Maintaining momentum Adam Gardner, Fairtrade Foundation, September 2018
Today s session 1. Your experience? 2. The world today 3. Evolution of social movements (and Fairtrade) 4. Renewing Fairtrade status 5. Tactics and tips: Over to you
Your experience What do you want to get out of the session? Discuss a challenge and a strength that you d like to share with the group.
The world today Fairtrade presentation name Date 4
Hope, community, challenge sustains us Fairtrade presentation name Date 5
Fairer trade is needed more than ever
Research: Fairtrade towns evolution 1994 FAIRTRADE Mark launched in UK 2001 Garstang first Fairtrade Town 2005 Make Poverty History (inc; trade) 2007 Sainsburys & Waitrose bananas all FT 2008 Cadburys announce Dairy Milk will go FT 2011 140,000 contribute a piece to world s longest piece of bunting in support of cotton farmers 7 2014 Make Bananas Fair: 70,000 petition, 180,000 emails to Asda & Tesco
We found Challenges The FAIRTRADE Mark brings a uniquely simple call to action the more complex message the harder to communicate it becomes A sharper sense of impact of their actions is needed for those at grassroots Can we influence corporate practice beyond certification? Renewing status often not a priority for groups process needs to add more value Recruiting new members a constant challenge Suggestions The movement is enormous, grassroots and delivers a huge reach into communities. More moments needed to feel that sense of unity. People motivated by doing right thing need to be more mindful of other benefits (e.g. social, functional, confidence, experience) to attract others to join groups. Trade not aid is important and FT a route in to so many more issues to make it personal and relevant to different audiences. Food unites! Products are a fantastic resource. Do more foodie events and engage through food and products. Especially organic, vegan, natural, FTOs etc.
Goal 5 maintaining a healthy steering group The most important of the five goals! Group dynamics be welcoming & participative Social aspect have fun too Be creative with how you organise: have sub groups, join with other FTTs locally, volunteer lists to call on, join with other local causes/issues etc. Set targets, measure and celebrate success important to keep enthusiasm and Think about how every activity you do will help grow your profile locally and attract new members. 9
recruiting new group members Best way to recruit is through your events and activities. Think about the value or benefits people will get from joining you. Why would they join (apart from because it s the right thing to do)? You can achieve a lot with a few don t be disheartened Local partnerships and alliances very useful Fairtrade gives you a route in to lots of thematic issues (climate, gender, worker rights, trade justice) use whichever you need and reinvent yourselves to appeal to more people 10
Renewing Fairtrade Community status Renewal system: No one size fits all Numbers the common theme Mention your existing work & new projects however you like Steering group knows the best way to take the campaign forward Action plans encouraged but not essential New process coming very soon (November)! 11
Over to you Write down the single most important thing to maintaining resilience and momentum of your campaign group 30 seconds to discuss with a pair and decide which is the most important one you have 7 points to split! Take your pair s note and discuss with a partner repeat splitting 7 points Repeat 3 times and add the scores on the note you are left with a potential max 21 points Share with the group 12
Our top tips How about: 1.Set measurable targets & celebrate 2.Go outside comfort zone 3.Be sociable 4.Be creative 5.Network regionally 13
Thank you let s stay in touch Adam.gardner@fairtrade.org.uk Volunteer.towns@fairtrade.org.uk 020 7440 7676 Fairtrade presentation name Date 14