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Let's be friendsStratford College Sign Fairtrade Policy
Stratford-upon-Avon College's newly formed People & Planet group have got their Fairtrade campaign off to a flying start this year with the help of Group Support Volunteer Matt Mc Mullen.
By Elizabeth Creswell and the Stratford College P&P group
The group’s twenty three members have already taken their first step towards achieving broad awareness of Fairtrade by holding a staff celebration to mark the signing of the College’s first ever Fairtrade policy. The principal, Martin Penny, along with other key members of college management and subject lecturers attended the event which included a presentation from the group. The stduents spoke about the content of the Policy, achieving Fairtrade Status and the huge impact that the college can make toward creating a fairer trading system. The Policy commits the college to achieving the five goals needed to become a Fairtrade College.
Stratford upon Avon College Fairtrade Policy Signing 2008
Amy Hodesdon, from the student group, said ‘the sale of Fairtrade products in and around the college is really important to us and a key theme in the new policy. The products will help farmers in the third world to ensure they receive a living wage for the work they do ‘. Ben Lane added ‘…the Fairtrade movement at the college is a bottom up approach which is empowering students to influence decision making, which will ultimately benefit producers in developing countries.’
The meeting left students like Lauren Wilcocks spurred on to organise more awareness raising activities around the college. Lauren said ‘it was clear from the reaction to our speeches and the speed of which the Fairtrade cookies vanished, that the meeting was a success. I feel confident that the students will also take on board our ethical campaign.’
The students followed up the policy signing with a Fairtrade Christmas stall where students and lecturers from across the college could ask questions, taste and buy Fairtrade products. Everyone was asked to show support for the to the campaign by signing a petition for more Fairtrade products to be made available in retail outlets at the college. Natalie, one of the organisers, said ‘…today has been really encouraging, just from this one event we have had over 180 signatures of support. There is definitely a demand for these products! Our next step is now to ask the catering manager to sign the Fairtrade policy ‘. Phillip Krstic, student governor, will also be taking the policy to the college governors to seek their approval for the new policy. With this frenzy of action watch this space for Fairtrade Fortnight.
