Initiated in 2009, this in-person event at John Carroll University will bring together hundreds of fair trade supporters, advocates, retailers, and vendors from across the state. Each year the Ohio Fair Trade Teach-In & Expo continues to build energy around the already vibrant Ohio fair trade movement. In addition to the Global Marketplace of fair trade vendors, we’ll host educational presentations and our Fair Trade Around the World program for kids. And hopefully returning this year: Fair Trade Fashion Show for high school students!
WHAT: Ohio Fair Trade Teach-In & Expo 2025
WHERE: John Carroll University, Dolan Science Center; University Heights (Cleveland), OH 44118
WHEN: Saturday, October 4, 2025
TIME: 9am-2pm (attendees are welcome to come and go)
See and share the Facebook event here:
More info:
216 961 0003
OhioFairTrade@irtfcleveland.org
2025 THEME: MIGRATION
Throughout history, it has been shown that free trade agreements spur increased levels of migration. As workers in the Global South face suppressed wages, they are understandably attracted to higher wages in the Global North. Additionally, free trade agreements often lead to environmental degradation, fostering poverty, unemployment, and unsustainable conditions, forcing individuals to leave their home countries. In a time where international migration is increasingly difficult, dangerous, and political, especially in the United States, it is important to target the source of this migration. By supporting fair trade cooperatives–-especially in countries most impacted by free trade agreements (e.g., CAFTA)--communities are able to create opportunities and build the capacity to remain safely and economically secure in their home countries. Fair trade cooperatives offer higher incomes to artisans and farmers, reducing the need to emigrate to higher wage countries like the United States. Additionally, fair trade practices prioritize care for land and the environment, reducing displacement of people from their home communities.
Goals of the Ohio Fair Trade Teach-In & Expo:
-Present high quality educational forums to increase attendees’ understanding of fair trade
-Provide resources and active campaigns for fair trade supporters to join
-Create a larger network of socially conscious consumers committed to Fair Trade
-Offer opportunities for networking amongst vendors, advocates, and supporters from across Ohio
-Raise tens of thousands of dollars in vital income for fair trade artisans and farmers around the world
Thank you to our co-sponsors, including several in-kind donors (list in formation): Church of the Gesu, Equal Exchange, Kahiniwalla, The Market Path
Global Fair Trade Marketplace
We want to fill the atrium at the Dolan Science Center with more than a dozen fair trade vendors. Ask your favorite fair trade vendor to join us: OhioFairTrade@irtfcleveland.org .
Community Partner Info Tables
Info/outreach tables from community groups promoting justice, equity and human rights are welcome.
Kids’ Activities
Kids (ages 6-12) are invited to participate in our Fair Trade Around the World. As kids travel around the auditorium, they will learn about different countries, cultures, languages, climate and habitats—as well as personal stories about the farmers and artisans—from the vendors. Stopping at each station, kids can participate in a 5-10 minute activity and have their fair trade travel booklet stamped to be entered into the kiddie raffle.
Teen Activities
We are inviting teens to show off their fair trade clothing and accessories in our Fair Trade Fashion Show!
Food Vendor
We are currently seeking a food vendor.
Complimentary Refreshments
by Equal Exchange, staffed by sales reps from their warehouse in Bedford, OH. Complimentary chocolate, tea, and coffee.
Goodie Bags
We are seeking donations of fair trade items to stuff the goodie bags for attendees. Ask your favorite fair trade vendors if they even 10, 20 or 50 items (they don’t need to be the same) to give away.
Location
Dolan Science Center at John Carroll University, 1 John Carroll Blvd, University Heights, OH 44118
Time
Come and go anytime between 9am and 2pm. Programs are scheduled for 11am and 12noon.
Event Organizers
IRTF: InterReligious Task Force on Central America
John Carroll University Campus Ministry
on behalf of the Ohio Fair Trade Network
