FAB meeting – 19th May 2011

Present:
Lorraine (Birmingham City Council – Sustainability Officer), Charlotte
(Traces of Rock), Marcus (Community Art Worker), Sian (Sustainability West Midlands),
Lizzie (University of Birmingham Sustainability), Jane (University of Birmingham
Procurement)

Appologies: John, Steve, Sylvia, Paul

Matters Arising: At the AGM Paul had suggested a scheme through which FAB could award local
businesses Fairtrade status (as the Fairtrade Foundation does not have a scheme). Paul is in discussions
to get this set up.

Website, Facebook etc.

It was commented that from the website it was unclear that everyone who is interested in ethical
trading is welcome to join FAB and come along to the meetings. This resulted in discussion about the
use of FAB’s blog and Twitter to communicate better. Everyone was encouraged to add their comments
to help generate interest.

It was suggested that we blog for a volunteer to sort out the website as it is dormant but is still being
paid for. A decision needs to be made whether to stop paying and just keep the domain name or to re-
design the website.

There was discussion about how FAB could use the blog – e.g. businesses that sell Fairtrade and ethical
goods could be listed in a directory; minutes of meetings could go on – this may encourage new people
to join. Criteria for gaining Fairtrade status could be put on Twitter and hopefully this would get them to
join in.

Marcus is keen to continue working on a Youth Forum – it should be possible to get funding. Other
suggestions for involving young people were Envision (6th formers projects including Fairtrade) and
young persons’ version of Paul’s business scheme. Schools can link via social media.

Lorraine informed the group that there will be a Climate Change Festival 5th – 9th June 2012 with a
sporting theme (because of the Olympics). It is likely there’ll be an X-Factor type show on the stage
rather than paying for acts and events such as an unfair football match or unfair tug of war.

Next meeting 16th June, 5.30pm at Co-op Member Relations Centre, BMI, Margaret Street, B3 3BS

Saturday 28th May, Friends of the Earth market, Fighting Cocks pub Moseley.

Sunday 19th June, Community Day, University of Birmingham, B15 2TT

Sunday 26th June, 11am – 2 pm Celebrate Co-operation, Hilton Metropole Hotel, NEC B40 1PP

Sunday 25th September – ‘Fun in the Park’ Solihull Fairtrade group.

Saturday 10th March – Fairtrade Fortnight Ethical and Sustainable Market, Birmingham city centre.