Welcome to the Fair Trade Oakland blog! This blog will chronicle Oakland's effort to become a Fair Trade Town.

In becoming a Fair Trade Town, Oakland would be joining thirteen declared Fair Trade Towns from across the United States. Fair Trade Towns are part of the Fair Trade Towns USA national movement uniting community activists from across the country who are dedicated to the principles of Fair Trade. By organizing our communities at the local level a tangible impact can be made on the US market to demand that international justice and equity for producers, artisans, farmers, and workers around the world is a priority of our system of international commerce.

In order to become a Fair Trade Town, several criteria need to be met. Fair Trade Towns must:

• Form a steering committee that meets regularly
• Ensure a range of Fair Trade products are available in local stores, cafes, and other venues
• Engage local organizations, such as places of worship, schools, hospitals, and offices in serving Fair Trade products
• Work with the town or city council to pass a resolution supporting Fair Trade and the local campaign
• Attract media attention and visible public support, including press and radio

Fair Trade Towns provides a way for people with similar visions, in the same community, to make a difference that they can see. Making Oakland a Fair Trade Town is an exciting process, and one that requires assistance from activists and interested members throughout the community. If you are interested in helping this effort, please start by spreading the word about this blog and our efforts! To get involved, contact us at FairTradeOakland@gmail.com, or attend one of our meetings. The next meeting will be Wednesday, November 25th. We'll make more announcements about the details as the date approaches.