Fairtrade Fortnight is almost here.

The Fairtrade Mark can now be found on over 1300 different products, including a wide range foods, clothing and sports products. Fairtrade challenges our everyday economics – and calls for the processes that link us everday to producers across the world to be made more equitable.

Buying products with the Fairtrade Mark on makes a real identifiable difference to communities in the South – making sure producers get a fair price for their work and a social premium for development projects, where choosing goods bought through conventional markets would leaves producers in crushing poverty.

But does Fairtrade go far enough? Has it become a 'safe' option, letting us feel good about ourselves, whilst not really challenging the problems of global inequality? This Fairtrade Fortnight, events across Oxford are exploring the impact of Fairtrade – as well as the wider global networks that come together in this city considering issues of the empowerment and representation of voices from the global South.

Checkout the calendar below to find out more about the events taking place… (I particularly recommend all those on Wednesday) and do make it along to some if you can…

If you'd like more information about getting involved in campaigning for Oxford to become a Fairtrade University – then do come along to the Oxford Students Fairtrade Coalition party on Wednesday – or e-mail  students@oxfordfairtrade.org.uk.

>>>>>Events Coming Up This Fairtrade Fortnight<<<<<

Visit www.oxfordfairtrade.org.uk for a full calendar, or download a copy of the poster/flyer (include details of special offers, prize draws and discounts) from  http://users.ox.ac.uk/~orie1347/FFPoster06.pdf (please print and stick up posters if you can…)

*** Sunday 5th ***
+Misa Campesina Nicaraguense

11:15am – Blackfriars (64 St. Giles)

A special 20th anniversary Mass to celebrate the link between the cities of Oxford and Leon Nicaragua. Passionate words, lively tunes and complex rhythms reflect the richness of the Nicaraguan folk tradition. Conducted by Gill Petrokofsky. Including an exhibition of Fairly Traded goods from Nicaragua in the Aula. Join Oxford Leon Link for aperitivo and Fairtrade wine.

*** Monday 6th ***
+A world of Women's Voices

4pm-5.30pm - McKeena Room, Christ Church College. Entrance: £3

Join us in a world of jubilant rhythms, motivational lyrics and inspiring life stories from Women from across the world who are writing their passions into song. Experience our audio/visual gallery and be seduced by these vital voices of femininity. Part of the Women's International Festival. Free Fairtrade tea and chocolate cake will be provided

***Tuesday 7th ***

+Tapestry of Latin American Voices
A selection of Contemporary Women writers

5-6pm - Starbucks Coffee Shop in Borders Bookstore, 9 Magdelen St

The Oxford Latin American Society (OULAS) presents a selection of contemporary poetry and novels written by women from across the region. Free Fairtrade coffee will complement this very special and informal evening.

*** Wednesday 8th ***
+Globalising Justice in Coffee Supply Chains

6:30pm - Starbucks Coffee shop in Borders Bookstore, 9 Magdalen Street

A talk exploring principals of fairness and justice within the Coffee Trade – focussing on the Fairtrade system and Starbucks' Café Practices' programme. Find out how far these initiatives have the potential to empower small producers, women and workers and to advance broader objectives of rural development and poverty reduction.
+Acoustic Night hosted by Oxford Students Fairtrade Coalition

8 – 11pm – Vaults and Gardens, Radcliffe Square

Music from three fantastic acoustic bands. Fairtrade punch and organic Ales on sale. Free Fairtrade samples. Tickets £2 in advance from Nicolas Edwards Oriel College (cheques payable to Oxford Students Fairtrade Coalition), or on the door.
+We've yet to Make Poverty History - so where next?
7:30pm - Council Chamber, Oxford Town Hall

The Make Poverty History campaign prompted an unprecedented public response, with hundreds of thousands taking action. Hear Kofi Mawuli-Klu from African Liberation Support Campaign Network, writer and environmentalist Paul Kingsnorth, and Marlene Barrett from World Development Movement discuss where campaigning should go next…

*** Thursday 9th ***

+Exploring Starbucks Commitment to Coffee Purchasing
6:30pm - Starbucks Coffee shop in Borders Bookstore, 9 Magdalen Street

Explore the diversity of coffee through a range of exciting tastings. Learn how the Fairtrade coffee you can ask for at Starbucks support family economies in Ethiopia.

*** Saturday 11th ***
+Get Creative With Cotton

10-1pm , Cornmarket, outside Fair Trade @ St Michaels.

The Oxford Oxfam Group invite you to get creative (and not too messy!) helping to paint our Fair Trade Cotton banner. Information about Fair Trade, especially Fair Trade cotton, will also be available
+ Jericho Breakfast

10-1pm - Jericho Community Centre, 33A Canal Street

Join us for breakfast and lunch and receive a free samples of Fairtrade tea and coffee

*** Tuesday 14th ***
+Fairtrade Grower Talk

12pm-1pm Oxford Brookes Main Lecture Theatre, Gipsy Land Campus

Come and hear a producer of Fairtrade products talk about the real difference that Fairtrade makes to communities across the world. Organised by Oxford Brookes Fairtrade Group with Peros and Café Direct.

*** Sat 18th ***
+Fairtrade Coffee Morning for Peru Support Group

10am – 12pm – Deakin Room, St Antony's College - www.perusupportgroup.org.uk
+ Jericho Breakfast
10-1pm - Jericho Community Centre, 33A Canal Street

See www.oxfordfairtrade.org.uk for last minute events and offers - or for more information about Fairtrade in Oxford.