Fair Trade Resolutions: Getting your town/city government to publicly commit to Fair Trade

How do we get our local governments to use our tax dollars in ways that support fair labor practices and environmental sustainability? Getting city councils or boards of supervisors to pass Fair Trade resolutions can be an effective organizing tool for citizens to build awareness and commitment to Fair Trade-read on to learn more.

Following are two examples of resolutions recently passed by 1) the San Francisco Board of Supervisors (July 2005) and 2) the New York City Council (June 2005)

The City and County of San Francisco, working with a coalition of nearly 60 community groups, passed a historic resolution in July 2005 to maximize purchase of Fair Trade Certified products. The city spends thousands and thousands of dollars each year on coffee and other food products for its hospitals, jails, and schools - all purchased with taxpayer money. By passing this legislation, City Hall has heard the message loud and clear: citizens of San Francisco want their taxpayer dollars to be spent in ways that support fair labor practices and protect the environment!

The SF Resolution is the strongest Fair Trade Resolution in the country, as it not only declares support for Fair Trade, but also assigns the Department of the Environment with the task of investigating purchasing practices and options and issuing recommendations by December, 2005 that identify how the city can maximize purchase of Fair Trade Certified products. The Bay Area Fair Trade Coalition will be working closely with city officials in the coming months to help ensure they follow through with the recommendations.

Read the text of the resolution here

Contact the SF Bay Area FT Coalition at BayAreaFairTrade@lists.riseup.net

In New York City, the largest city in the US, the NYC Council passed a resolution in June 2005 that encourages the purchase of Fair Trade Certified coffee by city agencies and food service venues. The resolution also acknowledges the work of local groups that have been working to promote Fair Trade in New York City. More than 10 local groups sponsored the effort to bring this resolution to the floor of the Council. The NYC Fair Trade Coalition, with key leadership from Congregation B'nai Jeshurun, led the successful march to City Hall and now is working to leverage the resolution in every way possible.

Read the text of the resolution here

Read the NYC Fair Trade Coalition's press release here

Contact the NYC Fair Trade Coalition at FairTrade.NYC@gmail.com or tel. 917-701-6403

For more information and tips on how to pass a Fair Trade Resolution in YOUR city/town/community, check out Oxfam America's Just Add Justice, pages 17-19
or contact Jean at jwalsh@transfairusa.org