fair Trade Campaigns. “Our shared vision is a world where Fair Trade practices are the norm, not the exception, and we can only get there through new levels of collaboration.”
Over the course of three days, attendees will have the opportunity to meet Fair Trade supporters, participate in hands-on workshops and trainings, attend a Fair Trade career fair and hear from world-renowned leaders across multiple sectors.
Four specific tracks will allow attendees to choose their own adventure, diving into specific areas they’re passionate about: Partnerships to Scale the Movement; Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Advocacy; 2030 Vision: Fair Trade and the UN SDGs; and Fair Trade and Advocacy 101.
This gathering is open to the public and all are encouraged to register. Visit conference.fairtradecampaigns.org for more information. Members of the press are invited to attend and schedule interviews with keynote speakers and leaders in the Fair Trade movement. For more information about press attendance, please contact suzi@fairtradecampaigns.org.
About Fair Trade Campaigns
Fair Trade Campaigns recognizes towns, colleges, universities, schools, and congregations in the U.S. for embedding Fair Trade practices and principles into policy, as well as in the social foundations of their communities. Project collaborators include Fair Trade USA, Fairtrade America, and Fair for Life, third-party certifiers of Fair Trade products in the United States, and the Fair Trade Federation, a North American trade association of organizations fully committed to Fair Trade. Visit FairTradeCampaigns.org for more information.
Contact
Suzi Hiza, Communications & Programs Manager, Fair Trade Campaigns
suzi@fairtradecampaigns.org, 510.844.1656