The purpose of a Fairtrade Town is to contribute to the Fairtade Foundation's aim of tackling poverty by enabling disadvantaged producers from poor countries to receive a better deal, through encouraging support for the Fairtrade Mark.

In order to fulfil this aim by becoming a Fairtrade Town, the following five goals must be realised. When they are, a signed and dated certificate will be presented by the Fairtrade Foundation. The goals are in bold. Optional extras, recommended but not required, are in italics.

1. Local council passes a resolution supporting Fairtrade, and agrees to serve Fairtrade coffee and tea at its meetings and in its offices and canteens.

	Local council commits itself to promoting awareness of fairtrade to its constituency on a regular basis, through its free publication (if it has one) and other outlets.
	Local council allocates Fairtrade Town responsibilities to a member of staff or committee (possibly its environmental or Agenda 21 officer, working in partnership with a local Fairtrade steering group - see below) to ensure continued commitment to its fairtrade Town status.
	Street signs are erected declaring it as a fairtrade Town.

2. A range of Fairtrade products are readily available in the area's shops, and served in at least two (or four if a city) local cafes/catering establishments. It should be easy for local people to find Fairtrade products as they do their everyday shopping. Retail stockists could include a selection of health and whole food shops, supermarkets, or fair trade shops.

	These should display literature or placards advertising the fact that they serve or sell fairtrade Mark products.
	A local Fairtrade directory could be produced advising people where they can buy or find Fairtrade products - both on paper, and on-line.

3. Fairtrade products are used by at least 10 (or 20 if a city) local businesses and organisations. This could include schools, churches, large offices, hairdressers, etc.

	Venues should display stickers, posters or a certificate advising users that they use Fairtrade products and / or support the local Fairtrade Town campaign.
	Educational campaigns are organised in these places to deepen people's understanding of the issues and deepen their commitment to fairtrade.

4. Attract media coverage and popular support for the campaign. For the press, the story can be revised as each goal is achieved, organising a big splash for the Fairtrade endorsement ceremony, and developing a strategy to keep it in the news long after. This will also enable local businesses and organisations to benefit from their involvement.

5. A local Fairtrade steering group is convened to ensure continued commitment to its Fairtrade Town status. This should ideally include a council representative, campaigners, and people representing the area's schools, churches and businesses. The group is responsible for an annual assessment to monitor whether the area is continuing to meet the five goals.

	The group organises special events for Fairtrade Fortnight in March each year.
	An educational event or competition is organised to raise awareness of trade issues and Fairtrade amongst young people.

* The term Fairtrade Town is used here for simplicity, although the three terms are largely interchangeable.