Fairtrade Foundation: Communities Summer Update
Dear Friend,
As we pass the halfway point of 2023, we want to wish you all a happy summer and say thanks again for all of your contributions in building support for Fairtrade and trade justice within your communities.
But before we dive in to summer updates, you may have heard the very sad news that George Alagiah, BBC journalist, newsreader and brilliant champion of Fairtrade, has died. We are deeply saddened by the news of George's passing. George was a hugely passionate supporter of Fairtrade and our patron from 2002 to 2009. He worked tirelessy to help build the movement and spread the word. Through this he inspired many campaigners and local groups with his commitment and optimism.
Our thoughts are with George's family and friends at this time. Some of you may have had the pleasure of meeting George throughout his career campaigning for Fairtrade, and if you would like to send a message of condolence to George's family please email: rememberinggeorge@fairtrade.org.uk
Read on for more details on renewing your Fairtrade Community status, Fairtrade Fortnight 2024 and new graphics to help spread the word on why choosing Fairtrade is choosing a fair future for food.
The new Community Space launched in late Spring 2023, and most groups would have been given an automatic August 2023 date to renew using the Community Space.
We have already seen a number of inspiring and imaginative renewals, as well as lots of groups getting back into the swing of things with new and reinvigorated committees. It has been a delight to read through these community commitment applications so far!
If your Community would like longer to get used to the new online Community Space or to plan some further activities, please fill in this form to extend your renewal date to December 31 2023.
Please only complete this if you are your groups key contact, and you will receive an automatic extension - feel free to share this with members of your group.
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We hope this gives you enough time to tell us about your group's activities. For more support in using the Community Space, some of the links below may be helpful:
- Campaigns Action Guide: A guide explaining how to take action for trade justice and Fairtrade
- Community Space Online Portal: An online space where you can make/renew your Fairtrade commitment
- Community Space User Guide: A guide to help you navigate the Community Space online portal
- Community Scheme Update Campaigns Catch Up: Video of a webinar we recently organised, explaining updates to the Communities Scheme, the new online Community Space, and campaigning with Fairtrade.
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In 2024 we celebrate 30 years of the FAIRTRADE Mark here in the UK, and there will be lots of opportunities in 2024 to celebrate this milestone. One of which will be Fairtrade Fortnight, taking place on September 9 - 22.
We The headline news is that our Fairtrade Fortnight 2024 will be moving to September as part of our year-long milestone celebrations. This will give us more time to make the most of the activities and awareness around the campaign. And we hope this change in date will be an opportunity to celebrate the significant impact the FAIRTRADE Mark has had in the world. Look out for more details soon!
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Speaking of Fairtrade Fortnight, you may remember our 'Endangered Aisle' stunt which was held in London, in which we drew people's attention to how climate change and unfair trade threatens the future of our favourite foods.
In our ‘Endangered Aisle’ stunt, we highlighted how choosing Fairtrade is part of choosing a sustainable future for food and the people who grow it. Use our ‘Endangered Aisle’ graphics to run a similar stunt in your area!
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Sarah H, Stefan & Sam
Communities Campaigns Team
Fairtrade Foundation