The Social and Political Action Area of the Fair serves as a common ground for a wide variety of organizations and ethnic groups to explore shared values and possible areas of cooperation; to encourage environmental protection and a respect for all living things; to make it possible for people to earn a living through their work and to develop their potential as human beings; to support public policy that promotes these objectives; to educate the public to injustices; and to provide opportunities to help right these injustices.

Sustainable agriculture requires sustainable communities. The very basis and justification of organic agriculture is that it should not harm the earth, its plants, animals and its people. As we contemplate and support changes in our food system and our systems of land ownership and use, and as we return to a system which both supports and benefits from organic and locally grown food, we need to be aware of trade, agricultural land use policies, human rights and suffering throughout the world.

Area Coordinators have set the following goals for the Social & Political Action Area:

• To promote a bioregion that is environmentally sound and is sustainable, meeting the basic needs of all living things, in accordance with humane principles.
• To provide an opportunity for groups advocating peace, social equity, civil/human rights and concern for the rights of all living species (including groups addressing international environmental and agricultural problems) to present ideas and information.
• To provide, in addition to educational activities occurring at each booth, a forum for scheduled presentations and debate.
• To accommodate activities, including those for profit, that are compatible with the area.

Social and Political Action Exhibitor Information

The 2008 Social and Political Action Area application materials are posted here. Please download and carefully read all the documents.

Social & Political Action Area Cover Letter (Word doc)
Social & Political Action Area Guidelines (Word doc)
General Guidelines For Participating In The Fair
Social & Political Action Area Application (PDF)

If your organization sells T-shirts, caps, or other items made from cotton, MOFGA strongly encourages you to consider going organic! Please refer to the sidebar for interesting information about the ecological, social and economic benefits of organic cotton. Thanks!

For more information about the Social and Political Action Area, contact:

Beth Leonard & Gary Lawless
gulfofmebks@suscom-maine.net

and/or

Dan Hamilton
hosehead51@adelphia.net