As we move into fall and the weather gets cooler and the leaves start to cover the ground, we have something very important to celebrate: Fair Trade.

Of course the Fair Trade movement is working to improve the lives of farmers, artisans, and their families all over the world all year long — but this month activists and organizations are putting an extra special emphasis on Fair Trade by highlighting the ways people can take action by promoting Fair Trade in their local communities.

When we think of October there is a particular holiday that comes to most people’s minds: Halloween – a time for kids to dress up, have fun, and eat candy; especially, chocolate. What many people don’t know is that the majority of the cocoa used to produce the chocolate that is manufactured and sold by the biggest chocolate companies – Hershey’s, Mars, Nestle (to name a few) – is grown in West Africa, using forced child labor. There is a positive action that you can take this month to help end this bitter reality; take part in the 5th annual Reverse Trick-Or-Treating campaign!

What is Reverse Trick-Or-Treating?

On Halloween, Trick-or-Treaters will be handing Fair Trade chocolate back to adults, with informational cards attached, to explain the problems of the cocoa industry and how Fair Trade presents a solution. By providing children with a way to be active, hundreds of thousands of households in the US are getting the message that forced child labor will not be tolerated by our kids. You can order your kit online between now and October 11th. OR…

Live in the Bay Area? This year, we invite you to PICK UP YOUR KIT  at three unique events (AND – sample some delicious Fair Trade chocolate at the same time!)

Kits will be available on a donation basis – no one turned away!

  1. Global Exchange Open House

    • When: Thursday, Oct.6th 6-10 p.m.
    • Where: 2017 Mission St., 2nd floor, San Francisco, CA, 94110
  2. Global Exchange Fair Trade Store – Berkeley
    • When: Saturday, Oct.8th noon – 4 p.m.
    • Where: 2840 College Ave., Berkeley, CA, 94704
  3. Global Exchange Fair Trade Store – San Francisco
    • When: Saturday, Oct.15th noon – 4 p.m.
    • Where: 4018 24th St., San Francisco, CA, 94110

For more information on these events please contact Kylie.

Interested in volunteering?

We could use your help at the Global Exchange office putting together Reverse Trick-Or-Treating kits! If you’re available today 10/4, tomorrow 10/5 or next week Monday 10/10 – Thursday 10/1,  please contact Kylie (kylie@globalexchange.org) Thank you!