To Become a Fairtrade Friendly

Universities are in an ideal position to become Fairtrade Friendly. With many of the student population being ethically aware, you will find support in all areas for your campaign. Universities, colleges and the students' union, (SU), are already run on democratic principles, with committee structures already in place. You may find one of your committees could support a sub-committee on fairtrade, for instance the committee who controls catering contracts.

University students, lecturers and students' union groups should follow the link to the Fairtrade Foundation.

Go to the Get involved section at http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/(external site) and then go to Convert Your . . . where you will find information and resources to help your Uni to become Fairtrade Friendly.

The five goals to becoming a Fairtrade Friendly University

• The students' union and the university or college authorities both create a fairtrade policy incorporating these five goals
• Fairtrade foods are made available for sale in all campus shops. Fairtrade foods are used in all cafes, restaurants and bars on campus. Where this is not possible, there is a commitment to begin to use fairtrade foods in these establishments as soon as is possible to do so
• Fairtrade foods (for example, coffee and tea) are served at all meetings hosted by the university or college and the students' union, and are served in all university or college and students' union management offices
• There is a commitment to campaign for increased Fairtrade consumption on campus
• Set up a Fairtrade Steering Group

Once you have achieved these goals you can apply to the Fairtrade Foundation to register as a Fairtrade university or college, Manchester City Council can send you your Fairtrade Friendly accreditation.