Get Involved

Photo: Fartrade Foundation.

In May 2000, Garstang in Lancashire declared itself “the world’s first Fair Trade Town”. The campaign caught the imagination of local people, the interest of politicians, and made headlines across the north-west – not to mention hugely raising awareness of the FAIRTRADE Mark in the area.

March 2005 saw the declaration of the 100th Fairtrade Town. Woking was one of them. Guildford has become one since. There are now 149 Fairtrade Towns in the UK.

Godalming hopes to gain Fairtrade town status soon. Find out what you can do to help.

The purpose of a Fairtrade Town is to contribute to the Fairtrade Foundation's aim of tackling poverty by enabling disadvantaged producers from poor countries to receive a better deal, through encouraging support for the FAIRTRADE Mark.

In order to fulfil this aim by becoming a Fairtrade Town, the following five goals must be realised.

1. The local council must pass a resolution supporting Fair Trade, and agree to serve Fairtrade tea and coffee at its meetings and in its offices and canteens.

2. A range of (at least two) Fairtrade products should be readily available in the area’s shops and local cafés/catering establishments.

3. Fairtrade products are used by a number of local work places (estate agents, hairdressers etc) and community organisations (churches, schools etc).*

4. Attract media coverage and popular support for the campaign.

5. A local Fair Trade steering group is convened to ensure continued commitment to its Fair Trade Town status.

* 'What we tend to require is for around 50% of schools and workplaces in the area to help towards becoming a Fairtrade town' - Seeta Lakhani, Fairtrade Foundation Towns Volunteer.

Photo from Woking Fairtrade Action Network website

1. Godalming Town Council passed a resolution to serve Fairtrade tea and coffee in 2004.

In March 2007 Godalming Town council unanimously accepted the recommendation of the Council Management committee to:

• reiterate its commitment to serving only Fairtrade tea, coffee and sugar at its meetings and in its offices.
• include details about the campaign for Fairtrade Town status on the Town Council website and in future editions of the Town Guide.
• annually nominate a representative to the Fairtrade Steering group.
• add the Fairtrade Logo (monochromatic version) to all Town Council correspondence.