1. BOOST YOUR IMPACT
Fair Trade
Toolkit
Modeled from Fair Trade USA’s Fair Trade
Town Toolkit
2. Lesson #1:
Don’t try to reinvent the wheel!
If it’s you on your own or as a small company use
EVERY available resource to your advantage
Fair Trade USA is a global company with massive
resources and well-funded research – If they put it
out there for free – USE IT
3. The Approach:
Utilizes a Grassroots approach to work from the
bottom -> up instead of top -> down
Capitalizes on the local movement – Locavore
Challenge
Economic Policy -> Social Movement
Towns + Universities
4. Step 1: Build Your Team
Reach out to different sectors – academia, faith-
based organizations, non-profits, university
students
Maintain a manageable central group
1. Identify Potential Supporters
2. Build Diversity in Your Group
3. Get Started Online
4. Celebrate!!
5. Social Media:
Blog
Facebook
Twitter
Youtube + Flicker
Online Petitions
Email List
6. Goal 2: Reach out to Retailers!
Figure out your city size
Host a Scavenger Hunt to find FT products
Create a Google Spreadsheet to track progress
Build a “Where to Buy” List + Map
Follow Up with Retailers
Celebrate!!
7. Goal 3: Engage Your Town!
Reach Out to Community Organizations
Send a Letter to Each Person on Your List
Follow Up!!!!
Help Your New Partners Convert to Fair Trade
Celebrate!!!!!!
8. Goal 4: Get Some Love from the
Media!
Plan an exciting Community Event to publicize
your Campaign
Create a Press Release
Develop Relationships with Reporters
Respect Deadlines and Follow Up
Celebrate!!!!
9. Goal 5: Pass a Fair Trade Resolution
Find a Legislative Champion
Create a Resolution
Show your Support
Thank your Elected Officials
Celebrate!!!
10. Fundraising with Fair Trade
Step 1: Host a Fair Trade Fundraiser
Step 2: Host a Fair Trade Event
Step 3: Apply for Local Grants
Step 4: Apply for National Grants
Step 5: Secure a Fiscal Sponsor
11. Fair Trade Tactics:
Live Campaigning
Gathering e-mails for a mailing list (especially
outside establishments like Whole Foods or near
local farmers’ markets, where the clientele
generally pride themselves on being more
socially aware)
Door-to-door campaigning
12. Print Media:
Print Media
Postcards
Flyers
Advertisements in women’s magazines
(Cosmopolitan, O, Allure, Martha Stewart Living)
13. The Internet:
Internet
Guest columns in alternative news media and blogs (in
Reddit.com, NOLA Defender, etc.)
Fair Trade Blog (www.boostfairtradenola.com)
Setting up this blog to address general information on
Fair Trade, frequently asked questions, myths, updates
on local events and community meetings, pickets, and
guest blog entries)
Twitter
Facebook
Pinterest
14. Television/Radio:
Guest slots on local radio/TV news programming
Public service announcements (which may
double as a Youtube video series)