Every month we highlight Fairtrade groups that have continually gone above and beyond to help support the movement.
Each group have been recognised for their outstanding efforts to mobilise the community and stand up for trade justice for farmers and workers overseas.
Campaigner of the Month serves to highlight a group of campaigners for their commitment to supporting the Fairtrade movement. Fairtrade campaigners stand up for fairer trade every day.
December 2024 – Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton Fairtrade recently made history with its first-ever Fairtrade stall at the Wolverhampton City Archives History Fair, reaching over 250 attendees and showcasing memorabilia and historical articles from its 20 years of campaigning.
Chair of Wolverhampton Fairtrade, Julia Farrell also presented a talk to the Wolves Society, Wolverhampton’s History Society, about their 20 years of campaigning. The talk was well received, sparking a lively discussion with attendees who asked insightful questions and sampled a variety of Fairtrade teas and coffees. Warinder Juss MP also attended and spoke passionately about his reasons for signing the Fairtrade Pledge. He emphasised the urgency of supporting Fairtrade initiatives and inspired the audience with his commitment to trade justice.
Julia has been invited to Parliament in January for a special Fairtrade tea-tasting event. Hosted by Revolver Co-operative, the event celebrates their new Malawi Fairtrade range. Sureena Brackenridge, MP for Wolverhampton, extended the invitation, recognising Julia’s impactful work. Julia plans to bring Wolverhampton Fairtrade leaflets and posters to the event, aiming to encourage MPs to support Fairtrade products in their Parliamentary offices.
As Wolverhampton approaches its 21st year as a Fairtrade City/Community, plans are underway for a Civic Reception hosted by The Mayor in March 2025. This special celebration will focus on young people as the next generation of campaigners. The event promises to be a highlight of the year, showcasing the city’s commitment to Fairtrade and the remarkable efforts of its youth.
Through so many amazing events, Wolverhampton Fairtrade continues to strengthen its network, raise awareness, and inspire action, demonstrating the power of collective effort in the fight for trade justice.
A message from Wolverhampton Fairtrade
I am very proud of everyone’s involvement in supporting Fairtrade in Wolverhampton over many years up to the present day and I’m especially proud of our young people in the city who are the next generation of advocates of Social Justice. Layla Perry of Bilston SWB Academy is our Wolverhampton Young Campaigner of the year and at 12 years old is spreading the Fairtrade message on Tik Tok to a new audience! And a wonderful young lady called Mia Bedi who spoke up so passionately at a recent event hosted by Magical Mind Coaching Youth Club about poverty and Fairtrade!
Julia Farrell, Chair of Wolverhampton Fairtrade
November 2024 – Tower Hamlets (London) Fairtrade Group
Tower Hamlets Fairtrade Group have been recognised for their outstanding efforts to mobilise the community and stand up for trade justice for farmers and workers overseas.
An enthusiastic and active Fairtrade group for many years, Fairtrade Tower Hamlets have recently worked with their local council to pass a best-in-class council resolution (featured in our latest campaign guide) supporting Fairtrade. This sits alongside countless other activities in recent years, including a panel discussion in Fairtrade Fortnight, making sure Fairtrade bananas were available in all local schools and speaking on the Islam Channel about the importance of choosing Fairtrade.
I think my proudest moment was when we realised that we’d got it written into the Schools Canteen Contract that the bananas supplied to Tower Hamlets schools needed to be Fairtrade which led to 40,000 Fairtrade bananas per year in our schools. Realising that our pressure had led to tangible change was a real encouragement.
Marie Larvin, Fairtrade Tower Hamlets Chair, on her proudest moment as a Fairtrade campaigner
Most recently, the group combined with Fairtrade Hackney to organise a protest walk (pictured below) around Victoria Park’s World Trees Trail during COP29 UN Climate Summit, highlighting how – with fairer trade and the proper support – smallholder farmers can play a key role in tackling deforestation.
“I’m pleased that after quite a long period of struggling we’ve now been able to build up some momentum again,” reflects Fairtrade Tower Hamlets group member Owen Beith, on their recent activities following the difficulties posed by the Covid – 19 pandemic and associated challenges.
A message from Tower Hamlets Fairtrade
Fairtrade is a practical response to injustice. One of the moments I’m proud of is the Council Meeting of 15th March 2023 when Marie Larvin & Owen Beith presented a Fairtrade petition asking Council to reaffirm its support for Fairtrade.
This was followed by a Fairtrade Motion, proposed by Cllr Abdul Wahid, seconded by Cllr Nathalie Bienfait which was passed unanimously. It has helped the Tower Hamlets Fairtrade Steering Group build on its record and renew its resolve to raise awareness that Tower Hamlets is a Fairtrade borough committed to Trade Justice.
Nana Asante, Tower Hamlets Fairtrade Group member and Fairtrade National Campaigner Committee representative.
October 2024 – All Saints RC Secondary, Glasgow
All Saints RC Secondary has been recognised for its outstanding commitment to raising awareness about Fairtrade in the school and wider community and by integrating Fairtrade into their school curriculum and ethos.
During Fairtrade Fortnight, All Saints RC Secondary in Glasgow enthusiastically embraced Fairtrade with a variety of activities. Students created vibrant displays and posters, while Fairtrade was integrated into lessons, highlighting its global importance. The school community also baked treats using Fairtrade ingredients, adding a hands-on element.
Led by Mrs. Madden, the school has made Fairtrade part of its ethos, raising awareness about its role in supporting farmers and building stronger, more resilient communities.
A message from All Saints RC Secondary:
“As a History & RE teacher I have always been passionate about facilitating meaningful opportunities for learners to explore real world issues and to develop an understanding of the world they live in and their place within it. Campaigning for Fairtrade has enhanced the voice of All Saints learners within their local communities empowering them to action change. Established back in 2009, All Saints “Chocness Monsters” have worked tirelessly to raise awareness of Fairtrade, motivating and inspiring others to also “Be the Change”. Over the years, one of my favourite events was a Fairtrade Roadshow we arranged, visiting local nurseries and primaries to show them how to “Get your Five-A-Day, the Fairtrade way”.
Amanda Madden
September 2024 – fairandfunky
Fairandfunky have been recognised for their outstanding efforts to mobilise schools and communities and stand up for trade justice for farmers and workers overseas.
This group of Campaigners has been highlighted this Month for their commitment to supporting the Fairtrade movement. Fairtrade campaigners stand up for fairer trade every day.
This year fairandfunky will be hosting their 10th Fairtrade school conference. These conferences have been a hub of Fairtrade and have given young people the opportunity to learn about Fairtrade and meet Fairtrade producers, MP’s, mayors.
Over the years fairandfunky have empowered young people and their communities to ‘Be the Change’
Just one of many examples of fairandfunky’s campaigning.
A message from fairandfunky to celebrate their award
We each have the power to make a positive difference in the world; through the way we act, what we wear, where we shop and what we do. Fairtrade enables us to do just that, connecting us to the people behind the products, we buy every day. We love sharing producer stories, creating Fairtrade artworks AND dressing up in banana suits – all to raise awareness and empower people to choose Fairtrade. We do this in schools, shops, museums and in Parliament! We’re looking forward to our 10th Fairtrade Conference for schools next year and hope to work with our new MP.
fairandfunky
If you would like to get involved in Fairtrade campaigning with others in your area, please visit the ‘Grassroots Groups’ section on our website. You can set up or join thousands of local groups all over the UK, including Fairtrade Communities, Fairtrade Universities, Fairtrade Schools and Fairtrade Places of Worship.
For those interested in starting a Fairtrade Community or renewing an existing Fairtrade Community Commitment,you can find guides and videos to help you get started or renew on our website. Also, you may find of interest the Community Space User Guide or the Campaigns Action Guide.
And if you would like to learn more about our celebration of 30 years of the Fairtrade Mark, follow this link to our Fairtrade Website to see 30 ways to celebrate 30 years of Fairtrade
August 2024 – Skipton Fairtrade
Since 2014, Skipton has made exceptional efforts to promote trade justice and support farmers and workers overseas. The group has been a driving force in mobilising the local community to engage with Fairtrade principles, contributing to a fairer and more sustainable world. Their recognition underscores the impact of their dedicated work in raising awareness about ethical consumption and the importance of Fairtrade.
The Skipton Fairtrade Group plays a pivotal role in fostering community engagement by supporting local educators, Fairtrade businesses, and students. They offer valuable resources such as free workshops, platforms for Fairtrade School Coordinators to share ideas, and an annual Fairtrade competition sponsored by local businesses. These initiatives not only educate young people but also strengthen the link between Fairtrade values and local action.
At the heart of Skipton Fairtrade Community’s work is their commitment to building long-term relationships with educators, helping them develop strategies to engage students with Fairtrade issues and connect with local Fairtrade businesses. This ensures that future generations understand the importance of creating a more sustainable and climate-friendly world. Skipton’s ongoing efforts exemplify how grassroots activism can drive meaningful change, inspiring their community to make a global impact through local action.
“We are passionate about creating a fairer and more sustainable world and see Fairtrade as being good for people and the planet. We support and encourage the teachers and the Fairtrade businesses in our locality (Skipton and beyond) by providing a platform for Fairtrade School Coordinators to share ideas, offering free Fairtrade workshops and our annual Fairtrade competition for schools linked to and sponsored by businesses. This year’s competition was to produce, using some recycled materials, a banner, poster, or card, to celebrate 30 years of Fairtrade making its mark. The winning entries were on display at the Fairtrade Yorkshire conference.”
Community members of Skipton
“We develop long term supportive relationships with teachers helping them with strategies to engage their students with Fairtrade issues and to provide them with links to local Fairtrade businesses. It’s imperative that we all understand that by choosing Fairtrade we are helping to create a more sustainable and climate-friendly world.”
Liz Roodhouse who manages Skipton’s work with schools
July 2024 – Bournemouth University
Bournemouth University has shown exceptional dedication to supporting farmers and workers worldwide through their trade justice efforts. This commitment has earned them the highest score and the only 3-star award in the 2022-2024 Fairtrade University Awards, highlighting their significant impact.
The university actively promotes Fairtrade and raises awareness about ethical and sustainable consumption. By achieving Fairtrade University status, Bournemouth ensures the availability of Fairtrade products, integrates Fairtrade themes into their curriculum and events, and engages the university community in meaningful ways.
Their top score and exclusive 3-star award underscore Bournemouth University’s unwavering commitment to ethical practices, benefiting both their campus and the broader community. Initiatives like the Climate Justice Debate Challenge further enhance Fairtrade’s visibility and importance in the university experience, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to drive positive change.
“We know the Fairtrade vision can only be achieved by giving consumers the opportunity to make more ethical choices. Therefore, we are dedicated to working with our caterers, the student union, academics, students, and the community to embed Fairtrade into what we do at BU.
The Climate Justice Debate Challenge that we co-ran with 5 other universities is a great example of how we are actively equipping our students with the skills needed to drive change.
Moving forward, we are committed to increasing the visibility of Fairtrade on campus through innovative campaigns to ensure that Fairtrade forms part of the Bournemouth University experience.”
A spokesperson for Bournemouth University
June 2024 – Camborne, a Fairtrade Town in Cornwall since 2010
Fairtrade campaigning in Camborne has went from strength to strength since Camborne became a Fairtrade Town back in 2010 in part because of local activists commitment to working with other local groups and joining in with other sustainability-focused campaigning activities.
From grabbing attention in the early days with stilt walkers to ensuring our latest batch of posters and postcards are available in Camborne’s libraries right now, a wide array of churches, eco-groups, councillors and other Fairtrade enthusiasts have helped ensure Fairtrade remains at the heart of life in Camborne. Recently, Fairtrade Ambassador for Camborne Brian Terry spoke at a local Great Big Green Week event about the benefits of choosing Fairtrade, further helping build connections with local sustainability groups and ensuring Fairtrade’s message on the need for Climate Justice is heard loud and clear.
“I am interested in Fairtrade not simply because it is a symbol of hope for increasing sustainability and human rights, but because it is formed of a network of committed individuals who strive to leave the world a better place than how they found it.
I was inspired to campaign for Fairtrade both due to the way in which the organisation questions normalised inequalities and because of its potential these perceived boundaries even further. My goal is to work with others to destroy more barriers, and to encourage engagement, especially amongst youth, with the issues that Fairtrade exposes.”
Brian Terry, Fairtrade Ambassador, Camborne
April 2024- St Peter’s, Bradford Cathedral
St Peter’s, Bradford Cathedral, has been actively championing Fairtrade within both its congregation and the wider community. Since initiating their Fairtrade endeavors, they have consistently organized various events aimed at raising awareness and support for Fairtrade principles, including their annual Fairtrade Breakfasts.
As a designated Fairtrade Cathedral, St Peter’s is deeply committed to promoting fairness in trade, inspired by their mission to serve the community and advocate for justice. Their dedication is evident through their active utilization and promotion of Fairtrade products, reflecting their values of compassion and solidarity.
This commitment not only solidifies St Peter’s as a vital hub within the Fairtrade movement but also provides ample opportunities for its members to engage meaningfully with global issues. Through their actions, St Peter’s embodies the spirit of service and compassion, making a positive impact on the lives of farmers and workers worldwide.
Bradford Cathedral actively campaigns for trade justice through Fairtrade. “To act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God.” (Bible, Micah 6:8) We aim to reflect Jesus’ teaching of caring for others: “Love your Neighbour as yourself.” (Mark 12:31)
The Cathedral’s Eco Group, with its focus on sustainability, stresses the need for a fair income for producers which enables them to adapt to the adverse effects of the climate crisis.
Special events, like the annual Fairtrade Breakfast, create fellowship through hospitality, and our continuing aim is to embed concepts of fair trade and climate justice through worship and all Cathedral life.
Canon Ned Lun, Lead Clergy on Fairtrade at St Peter’s, Bradford Cathedral
March 2024- Burgh Primary School
Burgh Primary School have been actively campaigning for Fairtrade in school and the wider community.
They started their Fairtrade journey in early 2023 and since then they have been actively campaigning for Fairtrade by running many different events.
Fairtrade Schools are committed to Fairtrade. It means young people understand how trade works and how we can work together to make it fairer.
The school uses and promotes Fairtrade products as far as possible and takes action for Fairtrade in the school and local community.
It’s great for the school, putting it at the heart of this people’s movement for change; it’s great for teachers, offering loads of ways to enhance the curriculum and develop young people; it’s great for young people, because it’s fun and is part of something happening all over the world; and it’s great for farmers, who are earning a fair price, and feeling the support of people on the other side of the world.
At Burgh Primary school we are committed to being a Fairtrade School. We started our Fairtrade journey in 2023 during Fairtrade Fortnight running a parent showcase, a Fairtrade Assembly and Fairtrade tuck-shops
In October 2023 we set up our Fairtrade Committee which has pupils from P1 to P7. They came up with the idea of a Fairtrade Trashion Show with each class creating their own clothing from Fairtrade sweet wrappers. They also ran a “Design a Fairtrade Tote Bag” competition.
In March 2024 we held our Trashion Show with around 150 families attending. It was a great success with everyone commenting on the high standard and quality of trashion designs.
Heather Wiggins, Teacher at Burgh Primary School.
February 2024- Kingston University
Kingston University has been recognised for their outstanding efforts to mobilise the community and stand up for trade justice for farmers and workers overseas.
This group of Campaigners has been highlighted this Month for their commitment to help support the movement. Fairtrade campaigners stand up for fairer trade every day.
In early 2024, Kingston University hosted a Fairtrade Forum and round table on gender, migration, food security, circular economy and Fairtrade. The level of student engagement across the whole event was very impressive, as well as the support from their catering providers. We would like to say a huge well done and thank you for your support of Fairtrade.
Kingston University first achieved Fairtrade University status in 2022. We recognise the influence and civic responsibility held by universities alongside our duty to support the campaign for fair and ethical trade.
“Our recent Fairtrade Forum invited students, staff, and suppliers to participate in a Fairtrade Q&A panel session hosted on campus, and to experience Fairtrade-certified products first-hand. The event also saw a display of posters designed by students and staff focusing on the importance of Fairtrade.
Looking to the future we plan to improve on our one-star-accredited Fairtrade University status and will continue to support the wider Fairtrade agenda.”
Stephanie Todd, Strategic Operational Lead for Sustainability at Kingston University.
January 2024-High Wycombe
Mike King and the rest of the High Wycombe Fairtrade Community Team have been a Fairtrade Community for nearly 10 years. During these 10 years they have put intensive effort into their Fairtrade support. During Fairtrade Fortnight 2022, Mike King delivered six 15-minute presentations about the function of Fairtrade to 995 students in the local high school and set out to run a Celebration Coffee project derived from a visit to Grecia in May 2022. With the aim to have a single-origin CoopeVictoria coffee roasted in the UK for the first time, which was achieved in 2023.
“Fairtrade allows marginalized producers to access and compete in otherwise unfair, sub-optimal, global markets, thus reducing inequality while promoting inclusivity. Our proudest moment entailed the Mayor and Ambassador of Costa Rica launching the Celebration Partnership Coffee at Highcrest Academy, donating a Fairtrade “sister” towns plaque to the school for its Fairtrade advocacy, joint teaching, and pupil engagement.
2024 objectives include upscaling our successful coffee project to engage wider regional or small independent roasters. We plan to encourage other senior schools in High Wycombe to connect with the Colegio Bilingue in Grecia, Costa Rica. Work is underway to connect local university with an institution in Nairobi, Kenya.”
Mike King, Campaigner from High Wycombe Fairtrade group
Get involved…
Get Involved – Fairtrade Foundation with Fairtrade campaigning by joining with others in your local area. You can either set up your own group or join with hundreds of existing local groups all over the UK, including Fairtrade Communities, Fairtrade Universities, Fairtrade Schools and Fairtrade Places of Worship.
For those interested in starting a Fairtrade Community or renewing an existing Fairtrade Community Commitment, you can find guides and videos to help you get started or renew on our website. Also, you may find of interest the Community Space User Guide or the Campaigns Action Guide.
And if you would like to learn more about our celebration of 30 years of the Fairtrade Mark, follow this link to our Fairtrade Website to see 30 ways to celebrate 30 years of Fairtrade.