*please circulate:*
The Center For Tropical Ecology & Conservation Dept of Environmental Studies, Antioch University New England Presents its 7th Annual Symposium *Fair Trade: Bringing Sustainability **to **Everyone* & Fair Trade Market *Saturday November 5, 2011* Antioch University New England Keene, NH USA The deadline for abstracts has been extended to *16 September.* We are accepting vendor applications until 1 October (or until spaces are full). Speaker and vendor applications & symposium registration forms available on website *Purpose of this Fair Trade Symposium* Citizens of developed countries, such as the United States, reap a myriad of benefits from tropical, less developed countries. Coffee, chocolate, fruit and many other types of produce and material goods come to us from such countries. But are the methods by which these products are obtained sustainable? Do the production practices promote appropriate land use and biodiversity? Are the citizens of these countries treated humanely and compensated adequately? Unfortunately, in many cases, the answer to these questions is no. Fair trade, however, is an organized social movement and market approach that focuses on creating better trade conditions for producers in developing countries and promotes sustainability. The purpose of this symposium is to bring together researchers, professionals, educators, students, skeptics and advocates - all members of the public - to learn about and become involved in the promotion of fair trade. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the ideologies behind a fair trade market and the current status of fair trade from perspectives founded in economics, business ethics, and sociology. Participants will also hear stories of business owners who sought a better way, learn about fair trade organizations, the certification of fair trade towns, and purchase fair trade goods from local merchants. The Center for Tropical Ecology and Conservation (CTEC) at Antioch University is currently accepting proposals for oral presentations. Please visit our website at www.centerfortropicalecology.org or contact CTEC Education Coordinator Tierney Rosenstock at [email protected] for submission details. Costs: $35 early registration (before 20 October)/ $25 student / $45 walk in We are also hosting a fair trade market from 10-3pm, free and open to the public. Vendors interested in a table at this market may submit a registration form available at our website or by contacting [email protected]. For more information contact the CTEC Education Tierney Rosenstock [email protected] or visit us online at www.centerfortropicalecology.org
