Tampere
Finland’s first Fairtrade City
Population: 210,000
Declaration date: 9th May 2008
www.reilutampere.fi

The campaign was launched in 2006 by the Pro Fair Trade Association group in Tampere together with interested city councilors. The city councilors made a proposal and then a decision to apply for Fairtrade City status. The Fairtrade City Steering Team (consisting of representatives from the city organisation, churches business associations, Chamber of Commerce, NGO’s) now run the campaign.

The campaign reaches the community by running a Fairtrade City information desk and permanent exhibition at the city centre (visited by schools), taking part in Fair Trade Weeks, holding events in the city square, using promotional materials such as roll-ups, posters and leaflets spread around the city and gaining regular media coverage. The Steering Team decides which events should be run jointly and the Pro Fairtrade association also organise different events throughout the year. Fair trade is integrated into existing events such as music festivals and sports events when the Steering Team will negotiate with event organisers on how Fair trade could be promoted at the event. Business representatives are included in the Steering Team and those supporting the campaign are listed on the website.

Top Tips
•    Integrate Fair Trade into already existing events and activities to avoid having to arrange lots of separate events.
•    It is extremely important to have close cooperation with civil servants responsible for council procurement.