How I went from Sixth Former to Fairtrade Campaigner
Star campaigner Matt McMullen tells us his story
I wanted to start a Fairtrade campaign group at my Sixth Form so I visited my head of year who pointed me in the direction of People & Planet. I looked into People & Planet and decided to start a group at the sixth form.
I gathered students who were interested and we started planning Fairtrade awareness raising events. We held a number of Fairtrade hot drinks stalls; serving tea, coffee and hot chocolate to students.
The group also visited Shared Planet which gave us a real boost to our campaign. It gave us the tools and energy to really make a difference and it was great being around so many other activists.
A real turning point for the group was Fairtrade Fortnight. The group decided to hold a Fortnight of events, hosting events every lunch time for ten days. We sold bananas in Gorilla costumes, sold Fairtrade drinks and snacks through a human vending machine, distributed hundreds of leaflets and badges, held trade justice film sessions, invited students to sign the hand print petition and design Fairtrade flags for bunting. The week was tiring but the events went really well and we were successful in engaging all the school.
I have now left Sixth Form and taking a gap year. During this year I shall be volunteering for my local Fairtrade town group and People & Planet. My role with the Fairtrade town group is to work with schools, sixth forms and college within the town to help them raise awareness and gain Fairtrade status. I am also a People & Planet Group Support Volunteer which means that I can support Sixth Form groups within the town. I am currently based at the Stratford upon Avon district council offices for two days a week were I co-ordinate the campaign.
Next year I am going to University where I hope to carry on campaigning with People & Planet.