How to become a Fairtrade University or College
Scotland is working to become a Fair Trade Nation. The student movement has been central to the rapidly growing success of Fair Trade in Scotland, because so many students are willing to stand up and demand an end to trade injustice and exploitation of workers in developing countries.
You and your institution can become part of the dynamic core of this movement.
Why is it important to become a Fairtrade University / College?
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Becoming part of the Fairtrade Universities and Colleges campaign will enable students and staff alike to spread the word about Fairtrade, and show their support for producers in developing countries.
- In order to secure Fair Trade Nation status for Scotland, at least 60% of all Scottish HE institutions, along with a good number of FE institutions, must achieve or be working towards achieving Fairtrade Status.
- People and Planet publish an annual "Green League", of which Fair Trade is an integral part. Gaining Fairtrade Status will give your institution extra points, enabling it to move up this league.
Through working to become a Fair Trade Nation, we are working together to ensure that workers and producers in the developing world get a fair deal for their work and a chance to improve their lives and communities.'
How Do You Become a Fairtrade University?
Simply by passing a policy committing your institution to become Fairtrade and creating a steering group to oversee this process, your institution will already be halfway towards achieving Fairtrade status.
The Student Union (or equivalent) and the university or college authorities both create a Fairtrade policy incorporating these goals:
1. Fairtrade foods are made available for sale in all campus shops. Fairtrade foods are used in all cafés/restaurants/bars on campus. Where this is not possible, there is a commitment to begin to use Fairtrade foods in these establishments as soon as it becomes possible to do so.
2. Fairtrade foods (for example, coffee and tea) must be served at all meetings hosted by the university or college and the Student Union (or equivalent), and should be served in all university or college and Student Union management offices.
3. A commitment must be made to campaign for increased Fairtrade consumption on campus.
4. A Fairtrade Steering Group must be established, involving students and staff.
Need more information about achieving Fairtrade Status?
The Scottish Fair Trade forum exists to support Fair Trade activity in institutions like yours. Contact us here