Posts Tagged ‘Fair Trade Federation’

Proud of the Company We Keep

Monday, April 6th, 2009

In recent weeks, CRS Fair Trade partners have received a lot of attention. Katy told you about our coffee partner, Pura Vida, being featured on the PBS News Hour. The next weekend at the Fair Trade Federation conference, our craft and chocolate partner, SERRV, received the “Outstanding Service to the Fair Trade Community” award. Equal Exchange’s Interfaith program, our coffee and chocolate partner, was named “Best Public Education Program.” This was the latest in a string of well-deserved awards for Equal.

While CRS Fair Traders are mostly a modest group, it is nice to see our partners getting some recognition! We know of their commitment to producers and their efforts to make trade fairer and more sustainable. We are glad the wider world is noticing too!

Kathy Harley accepts SERRV's award

Kathy Harley accepts SERRV's award

Celebrating Fair Trade Success at Home and Worldwide

Saturday, March 28th, 2009

When you turn on the radio and hear about nation-wide job loss, perhaps even in your own family, or when you read about long-standing struggles with diseases like TB, you may feel discouraged and uncertain.  Fair Trade gives us some good news to share, along with proven ways to build an economy for everyone.

This year Portland, Oregon plays host to the annual Fair Trade Federation conference and birthday celebration.  FTF has been around for 15 years now, an association of organizations fully committed to business models that promote principles such as dialogue, transparency, and respect.  The FTF just released their latest Trends Report—thanks in part to a donation from the CRS Fair Trade Fund—and much of the news is good!

•    Seventy-six percent of production by FTF partners comes from female producers, as Fair Trade continues to be a mechanism for women’s empowerment.
•    Sales for FTF members grew from $499,893 in 2006  to $517, 385 in 2007.   A report from FINE (a global consortium) shows that global Fair Trade sales in 2007 reached $2.5 billion!
•    Almost 14 percent of FTF members have been in business for more than 20 years, demonstrating some impressive staying power.  At the same time, almost half of FTF members were established in the past six years, indicating growth in Fair Trade shopping opportunities.

Here at CRS Fair Trade, we have been experiencing more and more commitment to Fair Trade by the US Catholic community.  In 2008:

•    There were more than 1,000 Work of Human Hands events.
•    U.S. Catholics drank more than ½ million dollars worth of Fair Trade coffee.
•    About 600 communities were able to Raise Money Right enjoying Fair Trade chocolate and learning about Catholic Social Teaching.

All this is possible because in good times and bad, you participate in CRS Fair Trade. Each sale helps build income and community stability overseas AND connects you to a global community working to recover and thrive!

Two New Jobs at Two Great Fair Trade Organizations

Monday, November 3rd, 2008

It is good to see that despite the troubling economy, two Fair Trade leaders in the United States are hiring.  If you are looking for meaningful work in the movement check out these announcements:

Executive Director for the Fair Trade Resource Network 

The Fair Trade Resource Network is seeking a full-time executive director to conceptualize, energize, secure support for and carry out Fair Trade education campaigns in the U.S. and abroad. Salary, benefits and office location are negotiable.   The FTRN Executive Director is responsible for all aspects of leading a small non-profit organization devoted to advancing fair trade. S/he will envision, fundraise, plan, manage and promote all of the organizations programs. S/he reports directly to the FTRN Board Chairperson and will work closely with an active board of directors.  

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate is a social entrepreneur who is: A passionate, visionary spokesperson for Fair Trade education, with a strong grasp on the complexities of Fair Trade and global trade issues, a compatible personal values system, and the ability to communicate fair trade messages powerfully in writing and speaking to the public and other stakeholders.  A strong fundraiser who enjoys connecting with potential funders and donors, able to make in person fund raising solicitations, get people excited about Fair Trade education, and secure contributions; able to develop fundraising strategies with the board and support the board in fund raising activities; and able to develop and monitor strategies for ensuring the long-term financial viability of FTRN. Grant writing and reporting abilities are required. An established networker in Fair Trade, ready to network in the U.S. and abroad with  other Fair Trade and Alternative Trade organizations in a collaborative, coalition building format. An enthusiastic team player able to work with board and staff to conceptualize and implement new projects and programs. Program development and project/staff management experience must be demonstrated. An effective manager able to oversee and streamline (but not perform) low-level administrative work, by contracting out services, and managing staff and volunteers; able to attract and energize volunteers and interns to help execute projects and/or administrative work and maintain a supportive work environment that reflects FTRN’s organizational values.A prudent financial steward who can develop annual budgets that support FTRN’s operating plans and manage FTRN’s resources within those budget guidelines. A persuasive communicator with media networking, outreach and PR skills; able to conceptualize strong and effective long term communications outreach strategies that will gain attention for fair trade. A computer-savvy person familiar with web-based communications technologies (or eager to learn them), capable of basic web site content management (not programming or design but such tasks as posting news and other new content), managing e-newsletters, email lists and other online communications. A person ideally located in or near a major metropolitan area for easier access to foundations, conferences, volunteers, partners, and media.  

Compensation: $40,000-$50,000 annual salary, health insurance, 2 weeks paid vacation.  Start date: January 1, 2009.  For more information contact  work@ftrn.org:

Membership Coordinator for the Fair Trade Federation

The Fair Trade Federation is the trade association that strengthens and promotes North American organizations fully committed to fair trade. The Federation is part of the global fair trade movement, building equitable and sustainable trading partnerships and creating opportunities to alleviate poverty. As the Federation rapidly grows and changes, a membership coordinator is needed to work in our small office. Candidates will have the opportunity to build and shape systems and programs for the Federation and support its efforts to strengthen and promote fully committed Fair Trade Organizations. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in business, non-profit management, international relations, sustainable development, or related fields 

Demonstrated excellence and professionalism in oral and written communication

Demonstrated excellence and professionalism in managing many projects simultaneously, particularly those including multiple pieces of information

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with individuals from a diverse array of backgrounds

Commitment to the Federation’s values and to creating a just and sustainable economic system

Spanish language skills strongly preferred

Experience in a business environment preferred

Experience with a Fair Trade Organization preferred

Salary: $25-30,000; basic health care coverage provided

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, a brief writing sample (5 pages maximum), and at least 3 points of reference to Carmen K. Iezzi, Executive Director, Fair Trade Federation, 3025 Fourth Street, NE, Suite 107, Washington DC 20016, email to info@FairTradeFedeation.org, or fax to 202-636-3549.  No calls, please. Candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

Honor Mom with Fair Trade Flowers

Friday, April 18th, 2008

The Pope has been visiting, the Fair Trade Federation had its conference, and now we are all gearing up for World Fair Trade Day. Spring has sprung at CRS Fair Trade!

Our friends at TransFair USA have also reminded us that this Mother’s Day falls only one day after World Fair Trade Day on Sunday, May 11th. You can take the opportunity to celebrate Fair Trade with your mother by buying her a bouquet of beautiful Fair Trade Certified roses. Fair Trade Certified Flowers are already making a difference for women and mothers around the world and your purchase means not just fair wages, but increased employee benefits including 12 weeks paid maternity leave and childcare and equal representation for women in leadership roles.

According to TransFair, Fair Trade Certified Flowers are now available regionally at Giant Food Stores, New Seasons Market, Roche Brothers and UKROPS and on the web at 1-800-Flowers, and Organic Bouquet. The TransFair USA partnereship with FTD means new independent florists are adding Fair Trade flowers every day! To view a complete list of where you can buy Fair Trade Certified flowers this Mother’s Day, please visit at the website.