The Mexico Solidarity Network Fair Trade Program involves two strategies:

1) Increasing the amount of fair trade items sold through promotion.

2) Raising public awareness of fair trade and promoting a sustainable model of international trade based on economic justice.

More and more people are demanding products made without exploitative labor. Fair trade is a concrete alternative to corporate centered-globalization. By purchasing Fair Trade products and encouraging others in our communities to do the same, we take steps in creating a just and sustainable world. Fair Trade sets a high standard for a just model of international trade.

Fair Trade Criteria include:

- Paying a fair wage
- Offering employees opportunities for advancement
- Providing equal employment opportunities
- Engaging in environmentally sustainable practices
- Public accountability
- Building long-term trade relationships
- Providing healthy and safe working conditions
- Providing financial/technical assistance to producers
- Ensuring that there is no abuse of child labor

Fair Trade Benefits:

- Values and preserves traditional cultures
- Generates fair income for artisans around the world
- Educates consumers about trade and cultures
- Gender equity: 70% of craft artisans are women
- Provides resources for community development
- Promotes environmental stewardship
- Promotes democratic participation in cooperative structures
- Supplements income in between harvest cycles
- Promotes ties between producers, traders, and consumers

What you can do:

- Buy Fair Trade. See the resources below to find out where.
- Ask for fairly traded crafts and coffee where you shop. Let businesses that do carry fairly traded products know that you appreciate their support of fair trade.
- Encourage your community organization or workplace to purchase Fair Trade products for fundraisers, employee rewards, and organizational gifts.
- Educate. Share fair trade educational materials with people in your community to spread the word about Fair Trade. Host a speaker or show a video about Fair Trade through the Mexico Solidarity Network.
- Join on-going campaigns. Currently, the Mexico Solidarity Network is endorsing the Starbucks campaign.