One of the major visions that I (Melissa) have for Furious and Faire is that it will help people. Especially women, mothers and children, and orphans. One of the major ways that we can do that is by supporting fair trade and offering fairly traded goods for sale.
So, what is Fair Trade really? We see it everywhere these days and I know, personally, for a long time I kinda knew what the words meant but I didn’t really know WHAT it was. What it did.
Fair Trade
Noun
- Trade carried on legally.
- Trade in which fair prices are paid to producers in developing countries.
That’s a nice definition. It spells out what it is, and for the longest time that’s all I really knew about fair trade. But, I like this description from the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) a lot better. It makes it more real. It makes the people who are being served by Fair Trade more real.
Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers – especially in the South.
Fair Trade organizations have a clear commitment to Fair Trade as the principal core of their mission. They, backed by consumers, are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade. They can be recognised by the WFTO logo.
Fair Trade is more than just trading: it proves that greater justice in world trade is possible. It highlights the need for change in the rules and practice of conventional trade and shows how a successful business can also put people first.
I believe passionately in Fair Trade and how it can change the lives of those in need. I’ve been “down and out” and I know that what I wanted more than a hand-out (although sometimes a hand-out is needed first) was an opportunity to better myself and better my chances of succeeding. I believe that’s what is achieved through Fair Trade and I look forward to being an active part of that through Furious and Faire. Will you join us?
