Carlos Vargas, Fair Trade Week key organizer.What do movie screenings, conferences, and free coffee have to do with one another? For starters, they were all aspects of the Development Studies Club (DSC) supported "Fair Trade Week", which hosted numerous events from November 19-24. Each focused on debate and examination of issues surrounding fair trade.  

"Last year, we held a conference and workshop," recalls key organizer, Carlos Vargas, third year DSC member and Outreach Coordinator for the Centre for Public Interest Accounting. "For this year's event we wanted to expand even more; providing a comprehensive look at fair trade with numerous activities and dates to take part."

This included screenings of the movies "Strong Coffee" and "Wal-town"; workshops and forums attended by key speakers-reputable professors to fair trade farmers themselves; and a fairly traded market day where consumers were able to pick up diverse products from around the world.

Over the span of the week, estimated attendance was over 1 000 people. "I would definitely deem the week a success," reflects Vargas. "We saw a variety of people come out to the events, some completely unfamiliar with the concept of fair trade. Attendees were provided the opportunity to understand the subject in a variety of different ways and prompted to think critically about its future."

The Development Studies Club had a direct hand in providing volunteers throughout the week, as well as promoting the various events, coordinating some small bookings and materials, and donating a portion of funding. Their plan is to help organize another large scale event for the winter semester. Interested in more information or ways that you can become involved? Head to http://www.ucalgary.ca/dsc/

By Chelsey Hiller