ACTION GUIDE School
Table of Contents 1.0 About this guide 3 1.1 Acknowledgements 3 1.2 Additional information 3 2.0 Fair Trade School 4 2.1 Two options for participation 4 2.2 Why fair trade? 4 2.3 Why schools? 5 2.4 Why Fairtrade certification? 5 3.0 Requirements 6 3.1 Steering committee 6 3.2 Classroom instruction 7 3.3 Product availability 8 3.4 Visibility and engagement 9 4.0 Working toward designation 10 Step 1 Review online resources 10 Step 2 Get in touch 10 Step 3 Plan your campaign 10 Step 4 Get it done 10 Step 5 Application 10 5.0 POST-DESIGNATION 11 School 123 producer organizations in 11 countries are producing Fairtrade bananas SCHOOL ACTION GUIDE 2016 2
1.0 About this guide This guide provides information about the Fair Trade School Program, including requirements to achieve designation, how to apply, and how to plan for postdesignation. The Fair Trade School is a Program of Fairtrade Canada, managed in partnership with the Canadian Fair Trade Network (CFTN) and the Association québécoise du commerce équitable (AQCÉ). Fairtrade Canada is a national, nonprofit fair trade certification organization and the only Canadian member of Fairtrade International. In collaboration with its sister organizations around the world, it manages the internationally renowned and respected Fairtrade system. action@fairtrade.ca fairtrade.ca The CFTN is a nonprofit organization that works with civil society and industry stakeholders to advance awareness and support for fair trade in Canada. It supports collaboration and best practices within the fair trade movement to increase Canadian commitments to international social responsibility. info@cftn.ca cftn.ca The AQCÉ is a nonprofit organization with the goal to support its members that implement the fair trade values and principals in the province of Québec. info@assoquebecequitable.org assoquebecequitable.org 1.1 Acknowledgements The Fair Trade School Program would not be possible without the support of community partners across Canada. 1.2 Additional information The CFTN and AQCÉ work with prospective and existing Fair Trade Schools in meeting the requirements for the Fair Trade School Program. Contact the CFTN at info@cftn.ca or AQCÉ at info@assoquebecequitable.org with any questions regarding the Program, planning a local campaign, or additional advice and support. Additional resources and template forms (application form, school contract, project plan, teaching materials and renewal form) can be found at Fairtrade.ca/school cftn.ca/fair-trade-school-program assoquebecequitable.org Fair Trade School designations are awarded based on a joint review by Fairtrade Canada, the CFTN and AQCÉ. Applications should be sent to info@cftn.ca, info@assoquebecequitable. org and action@fairtrade.ca. 100 MILLION metric tonnes of bananas are consumed every year SCHOOL ACTION GUIDE 2016 3
2.0 Fair trade school The Fair Trade School Program recognizes schools for demonstrating strong commitment to fair trade from its students, teachers, and administrators. It promotes awareness and 2.1 Two options for participation Classroom Learning At its core, the Fair Trade School Program is about education. The learning resources found on our website (see section 1.2) can be used as individual, stand-alone lessons or as complete units. Included teaching resources and lesson plan toolkits introduce key themes related to fair trade and global social justice issues; while student focused activities encourage students to research social issues related to an everyday product and evaluate how fair trade can offer a valuable means to empowerment. Additional engagement activities can be used by student groups or anyone else looking to spread awareness. support for fair trade principles by addressing the unique opportunities that students, teachers, and administrators have to discuss and educate about social justice. 2.2 Why fair trade? Farmers and workers in the Global South are often in the weakest position to ensure their earnings are enough to meet their needs. When the prices or wages are too low, they are forced to make sacrifices that trap them and their communities in a cycle of poverty. This can happen even when the prices we pay are high, and it translates into insecure livelihoods, environmental degradation, and insufficient access to basic health and social services. In extreme cases it can lead to child labour, human trafficking, and other human rights abuses. Engagement and Designation For schools looking to take the next step in education and awareness, the Fair Trade School Program offers special recognition to schools demonstrating a concerted, long-term effort to support awareness and demand for fair trade products. Designations have been modelled after the Fair Trade Town and Campus Programs that have been successful in growing the fair trade movement in Canada. Photo credit: TransFair e.v. Fair trade addresses this by assigning market value to fairness and decency. Buying Fairtrade certified products helps to ensure disadvantaged producers of the world have access to global markets, creating the means for long-term investment in environmental and labour standards and community development. SCHOOL ACTION GUIDE 2016 4
2.3 Why schools? Schools offer the most comprehensive approach to educating the next generation of leaders in international social sustainability. It s important that students learn how to participate in the global community, as they ll be the ones to shape our future. We re connected to different people and cultures through the products we buy. Understanding more about the origins of everyday products helps build a richer understanding of the world. For students and teachers, fair trade can provide a valuable framework for exploring sustainability issues that affect us all. This BANANA PROTECTS FARMERS RIGHTS 2.4 Why Fairtrade certification? With so many claims to fairness and sustainability in the marketplace, third-party certification and verification is an invaluable tool to ensure purchases actually do connect with these values. The FAIRTRADE Mark (located at the bottom of this page), monitored by FLOCERT, is the best known and most respected ethical certification for social sustainability issues. This Mark provides an easy and reliable way to know that products have met credible standards that are set and monitored following best practices, public input, and regular audits. The Fairtrade system is also co-owned by the farmers and workers meant to benefit from it. This provides an additional level of assurance that the system will continue to reflect the needs of the people it serves. Designation not certification Fair Trade School is a designation that acknowledges the leadership and commitments of Canadian schools. Only products and producers can be certified Fairtrade. Fairtrade certified products carry this Mark NOTE: Any use of the FAIRTRADE Mark must be approved in advance by Fairtrade Canada. Photo credit: École secondaire De Mortagne SCHOOL ACTION GUIDE 2016 5
3.0 Requirements 3.1 STEERING COMMITTEE A Fair Trade School Steering Committee must be formed to ensure continued commitment to the local Fair Trade School designation. The committee must: include one (1) administrator, one (1) teacher, and a student group with two or more (2+) members; be responsible for meeting the criteria for Fair Trade designation, including completing and submitting an annual renewal form by July 1; meet as a whole at least twice per year to plan and evaluate its Fair Trade designation. A smaller representation of the committee should meet more frequently to carry out committee responsibilities. What it s about Bringing together a group of engaged and knowledgeable members from a school s community will help ensure that the goals of the Fair Trade School Program are incorporated into school activities throughout the school year and for years to come. A Fair Trade Steering Committee includes both staff and students. Students meet regularly to carry out daily operations, while the official steering committee meets twice per year to review and set annual targets. The school s Fair Trade Committee should not be limited to staff and students. Parents and other community stakeholders are encouraged to participate by integrating the school s message to other parts of the community. Previously existing student groups School groups that actively promote fair trade values may already exist. Rather than form a new group, an active group can take on the role of the committee. Photo credit: École secondaire Ozias-Leduc Bananas are the fourth most important food staple in the world. SCHOOL ACTION GUIDE 2016 6
The Fair Trade School designation is awarded to schools that meet all criteria within 4 requirements: 3.2 Classroom instruction 3.1 STEERING Committee 3.2 Classroom Instruction 3.3 Product Availability 3.4 Visibility and Engagement A school must demonstrate fair trade has been incorporated into its classroom learning by: providing the name and contact information for instructors teaching fair trade in their classroom; including a description of learning activities; including samples of student work (can be anonymous). Education is the primary goal of the Program. Schools offer an opportunity to encourage in-depth thought and critical engagement on issues related to fair trade. Many teachers may already be teaching fair trade in their classrooms and may not need further encouragement. To help ensure a high level of classroom engagement, be sure to review the Fair Trade School education materials available on our website (see section 1.2). Teaching resources Developed lesson and project toolkits along with supplemental resources, introduce students to social justice issues and how they affect populations within our international community. Supported by teacher instruction and modelling, students identify global issues and conduct their own research to evaluate how fair trade can be a tool for supporting more resilient communities among some of the world s most disadvantaged populations. Detailed toolkits and supplemental resources teach: The principles of fair trade which include minimum prices and labour issues, co-operative structures, and advocacy in Canada; in order for students to discuss and evaluate fair trade as a tool for international social justice. Human rights and social issues, focused on providing students with the concepts for identifying and discussing human rights and needs, children s rights, gender issues, and environmental sustainability. Contextual connections that allow students to understand other parts of the world in relation to their personal life through the exploration of supply chains. Fair Trade School education materials include: lesson and project toolkits with printable handouts, adaptable lesson plans, and learner-focused classroom activities downloadable PowerPoint presentations case studies multi-stage research projects with culminating tasks Photo credit: McKay Public School SCHOOL ACTION GUIDE 2016 7
3.0 Requirements 3.3 product availability At least two (2) Fairtrade certified products must be made available to both students and staff on a regular basis (approximately once per week throughout the school year). Demonstrating availability To demonstrate achievement of the Product Availability requirement, the Fair Trade Steering Committee will need to submit: a list of locations selling fair trade products on school grounds, including the products being sold and how often contact information of the selling location (i.e. a store or cafeteria manager). Working with your cafeteria or school store The best way to bring fair trade products into your school is to work with your cafeteria and store managers. Many managers will be open to new product ideas for your school especially if it will benefit your school s image and community. In some cases, a store, cafeteria, or vending machine may be run by an external catering company and the products offered may depend on pre-existing contracts or purchasing policies. In these cases, it may be difficult to get your voice heard and it may be necessary to solicit support from your school s administration. It may be a matter of finding a way to revise a contract or existing purchasing policy. Where school vending machines, cafeterias, and stores are not available, the Fair Trade Steering Committee will need to find an alternate means to supplying fair trade products to students and staff. A weekly snack or beverage table or booth, set up outside of classroom hours, or fair trade product introduction into your school s breakfast program, can be great ways to get products into a school. Contact us (see section 1.0) for recommendations on sourcing fair trade products. Beyond the requirements While not official requirements, schools are encouraged to adopt fair trade products in all facets of their school community, including staff rooms, student lunches, staff meetings, cooking classrooms, sports teams, and anywhere else applicable products might be available. Promoting at school locations When you ve identified that a business in your community offers Fairtrade certified products, see if they would be willing to help highlight the importance of fair trade within their business among employees and to potential customers. Businesses can offer great support in engaging and educating a community. Fairtrade Canada offers free, in-store promotional materials, but getting businesses to use them often requires helpful guidance and support from local community members. Contact us (see section 1.0)..
The Fair Trade School designation is awarded to schools that meet all criteria within 4 requirements: 3.4 Visibility and engagement 3.1 STEERING COMMITTEE 3.2 Classroom Instruction 3.3 Product Availability 3.4 Visibility and Engagement A school must support ongoing communication and engagement to increase awareness of fair trade and Fairtrade certified products in its community by: hosting at least one (1) education or awareness event in school or in the surrounding community; ensuring the school s commitment to fair trade is visible among students and staff through public signage; including information about fair trade on the school s website and in a school newsletter. Often, the best way to learn about an issue is to teach others and when students take initiative they can have a tremendous impact. The visibility and engagement requirements encourage committee groups to take on advocacy roles to ensure a school s commitments are known among students, staff, and the broader community. Events Education and awareness events can be held in school or in the community. They should aim to educate others about fair trade and encourage the sale of fair trade products. When hosting an event, invite members of your community. Reach out to local businesses and fair trade community groups. Fairtrade Canada, the CFTN, and AQCÉ host numerous campaigns throughout the year. Contact us (see section 1.0) for information on upcoming campaigns and events. Visibility Fair trade signage should be placed in high-traffic areas such as foodservice locations. Fairtrade Canada offers free engagement and awareness content on their website. Media engagement Do you have big news to share? A major event or campaign taking place? Consider engaging your school newsletter, local media, and social media. NOTE: When applying for a school designation, school committees will be asked to demonstrate their visibility and engagement by submitting action summaries and photos. See the Fair Trade School Application and Renewal forms for more details available on our website (see section 1.2). Photo credit: Magasin du Monde Oxfam-Québec, École secondaire Cavalier-De Lasalle SCHOOL ACTION GUIDE 2016 9
4.0 Working toward designation Step 1 Review online resources Familiarize yourself with the Program and all available resources Decide whether the Program is right for your school The Fair Trade School Program is for both teachers and students. Online, you ll find the learning resources, school activity plans, and application forms for becoming a Fair Trade School. There are no prerequisites to Step 1, and anyone is welcome to reach out for more information. Step 2 Get in touch Send us an email (see section 1.0) to let us know that you re planning a Fair Trade School campaign in your community The CFTN or AQCÉ can offer a number of planning and engagement tools that may help during the initial stages of your campaign. We re keen to work with you in developing effective strategies within your school. Step 3 Plan your campaign Build your network Learn about fair trade Figure out what a successful campaign will look like in your school Assign tasks and target due dates Be sure to reach out to friends, likeminded clubs, teachers, administrators, and anyone else in your school community who might be interested in supporting your campaign. The Fair Trade School Program offers learning resources for teachers, but there are many other fair trade resources available through the CFTN, AQCÉ and Fairtrade Canada. Contact us to learn more about fair trade and how to stay up-to-date with current news. The Fair Trade School requirements have been designed to accommodate a range of schools. Not every school is the same, and each will need to determine how they can meet the requirements on their own terms. Contact us (see section 1.0) today! Be sure to have a good idea of who will be doing what and when you hope to achieve each target by. To ensure a successful campaign, we suggest filling out the Fair Trade School Project Plan to help you formulate realistic timelines and identify key stakeholders. The Fair Trade School Project Plan template can be found on our website. Step 4 Get it done Achieve all requirements to become a Fair Trade School Once you ve planned it all out, it s only a matter of hard work and persistence to achieve your goals. Carrying out a campaign can be difficult, and it will be important to review progress and goals on a regular basis. Be sure to have regular team meetings to keep everyone updated and to identify and address any issues that may arise. Step 5 Application Submit a Fair Trade School Application with supporting documentation Once you ve achieved all of your proposed goals, it s time to submit a formal application (see section 1.0 for our emails). See the application template on our website (see section 1.2). SCHOOL ACTION GUIDE 2016 10
5.0 POST- DESIGNATION Continue to engage your community Review your school s Purchasing Policies Submit Annual renewal form by July 1 A Fair Trade School designation is the formal recognition of a long-term effort to grow awareness and support for fair trade. Schools, along with municipalities, towns, cities, colleges and universities, are responsible for a significant portion of a country s national spending. A school s ongoing commitment to environmental and social purchasing including Fairtrade product selections greatly influences and contributes to global sustainable development. That being said, you can begin to look into your schools purchasing policies in attempts to diversify and increase the availability of Fairtrade products offered by food service companies at your school. Changing purchasing practices First steps Step 1: Review existing purchasing policies Schools use public funds to buy the things that they need. Purchasing rules are set out in a policy or directive, to provide regulations and direction. Within these policies you will find previous commitments your school has made to sustainable development. If the existing policy supports sustainable development, request the purchase of Fairtrade certified products to ensure your school is meeting its policy objectives. If the existing policy does not support sustainable development, the document should be updated to reflect the purchase of products produced in accordance with stringent social and environmental criteria. Step 2: Adopt a commitment to purchase specific Fairtrade products Next, your school s purchasing staff needs to determine and document which products or product types they will purchase as Fairtrade certified to achieve their sustainable development objectives. Purchasing commitments could include having only Fairtrade certified sugar, tea, and coffee in the staff lunch room, or Fairtrade certified gum, chocolate, and fruits at the cafeteria, or even Fairtrade certified sports equipment for the school s gymnasium and sports days. Step 3: Dialogue with all relevant staff With a clear Purchasing Policy/Directive supporting sustainability and Fairtrade in place and with an understanding of which Fairtrade products will be purchased by your school, the next step will be to ensure these commitments do not get side-lined. Effective Fairtrade purchasing requires a commitment from all those involved in the process. This includes the Executive providing the policy objectives, procurement staff carrying out tendering, the departments responsible for food services, and the users who consume the products. Setting up meetings with all relevant staff and organizing educational activities and seminars to discuss topics such as "What is Fairtrade? Why are we purchasing Fairtrade products? and, Which Fairtrade products are we going to buy? can help achieve this goal. Keep track of your successes so that you're prepared to share them when it comes time to renew your designation. The recognition of your work makes a huge impact when it comes to showing demand for fair trade and influencing the purchasing decisions, both big and small, of others across Canada. The Fair Trade School Renewal Form can be found on our website (see section 1.2). SCHOOL ACTION GUIDE 2016 11
School BUILD YOUR COMMUNITY AND LEARN ABOUT OUR OTHER PROGRAMS! CAMPUS EVENT TOWN AMBASSADOR WORKPLACE Faith Group fairtrade.ca/school cftn.ca/fair-trade-school-program assoquebecequitable.org action@fairtrade.ca info@cftn.ca info@assoquebecequitable.org