WELCOME to Mankato Fair Trade
WELCOME to Mankato - the first Fair Trade Town in Minnesota (declared October 24, 2011)! - and to the work of Mankato Fair Trade.
MFT (formerly MAFTTI) has, since June 2009, promoted Fair Trade in our part of the Minnesota River Valley, about 83 miles south-west of the Twin Cities. Our main focus has been on the major retail center of Mankato (40,000). MFT also tries to engage those interested in Fair Trade in North Mankato (13,000) and St.Peter (11,000).
To read Mankato's Fair Trade journey, click here.
DR. BRONNER'S AWARDS A $10,000 GRANT TO SUPPORT THE #STAYHOMELIVEFAIR CAMPAIGN WFTO Press Release 20 July, Culemborg, The Netherlands
The World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) and the Fair Trade Federation (FTF) have been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps in order to continue supporting Fair Trade Enterprises through the #StayHomeLiveFair campaign.
The WFTO launched the #StayHomeLiveFair campaign in March 2020 as a response to the pandemic and global lockdowns to support and profile WFTO members, their webshops and crowdfunding initiatives. In the first three months, the campaign had over 2.1 million impressions across social media and over 100 Fair Trade Enterprises are now listed on wfto.com/webshops.
Dr. Bronner’s, WFTO and FTF member, has awarded a $10,000 grant to both the WFTO and FTF to continue their efforts in promoting Fair Trade members across the world. Both membership organisations will receive $5,000 each ($10,000 in total). Dr Bronner’s reinforces the idea that Fair Trade Enterprises put people and planet first and with the company’s philosophy: “We are All-One or None!” making it clear that their purpose goes far beyond profit.
FAIR TRADE USA RESPONDS TO COVID-19 In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Fair Trade USA has made several important adjustments based on immediate needs from producers. Most critically, we increased the flexibility of Fair Trade Community Development Funds so that they may be used more immediately to address critical needs.
This important change has made it possible for communities to vote to quickly distribute their funds, in some cases, as cash bonuses to workers or cooperative members to help them get through the pandemic. Community Development Funds are also being used to provide communities with low-cost groceries, medical care and so much more.
Fair Trade USA has created and shared usable COVID-19 education resources across producer groups. This effort was made in response to our survey results, which identified a problematic spread of misinformation about the virus, especially in indigenous communities. To mobilize and distribute information quickly, our Producer Services team is leveraging new technology to quickly deliver audiovisual physical distancing, sanitation and hygiene, and mental health information to workers, prioritizing providing this content in indigenous languages.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
Podcasts: Save the People: Organizer and activist DeRay Mckesson explores news, culture, social justice and politics. Talking Race with Young Children: NPR podcast episode The Breakdown Podcast: Shaun King unpacks the stories of injustice, racism and corruption, but also tells you who's fighting back and how you can support and join them with practical action steps. |
