Fair Trade: News & Updates

Volunteers are needed to run the IRTF fair trade booth. Our fair trade program generates thousands of dollars in much needed income for artisans and farmers in Latin America. Fair trade sets standards to ensure fair wages and human dignity for producers, community investment, environmental sustainability, and more. Cooperative members set their own hours and working conditions, and they are able to pay themselves a living wage (in the local context). Economic stability means people can resist the pressures to emigrate. Moreover, their children can continue their schooling and setting the stage for better opportunities for the next generation. https://www.irtfcleveland.org/content/fair-trade

Purchase products that support justice and equity in the distribution, access to, and participation in the production and consumption of the world’s resources for the people of the global south. The conventional trade model is accelerating a race to the bottom that hurts workers, consumers, and the environment. Moreover, it further divides us into “haves” and “have nots.” As an alternative model, fair trade sets a series of standards to ensure fair wages and human dignity for producers, community investment, environmental sustainability, and more.

Fair trade sets a series of standards to ensure fair wages and human dignity for producers, community investment, environmental sustainability, and more. Beautifully handcrafted items are made by artisans organized into cooperatives: small businesses, worker-owned, mostly by women. They set their own hours and working conditions. Most importantly, they pay themselves a living wage (in the local context), so their children can remain in school, building better opportunities for the next generation.

Food Action Forum meetings allow us to connect, build community, and have space to push our campaigns forward and engage in actions out there in your communities. In today’s overwhelmingly digital world we want to find ways to create meaningful and deep connections with this community, connections that are two-way; connections that are active, not passive. We look forward to connecting with you!. Join us. For any questions please reach out to eeactionforum@equalexchange.coop. --Frankie, Em, Danielle

Begin your holiday shopping early knowing your purchase can make a real difference for people around the world. You will be supporting farmers and artisans in a fair and just manner who are working to provide food, shelter, and education for their families. Come visit the IRTF fair trade booth and other fair trade vendors!

Join us at St. Joseph Church in Strongsville this coming weekend for our Fair Trade Shopping Boutique. Sale hours are Sat 3-6 and Sun 8-2. Our parish school's craft show is also on Saturday. Free door prizes!

Food Action Forum meetings allow us to connect, build community, and have space to push our campaigns forward and engage in actions out there in your communities. In today’s overwhelmingly digital world we want to find ways to create meaningful and deep connections with this community, connections that are two-way; connections that are active, not passive. We look forward to connecting with you!. Join us. For any questions please reach out to eeactionforum@equalexchange.coop. --Frankie, Em, Danielle

This festival celebrates the cultural and artistic diversity of Tremont and the greater Cleveland area, and supports the endeavors of its visual and performing artists. The event includes over 130 vendors featuring artist selling their paintings, sculptures, jewelry, etc.; live music and dance performances; beer & wine garden; children’s village, and more. Volunteers are needed at IRTF's fair trade booth. Inquire about open shifts at OhioFairTrade@irtfcleveland.org .

Join us at Saint Clarence as the fall and winter fair trade fair season gets under way. This event is over two days beginning Saturday afternoon (4:30 to 6:00) and then continuing Sunday morning starting at 7:45 and ending at 1:30. This gives plenty of time to visit and shop. Volunteers needed. Please contact OhioFairTrade@irtfcleveland.org .