We invite you to show your support for just, alternative trade by becoming a co-sponsor of the annual Ohio Fair Trade Teach-In & Expo 2026, to be held Saturday, October 24, 2026 at John Carroll University.
Click here to make your contribution, or mail your check payable to IRTF, 3606 Bridge Ave., Cleveland OH 44113.
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-ohio-fair-trade-expo-tickets-and-sponsorship-2
See the Facebook event here
ABOUT
This annual in-person event at John Carroll University is expected to bring together hundreds of fair trade supporters, advocates, retailers, and vendors from across the state. The Expo is an opportunity to continue building energy around the already vibrant Ohio fair trade movement and previous Expos. 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.
WHAT: Ohio Fair Trade Teach-In & Expo 2026
WHERE: John Carroll University, Dolan Science Center; University Heights (Cleveland), OH
WHEN: Saturday, October 24, 2026
TIME: 10am-3pm (attendees are welcome to come and go)
2026 THEME: Building Capacity
This core principle of fair trade emphasizes valuable long-term relationships in order to promote fair trade business growth and sustainable supply chains and markets. Fair trade networks seek to increase positive developmental impacts for small, marginalized producers. Developing the skills and capabilities of owner-members or employees is key. Organizations working directly with small producers develop specific activities to help these producers improve their management skills, production capabilities and access to markets—local, regional, national, and international. Their products are often available not only through fair trade organizations but in national mainstream markets. Organizations that purchase products through fair trade brokers (or intermediaries like cooperative associations) help to develop their capacity to support the marginalized producer groups.
Mutual commitment, long-term relationships: these traits are counter to capitalist structures. Capitalism is often presented as an indisputable system where unfair working conditions, exploitive environmental practices, and growing monopolies are inherent for a functioning economy. But there is a way for artisans and farmers to escape many of the abuses of the dominant global capitalist system. Fair trade networks (or other alternative trade organizations) can help small producers develop sustainable supply chains. Because of the long-term mutual commitment, small producers can develop the technical capacity to create sustainable supply chains and markets.
GOALS
With the fair trade principle of building capacity in mind, the Ohio Fair Trade Teach-In and Expo strives to:
-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
CO-SPONSORS (list in formation)
Thank you to our co-sponsors, including several in-kind donors. (list in formation)
Church of the Gesu
InterReligious Task Force on Central America & Colombia (IRTF)
John Carroll University–Campus Ministry
The Market Path
CO-SPONSORSHIP LEVELS
Click here to make a donation, or reach out to OhioFairTrade@irtfcleveland.org. You can also mail a check payable to IRTF, 3606 Bridge Ave., Cleveland OH 44113.
$1,000 - Goodie Bag Co-Sponsor
Includes recognition on website, printed materials, event program book, prominent on slide show, and recognized in the fair trade goodie bag
$500 - Presenting Co-Sponsor
Includes recognition on website, printed materials, event program book, prominent on slide show
$250 - Market Co-Sponsor
Recognition on website, printed materials, event program book, slide show
$100 - General Co-Sponsor
Recognition on website, printed materials, event program book, small logo on slide show
GLOBAL FAIR TRADE MARKETPLACE
We are filling the atrium at the Dolan Science Center with more than a dozen fair trade vendors.
COMMUNITY PARTNER OUTREACH 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.
EQUAL EXCHANGE COFFEE & TEA
Complimentary refreshments (chocolate, tea, and coffee) by Equal Exchange, staffed by sales reps from their warehouse in Bedford, OH.
GOODIE BAGS
The first 200 attendees will receive a sturdy canvas tote bag decorated with the Ohio Fair Trade Network logo (and inside will find some fair trade sample products, compliments of our in-kind donors).
LOCATION
Dolan Science Center at John Carroll University, 1 John Carroll Blvd, University Heights, OH 44118
HOURS
Come and go anytime between 10am and 3pm. Programs are scheduled for 11am and 12noon. Free-will donations accepted at the door.
OFTN: Ohio Fair Trade Network proudly organizes the annual Ohio Fair Trade Teach-In & Expo each October at John Carroll University, in conjunction with: InterReligious Task Force on Central America & Colombia (IRTF), John Carroll University- Campus Ministry
SREAD THE WORD!
See the Facebook event here
https://www.facebook.com/share/1913p3Qauv/
