Fair Trade Experiences #1

Fair Trade Events 

On Saturday, October 5, 2013, I attended the Global Links grand opening Community Day and worked at the Mira Fair Trade booth selling our items. There were many other booths featuring handmade and Fair Trade items, including one from Ten Thousand Villages Pittsburgh. I realized first hand what it took to set up a booth, talk to people and try to sell them the idea of Fair Trade without coming off as a tree hugger or annoying salesperson.

Global Links Grand Opening

Jennifer (left) and me (right) at Global Links event

I also attended the Ohio Fair Trade 2013 Expo at John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio on Saturday, October 12, 2013. I got to take some photos, and I even met Natalie Yoon from United Students for Fair Trade (USFT)! She bought a pair of our Gold Shimmer Earrings and modeled them for us.

Me and Meera, Ohio Fair Trade Expo 2013

Natalie Yoon, President of United Students for Fair Trade

Even though I was tied to the booth all day, it was an excellent experience to meet other Fair Trade businesses. When Meera and I were first setting up around 8:30am, a guy in a Banana suit came around to hand out free Equal Exchange Fair Trade bananas. It was excellent. There was also a Fair Trade bake-off, and we were able to purchase brownies and cookies made with Fair Trade organic cocoa and chocolate chips.

At the end of the day, I managed to have a few minutes to look around at other booths and tables, and I visited the Equal Exchange booth to get free chocolate samples and grab more information about bringing Fair Trade to Greater Allegheny.

Overall, I have been extremely pleased with my experiences at Fair Trade events and with my internship. I have met new people and made new connections with individuals and businesses who support Fair Trade in all its variety.