Welcome to Connections. The inaugural students for fair trade conference website.

For post-conference information please see the HookedWiki Conference page.

The Inaugural HOOKED: Students for Fair Trade national conference "Connections" will be held at the University of Melbourne, in Parkville. The conference will bring together an estimated 200 students from around Australia to raise awareness of the challenges faced by developing country farmers and workers in the global trading community through a number of keynote speakers, workshop sessions and events that focus on issues of inequity in the world coffee, tea and cocoa markets and the difference between "free" trade and "fair" trade. The event aims to draw industry players, developing country farmers, academics and students into a dialogue about these critical issues, and empower attendees with the knowledge that ethical consumer choices can make a positive impact on a global scale.

Connections will consist of a wide variety of activities including a diverse range of workshops, keynote addresses including two Papua New Guinean Fairtrade Coffee Farmers from the Highlands Organic Agriculture Cooperative (HOAC); the Great Fair Trade debate with presentations from national experts and hosted by a surprise celebrity chairperson; state specific networking opportunities, dramatic presentations, Funk Out for Fair Trade #2 party and much more!

It will be your opportunity to be educated, activated and empowered to advocate for fair trade whether you are new to the movement or an established campaigner. It will also provide the opportunity to explore and discuss more deeply the complexities of trade justice and the challenges surrounding the role we play as participants in a global trading community.

Why Connections?

Firstly, this is the first ever fair trade conference for this part of the world, this will be our first opportunity to meet with each other and share our stories, experiences, struggles and triumphs.

Secondly, the fair trade movement in Australia has been carried by all different types of people - professionals, academics, traders, students, NGOs faith groups and many more. This is our opportunity to meet, thank and encourage each other and those who have paved the way for us to be where we are today.

Finally, the very heart of fair trade is about rehumanising the trade chain. It is about reconnecting with the producers who have been hugely disadvantaged through the isolating nature of conventional trade. At Connections, we will have the opportunity to meet with and learn from the very people we have been advocating for and garner knowledge from their experience so that we can better serve them in our advocacy role.

Breaking News: Conference outline now available online [pdf].