Another busy week for the Fair Trade movement. From online debates and upcoming webinars to film screenings, here’s your friendly Fair Trade round-up:

‘Who Owns Fair Trade?’ Debate Heats Up:

Debate surrounding TransFair USA’s decision to change their name to Fair Trade USA continues throughout the movement. Check out Zarah’s blog post Who Owns Fair Trade from last week and Equal Exchange’s To Tell the Truth: Who Owns Fair Trade posted earlier today.

Fair Trade Webinar about TransFair’s Name Change Coming Up:

The highly anticipated webinar A Community Discussion of TransFair’s Name Change to Fair Trade USA, and Pending Service Mark Application, brought to you by the Fair Trade Resource Network, is happening next week. This is your chance to ask questions and add comments.
Date: February 9th, 2011
Time: 1:00-1:50 EST
Investment: just $5
Presenters: Fair Trade USA’s CEO, Paul Rice; Equal Exchange’s Answer Man, Rodney North; United Church of Christ Justice and Witness Ministries Minister for Economic Justice, Edie Rassell

To register and for more info visit the Fair Trade Resource Network website.

United Students for Fair Trade 7th Annual National Convergence:

This year the theme is ‘Igniting a Movement: Fair Trade Universities’ and the event is taking place Friday March 18th – Sunday March 20th 2011 in Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY. Hosted by United Students for Fair Trade (USFT) & Fair Trade Universities, the National Convergence is open to anyone interested in giving their university or high school official Fair Trade status.

This is an opportunity to learn more about Fair Trade, to share experiences and challenges in becoming a Fair Trade institution, or to find out more about how to start a Fair Trade campaign. Learn more on the USFT website.

Dark Side of Chocolate Film Screening National Week of Action:

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and National Week of Action for Dark Side of Chocolate screenings runs from February 4-14, 2011. This is a documentary that goes undercover to reveal the bitter truth about child slavery in the cocoa industry.

If you’d like to host your own screening all the info you need is provided on the Global Exchange website. You’ll be able to order the dvd plus download the Dark Side Toolkit.

San Francisco Screening: yours truly will be hosting this screening next Sunday Feb. 6th at SF Certified Green Business Doc’s Clock bar. The night will include Fair Trade chocolate tasting and a make-your-own Valentines station! Click here for event details and to watch the movie trailer.

Graphic Credit: Fair Trade Resource Network

World Fair Trade Day Campaign Launches:

World Fair Trade Day is the largest Fair Trade event of the year in N. America. Events will be happening between May 1-15, 2011. Find out to get involved on the Fair Trade Resource Network website.

Businesses, nonprofit organizations, churches, student groups, civic associations, families, stores and advocates host hundreds of events – including Fair Trade food tastings, talks, music concerts, fashion shows and much more – to promote Fair Trade and campaign for trade justice together with farmers & artisans.

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Got big Fair Trade news you’d like us to share in future Fair Trade Round-ups? Share in the Comments section or email me!