Illustration by Ian Bowler

Fair and Fabulous are looking for a volunteer to promote Fair Trade by staffing their shop on Saturdays and helping with their retail website.

Who are Fair and Fabulous?

Fair and Fabulous is an independent Fair Trade shop that also has an online retail website. They are active members of BAFTS Fair Trade Network UK, work closely with us at Fair Trade Wales, and run the Newcastle Emlyn Fair Trade Community Group.

Fair and Fabulous is located in Newcastle Emlyn in the beautiful Teifi Valley in rural West Wales. It is a place that naturally fosters close community links, but Fair and Fabulous believe that this should include global as well as local connections. Through Fair Trade, they aim to provide incomes for people in other small communities in many different locations – reaching from village to village for a fairer world. The core of the venture is providing opportunities and a fair wage for artisans in the majority world.

What’s involved?

The volunteer will work in the shop serving customers, telling the stories behind the products and advocating for Fair Trade. The chosen volunteer will also help to design in-shop window displays, can get involved with product photography, help with social media campaigns, populate the retail website and campaign for Fair Trade.

Where and when will you be volunteering?

Your volunteering will take place at their shop in Newcastle Emlyn on Saturdays. The shop is open 10am to 5pm. There may also be opportunity to travel to events and stalls outside of the shop.

Who would the role suit?

The most important attribute is a passion for Fair Trade. The team can teach you the facts, but you need to believe strongly in trade justice. You will be a good communicator and enjoy talking to people, as well as being proactive in finding jobs that need doing if the shop is quiet. It is also important to have a good sense of humour and to be prepared to do silly things to promote Fair Trade!

There will be plenty of opportunities to use Welsh, and it would be a great asset to the team to have someone who is able to communicate in Welsh (but not essential).

What’s in it for you?

You will gain a lot of hands-on knowledge about Fair Trade, which will stand you in good stead for any role in the global solidarity sector. You will also gain experience in running a business, sourcing products, social media promotion and using an e-commerce platform. You will also get a 15% discount on any products you purchase from the shop!

What to do next

If you’d like to get involved, please email Hub Cymru Africa on enquiries@hubcymruafrica.wales with ‘Volunteering’ in the subject line.