Fair trade: Taking action
'... Being a capable citizen ... is about being able and willing to use knowledge and skills to make decisions and, where appropriate, take action.' Education for Citizenship in Scotland, LTS, 2002, p7
Campaigning
Young people can develop as effective contributors through campaigning for fair trade, and taking positive action. The links on the right provide a wealth of ideas for action.
Ideas for assemblies
A whole school commitment to fair trade demonstrates to children and young people a respect for fairness and equality, and provides a supportive ethos for their active citizenship.
Assemblies are a powerful way of involving the wider school community, and providing the opportunity for the involvement of pupils. They can be led by teaching staff in the school, but when led by the pupils themselves they demonstrate a positive commitment to active participation.
Three enterprising ways to take action
Set up a fair trade tuck shop, selling fruits and snacks. Include free tasting sessions and send free samples home for families and friends. Local fair trade shops such as Rainbow Turtle, in Paisley and Linlithgow, will usually provide products on a sale or return basis.
British Association for Fair Trade Shops (BAFTS): A network of independent fair trade shops promoting fair trade retailing across the UK.
Organise a Fairtrade event for the wider community. Include awareness-raising activities, offer samples of products and hold a quiz or treasure hunt. Traidcraft has a speaker scheme for such events.
Traidcraft: Established in 1979 as a Christian response to poverty, it combines a trading company and a development charity.
Make a whole school display based around the theme of Fairtrade Fortnight, 'Change Today, Choose Fairtrade', where everyone makes a contribution.
Fairtrade Foundation: An organisation established in conjunction with various charities and organisations to promote Fairtrade in the UK.
Useful resources
Dubble Chocolate: A Fairtrade website aimed at children, with information, missions for Dubble agents, games and a secret club to join.
People and Planet Fairtrade guide: Provides a wealth of information on how young people can take positive action through campaigning.
PDF file: All you need for a Fairtrade assembly (204KB): A site with three easy-to-use assembly ideas, with resources.
SCIAF Fairtrade Action Guide: Download this Fairtrade action guide for schools and young people. This guide also explains how you can achieve the ultimate - turning your school into a Fairtrade school.