Many people are outraged by the growing gap between rich and poor but feel powerless to do anything about it. Yet change won't happen unless enough people speak up and demand it. Support for campaigns can make a difference. A campaign can make more people aware of an issue, and supporters can put pressure on (or 'lobby') politicians and powerful organisations to make changes.

In April 2002, Oxfam began "Make Trade Fair", a campaign to enable developing world producers to benefit from trading with the rich world and to receive a fairer price for the things they make and grow. According to Oxfam, poor countries lose at least £2 in lost trade for every £1 given in aid. Oxfam blames the trade barriers imposed by the rich world that prevent poor countries from trading fairly in the world market.

©Zed Nelson/IPG

Coldplay's Chris Martin spent a week in Haiti to promote the "Make Trade Fair" campaign. Click on the photo to find out more.

"Make Trade Fair" was launched at events and press conferences in 25 countries. This way, the campaign message was reported in newspapers across the world. Through www.maketradefair.com people can learn about fair trade products that give producers a better deal. Supporters of the campaign can join "The Big Noise", an on-line petition that puts pressure on world leaders to change international trade rules. Famous people like Bono and UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan added their support to the campaign, and a concert was held in Trafalgar Square in London. Supporters have been active in their local area too, running information stalls and events, and encouraging local newspapers to cover the campaign issues.

Running a campaign on this scale takes a lot of effort, especially co-ordinating the ideas and actions of 12 Oxfams across the world. And while Oxfam is keen to work with other organisations on trade campaigning, each organisation has slightly different views on the issue. Nevertheless, 30,000 people have already signed the "Big Noise" petition, a sure sign of the campaign's success. Visit www.maketradefair.com to find out more.