FAIR MADE
~ A nonprofit Alternative Trading Project~
"Made with dignity and environmental integrity"
The mission of Fair Made is to educate consumers, advocate for and create opportunities for Fair Trade and dignity.
We Value:
Supporting Cooperatives and Small Businesses
Promoting Fair Trade & Products Made in Dignity
Developing Markets Through US Sales Representation
Creating Sustainable Projects
Based on Economic Self-Sufficiency and Environmental Integrity
Opposing Unfair Trade Deals Through
Educating and Organizing
Alternative
Trade:
A Brief Overview
Alternative
trade aims to contribute to the alleviation of poverty in
developing regions of the world by establishing a system of
trade that allows marginalized producers in developing regions
to gain access to developed markets. This alternative
trade builds on producers' skills and enables communities to
play an active part in their own development, while at the same
time satisfying consumer demand in the developed markets.A Brief Overview
The fundamental characteristic of alternative trade is that of equal partnership and respect - partnership between the developing region producers and importers, shops, labeling organizations, and consumers. Alternative trade "humanizes" the trade process - making the producer-consumer chain as short as possible so that consumers become aware of the culture, identity, and conditions in which producers live. All actors are committed to the principle of alternative trade, the need for advocacy in their working relations and the importance of awareness-raising and advocacy work. The idea of the "invisible hand" has given way to the idea of working "hand in hand" with the market regulated by democratic authorities.
Thus, in a spirit of partnership, certain guiding principles, or criteria, are agreed upon by both sides. As a minimum, developing region producers commit themselves to democratic functioning and decision-making procedures within their organizations.
In return, alternative trade organizations agree to:
- provide direct access to developed world markets for producer' products, avoiding to the greatest possible extent middlemen and speculators;
- price covers costs of production, and leaves a margin for investment;
- pay part of the price (40 - 50%) in advance so that producers avoid falling into debt;
- establish long-term working relationships and contracts with producers.
Guiding
Principles
Fair Made is a full-service alternative trade organization offering; sales brokerage, marketing, consulting, labeling and more based on the following principles:
- Commitment to Fair Trade
- Transparency in business relationships
- Commitment to ethical business practice
- Ensuring safe working conditions
- Providing equal employment opportunities
- Promoting social progress
- Working to protect the environment
- Respect for the cultural identity of all people
- Educating and advocating about Fair Trade
- Encouraging women's cooperative businesses
Fair Made
Trading is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit project fiscally sponsored
by
The International Humantities Center
http://www.ihcenter.org/groups.html
The International Humantities Center
http://www.ihcenter.org/groups.html
FAIR MADE
c/o IHC
PO Box 3262
Berkeley, CA 94703 USA
ph (510) 677-2327
donna108@inbox.com
http://www.ihcenter.org/groups/fairmade.html
*All Donations are Tax-Deductible*