My school is like that Siobhan. I tried desperately to get them to send delegates to the GLCs not too long ago, and they flat out refused to even advertise it and gauge the interest of students!

Well schools could make bigger efforts - school fundraisers are a big thing. I remember selling my Cadbury chocolates for fundraisers throughout many years.

We also used to have hot chocolate days at school in winter - fair trade hot chocolate days are always a good idea.

Switching to fair trade in staff rooms is big, but also when catering for functions and meetings - teachers are always having meetings of sorts and visitors to the school.

What about even finding other fair trade products - sporting equipment and other goods - there are a number of steps that can be taken if everyone is willing to do some of the work.

They can also promote in their school newsletter and notices - just reminders and goals and keeping the school community informed.

Yeah - there's alot going on in the UK, isn't there! It's awesome. :) Hoping we can adapt some of those strategies, however Ryan, something came up during Trek that I think is important to take note of. To get the fair trade logo, costs money - of course! However, there are many fair trade products and producers that are knowingly doing everything 'right', or fair, but cannot afford the logo and don't bother because they know that their business is true to these standards - it's just not possible for them to get the logo. So there are other products out there that can't get that same recognition, but are the same standard of ethical rights to humans, animals and the environment.

What about seeking a community program. Seek funding for upskilling home parents, carers, or even people in the community to learn to sew and make the uniforms. Sustainability can also work in a 'developed' community.

There's always a way. That of course, is a long term plan though. How long do you have left at that school?

Edited by SiobhanMarie - 24 May 2009 at 6:01pm

Absolutely. I'm totally into dismissing ideas straight up too. Good on you. 

And the possibility of up-skilling people wanting or needing to get into the workforce, to build skills and opportunities in our own communities as it is?

Also, "I wouldn't actually waste my valuable time trying when i could be doing something that actually has potential to work." Tails, your saying this has no potential to work? How can you possibly know that every parent and/or carer in your school community or just community in general would not be interested in anything at all?

Why can't the possibility of a community being involved in a project like this that helps to upskill community members and give to the school-community, as well as being an ethical, or as ethical as possible?


Edited by SiobhanMarie - 24 May 2009 at 9:34pm

I agree with tails.

The majority of people who attend private schools do seem to have a fair bit of money and are of importance. Many are able to afford the luxuries of uniforms, but wouldn't necessarily bother with making it themselves - their time is value. Time=money!