Tweeting is all the rage, seems like everyone has a PDA with email, and let’s not forget how fun it is to post updates to hundreds of our Facebook friends. But, really, isn’t in-person communication still the best way to to share information, struggle with challenges, and create effective strategies? Call me old-school but I think so! It is no surprise, then, that I love Fair Trade conferences. Attending inspiring keynote addresses, reconnecting with colleagues, sampling exhibition treats, and being immersed in a fun, spirited environment helps me stay connected to important issues and individuals.

The Fair Trade Futures conference coming up in Boston this September is designed to be even more special than usual. The leadership group, including CRS Fair Trade, is doing our best to create a space for dialogue and debate and we need your views! Some topics CRS is considering are:

* Necessary but Not Sufficient: The Realities of Fair Trade Coffee
* Mobilizing Young People for a Fair Trade Future
* Striving for a Fair Trade Tipping Point
* Ask a farmer: Does Fair Trade Really Make a Difference?

The deadline for proposals to make it on the conference agenda is February 10. For a set of guidelines, please contact Rachel Bradburd whose email is conference “at” fairtradefederation.org. Or give her a call at (202) 636-3547.

All sessions are expected to range between 60-90 minutes in length and be engaging and interactive. While only very limited funding is available to offset travel expenses, some scholarships will be offered to support the attendance of registered students and producers. If chosen to present, presenters will receive a complimentary registration for the event.

Speaking of registration, even if you don’t want to present, please plan to attend! Early bird registration discounts end March 31. We look forward to hearing from you in September!

Producers and consumers can come together at Fair Trade events.

This photo of Rigoberto Diaz, a Mexican coffee farmer, was taken by CRS staffer Jesus Huerta at a Fair Trade event in Chicago supported by the CRS Fair Trade Fund.

Tags: Coffee, conference

This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010 at 10:13 am and is filed under Fair Trade movement. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.