RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING MAY 6, 2011, AS FAIR TRADE CITY DAY
WHEREAS, Fair Trade is a strategy for poverty alleviation and sustainable development to create opportunities and better trading conditions for producers who have been economically disadvantaged or marginalized; and
WHEREAS, Fair Trade organizations support lair pay for producers, raise awareness of the importance of safe and healthy working conditions for workers where they are treated with dignity and respect and use environmentally sustainable practices; and
WHEREAS, The Fair Trade movement in the U.S. has reached an important stage in its history where public interest and demand for Fair Trade products have increased considerably during the last decade, and
WHEREAS, Chicago has met the five goals of Fair Trade Towns USA. including over 300 outlets selling fair trade, 260 institutions serving fair trade, media attention, passage of a fair trade resolution and maintained a steering committee representing diverse voices throughout the city; and
WHEREAS, The Fair Trade Towns movement, launched in Garstag, England in 2001 has succeeded in broadening public support for fair trade in over 700 municipalities in Europe, including cities like Barcelona, Rome and London: and
WHEREAS, 'I he City of Chicago wishes lo communicate its intent for trading relationships based on fairness and respect that contribute to economic development: now, therefore.
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members ofthe City Council ofthe City of Chicago, do hereby proclaim May 6. 2011 as "Fair Trade City Day'" to recognize the organizations and individuals who work to expand opportunities for fair trade in our city and to celebrate the global impact Chicago can have as we increasingly choose to procure fair trade products.
•Alderman, 49'" Ward t