April 2008

Hello all,

Attached (linked) is our April newsletter, which, once again, highlights some of the interesting and exciting Fair Trade-related activity going on in Scotland. Thanks again to our newsletter editor, Andrew Farquhar, who will soon be introducing regular features and, from time to time, an expanded format to allow room to talk about more of the great work many of you are doing. Please circulate our newsletter to your networks. It will also be available for download on our website, as always.

We have recently received back surveys sent out to Local Authorities in Scotland to find out where all of them are in the process of becoming Fairtrade. As always, well done to those already doing a lot, and at least one Local Authority has passed a resolution to become a Fairtrade Zone as a result of the survey. We hope to unveil the resultant 'map' in early autumn, and we will be doing similar work with universities and colleges to strategicaly identify the work ahead to achieve our Fair Trade Nation criteria.

This is an exciting time in Fair Trade. Wales hopes to announce its successful completion of the initial Fair Trade Nation criteria at an event on June 6-7. If you would like to go along to the party, contact the Wales Fair Trade Forum through their website, www.fairtradewales.com.

With our Board now firmly in place and hard at work, the SFTF continues to seek ways to support and consult with the Fair Trade community in Scotland, as well as forge new Fair Trade relationships and influence friends in high places. The Forum's strength is its membership - all of you - and there will be exciting opportunities arising over the next few months, so keep in touch and keep an eye on our website and newsletters to find out how you can help make this Fair Trade Nation campaign a success!

All the best,
Betsy

Betsy Reed
Fair Trade Nation Campaign Coordinator
Scottish Fair Trade Forum