“We are the ones we have been waiting for”
– June Jordan
Did You Know 👀⁉️
Chicago Fair Trade (CFT) serves as a global leader in the fair trade movement, currently operates as the largest fair trade coalition in the country and is home to the most fair trade, women-owned businesses in the US— and all because of this vibrant local meets global community working collectively since its inception in 2006 to build sustainable economic power for marginalized women, girls, and working families here at home in Chicago and around the world.
I 💚 Chicago Fair Trade and as you likely already know, I can’t help but talk your ear off about what’s happening at CFT, why it matters to me, and all the ways to join in on the fun— cause fair traders also know how to throw a party! I’m passionate about growing our fair trade movement because it encompasses so many of my values towards winning a world that cares for all its people and the planet— rooted in racial, gender and economic justice including essential protections for workers and the environment.
And because of your support this past year, CFT has been able to bring on its second ever full-time staff member– also allowing CFT to dream up and open the first ever Fair Trade Museum + Store right here in Chicago– that has seen more than 2,000 visitors experience our mission first-hand through a ton of hands-on events, museum tours, and youth programming in partnership with local schools and universities! How incredible is that?! If you supported me last year, thank you!
My personal goal this year is to help raise $600 towards CFT’s $25,000 goal for its 6th Annual Flash Fundraiser drive happening all this week– ensuring our newest museum space, educational programming, advocacy campaigns, and fair trade community events will not only remain but continue to grow. Will you take 3 minutes right now and donate to my personal campaign for Chicago Fair Trade? I invite you to make a one-time or monthly show of support to CFT and give whatever amount feels meaningful and accessible to you- whether that’s $150, $75, $25 or $10. Every gift counts!
When I joined CFT as a board member in 2020, I was truly amazed to witness all the behind the scenes efforts of what this strong yet nimble coalition is able to accomplish each year. Together we are moving the dial forward in spreading the message of fair trade, telling the stories of impacted garment workers around the world, holding corporations accountable to the people who make their goods and pushing corporate interests to adopt fair trade principles— in turn creating a more just experience for all people.
Since 2006, Chicago Fair Trade’s member-led education and advocacy efforts have:
- Aided in building infrastructure where it didn’t exist – paving the way for an upswell of local, sustainable fair trade business and women-owned co-ops around the world
- Won policy fights here at home like making Chicago a sweatshop-free city, ending garment worker exploitation,create more safe and fair working conditions for garment workers
- Taken on new initiatives through relationships with Chicago-area universities and public schools who are engaging young people in building the future of fair trade
- Opened the first ever Fair Trade Museum in 2023, drawing in more than 2,000 visitors so far
I’ll be sharing more about CFT’s impact and current initiatives online all this week so you can see just what I mean! The power of our organizing at CFT is truly grounded in our joyful community of members, allies, and supporters who show up and share our collective vision in the most inspiring and creative ways!
Grateful for your support and to be in community with so many of you who also believe in June’s message — we are the ones we have been waiting for — and that together we can and will win a more fair and just world for all its people and the planet, but only if we organize!
In love + solidarity,
robbie 💚
Help me raise money!
My personal goal is $600.00
Donate to our Flash Fundraiser page and make sure to choose my name for your donation inspiration!
Thanks to all the donors!
Thank you! I’ve reached my goal, but let’s not stop there! My donors have raised $1,077.80; let’s keep going!
Stacy Gregory
$26.06
This is an awesome organization! Thank you for the work that you do! 🙂
September 27, 2023
Malcolm Newsome
$25.00
September 25, 2023
Carla Land
$51.80
September 24, 2023
Lindsay Sherman
$26.06
September 22, 2023
Adrienne Ott
$26.06
September 22, 2023
Brian Nickerson
$26.06
September 21, 2023
Marilyn G Klinger
$36.35
September 21, 2023
Ellie Immerman
$26.06
September 21, 2023
Mary Grace Wolf
$100.00
September 21, 2023
Kendra Kennedy
$26.06
September 21, 2023
James Murray
$51.80
September 20, 2023
Maria Miranda
$118.74
Go Robbie!
September 20, 2023
Dan Gaudette
$51.80
September 20, 2023
Laura Hebert
$51.80
September 20, 2023
Kathleen Wilhelm
$77.55
Go Robbie!
September 20, 2023
Alison Porter
$103.30
You go girl, making a difference! ❤️
September 20, 2023
Katherine gean
$51.80
September 20, 2023
Jeffrey Pinzino
$50.00
September 20, 2023
Gordon Mayer
$41.50
September 20, 2023
john wilson
$100.00
September 19, 2023
Anonymous
$10.00
September 19, 2023