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World Fair Trade Day 2007 |
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Written by Susan Sklar, Marketing Writer
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This year, World Fair Trade Day takes place on May 12th. It's a day that links Fair Trade producers and consumers around the world. The theme for 2007 is "Kids' Need Fair Trade," which offers all of us opportunities to learn how Fair Trade improves the lives of children in producer countries. It's also a chance for our children to participate by bringing Fair Trade products to their schools for fundraisers. Get more information about Equal Exchange's fundraising packet.
Fair Trade purchases help to change the economic and social structures that exist in our world. If small farmers, factory workers, and artisans are paid a fair price for their labor, then their children will be able to attend school and receive good health care. Government crackdowns have some impact but can’t be entirely effective without eliminating the root cause of child labor: poverty. The statistics are troubling. In 2004, more than 6.4 million children were trapped in slavery or near-slave work situations.
World Fair Trade Day was initiated in Europe by members of the International Fair Trade Association (IFAT) in 2002 to help bring awareness to these issues. In the U.S., the Fair Trade Resources Network is the central coordinating organization. Last year, over 81 communities around the world were involved in various activities and celebrations. You can support World Fair Trade Day by:
- Organizing a World Fair Trade Day event in your community. Request an Equal Exchange house party packet.
- Spreading the word. You can download a 2007 World Fair Trade Day poster at: www.fairtraderesource.org. Click on the World Fair Trade Day information. Or send a message to stores and companies asking them to carry Fair Trade products.
- Continuing to buy Fair Trade products and ask for them at your local stores
Information taken from the Fair Trade Resources Network website.
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