Fairtrade Faithgroup

Introduction

Being recognized as a Fairtrade Faithgroup means making a commitment to supporting Fairtrade through using Fairtrade products and raising awareness. Faith groups are key supporters of Fairtrade and an increasing number of these organizations are making the connection between trade and poverty and committing to using Fairtrade products such as tea, coffee, sugar and cookies. Campaigning for Fairtrade is one way in which many faith groups are pursuing that goal. If you would like to get involved in a practical and empowering scheme which gets the whole community involved, then you can take part in our Fairtrade Faithgroup scheme.

Fairtrade Faithgroup: Quick Facts

• Fairtrade Faithgroup members
  - Churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, and other places of worship are all eligible to apply for the Fairtrade Faithgroup program.
  - Over 7500 churches in the United Kingdom support Fairtrade officially and have achieved Fairtrade Church status.
  - During the Holy Communion, Fairtrade certified regular wine and Fairtrade Communion wine are used as a part of the ceremony at over 1000 Fairtrade Churches across Europe
  - During international Fairtrade events, Fairtrade churches all over the world host booths promoting Fairtrade products and host children’s events such as Fairtrade Essay contests and Fairtrade Drawing Competitions.
• How to get Started
  - Organizations that are interested in the Fairtrade Faithgroup program should contact Fairtrade Korea to schedule an appointment to discuss ways in which their organization can get involved in Fairtrade and receive Fairtrade Faithgroup program certificate.
  - When the organization in question has met all the requirements for the Fairtrade Faithgroup program, they should fill out the online application form which is included in this section, or download printable version and email the form directly to info@fairtradekorea.org or fax it to 82-2-725-0383.

Fairtrade Faithgroup: Benefits

• Follow the teachings of a religion
• - Ex1) Churches: Jesus’ Teachings
  Jesus calls us to live in a right relationship with God and our neighbors.
• - Ex2) Temples: Buddha’s Teachings
  Buddha emphasizes the principle of mercifulness and respect for life and pursues us to live together with neighbors.
• - By making a vital commitment to Fairtrade, faith groups can help support poor farmers and producers living in developing countries in Asia and Africa.

• Ethical Reputation
• - Fairtrade is the most widely recognized ethical label in the world, and 64 percent of people familiar with the FAIRTRADE Mark associate it with helping farmers and workers in poor countries to escape poverty.
• - By supporting Fairtrade, a Fairtrade Faithgroup can become a part of this ethical system.

• More Followers of a religion
• - Fairtrade Korea promotes Fairtrade Faithgroup: we not only place the logos of our Fairtrade faith groups on the walls of our office entrance, website and social network services (SNS) such as Facebook, but we also feature Fairtrade faith groups in our monthly newsletter, which is distributed worldwide and sent to NGO’s, businesses, local government district offices, and individuals devoted to the Fairtrade cause.

Working towards Designation: Becoming a Fairtrade Faithgroup

Your Council must agree to the following:

1. The use of Fairtrade tea and coffee by the faith group
2. Expand the use of Fairtrade products by the faith group such as wine, chocolate, and gold
3. Promote Fairtrade awareness to congregations and communities by holding Fairtrade events
4. Fill out and submit the Fairtrade Faithgroup Application Form

* The use of Fairtrade tea and coffee by the faith group

Fairtrade Availability

*Expand the use of Fairtrade products by the faith group such as wine, chocolate, and gold

Moving Forward with other Fairtrade Products

*Promote Fairtrade awareness to congregations and communities by holding Fairtrade events

Fairtrade event collaboration

Fairtrade Faithgroup Resources

For Fairtrade posters, presentations, and prayers, please visit resources page.

You can also visit the following websites to learn more about the Fairtrade Faithgroup program and find more resources for your Fairtrade Faithgroup Campaign:

Fairtrade Faithgroup Application Form