Fair Trade Playlist

by 2021 DPF Peace Intern Marisa Black

A Playlist is a way of engaging with an idea or topic. They can used as small group discussion starters, for personal devotions, or as a place to jump into a subject. 

On the subject of Fair Trade, here is:

…Something to break the ice 

Wool Game
For this activity, get into small circles (up to 10 people in each circle), give a ball of wool/string to one participant and have them hold onto the end. Ask them to pass the ball to someone else in the circle, saying how they are connected to that person. This could be through a project or activity they have done together, school groups they are in, or something they have in common such as a hobby, friend, or like/dislike. Keep passing the ball around (with the reason they are connected each time), with each participant as a web is formed in the middle. Through developing more connections, the group should eventually be able to develop the web until it can balance a fair trade chocolate bar on top (let them know at the beginning this is the goal). To take this further, ask one or two members of the group to let go or shake the web up and down, therefore knocking the chocolate bar off. The goal of this is to show the direct connection between group members, and that if something affects one, it affects all.

…Something to Watch

The Story of Chocolate: Unwrapping the Bar
This 12 min. video looks at the unfairness of the industry, and how Fairtrade is working towards a living income for cocoa workers.

Sustainable or Greenwashing? How to Evaluate Fashion Brands
This 13 minute video discusses what a clothing company must do to qualify as sustainable, and how to identify whether a business is not living up to their claims. She includes steps you can take to research fashion brands.

What is Fairtrade?
This short video gives an overview of why fair trade is important, and how Fairtrade America makes it a reality.

…Something to Read

What is Fair Trade, and Why Should We Care?
This article from Forbes discusses what fair trade is, the history behind it, and how organizations such as Fair Trade USA and Nest are making a difference. It goes into detail about how Fair Trade USA grants certificates to companies and provides funding to the communities they work with. It also describes Nest, an organization that sets standards for artisans working from home.

What Is Fair Trade?
This article is great for younger readers. It gives a simple description of fair trade using easy to understand examples. It also has “wonder words,” a quiz, and simple activities.

Miscellaneous Articles and News
This link will take you to Fairtrade International’s website News and Features section. Here you will find a wide variety of fair trade news around the world and ways you can support.

…Something to Wonder

I wonder if one person can make a difference by supporting fair trade...

…Something to Talk/Think/Journal About

1. Were you aware of fair trade?

2. How are slaves used for labor in today’s world?

3. How can we be part of a system that uses slave labor and not know?

4. How can we be a part of the change?

…SomethingS to Do

1. Shop fair trade products
   Products that are fair trade have a certified mark on the container. There are also resources online where you can look up whether an item is fair trade. 
   

2. Participate in National Fair Trade Day
   World fair trade day is on the second Saturday of May every year. This website provides different ways you can participate, from petitions, to social media awareness, and provides materials for learning.

…Something to Pray

Lord God, 
In the fields of the poor
Even when abundant fruits ripen,
Injustice sweeps them away,
Even when families hunger.

Help us to share
The fruits of Your bounty
So that all Your family may benefit 
From Your gracious gifts.

— Based on Proverbs 13:23