I spent last weekend in Washington DC at the National SweatFree Purchasing Summit.  The Summit was hosted by SweatFree Communities and the SweatFree Purchasing Consortium.  Overall the weekend was a mix between activist networking, idea sharing, brainstorming, and education. 

One of the highlights of my visit was hearing from the actual workers subject to sweat shop conditions in the manufacturing of goods for our Federal Government.  There was a lot of talk about a Federal SweatFree Policy including the introduction of one at a Congressional hearing.  While the sweatfree movement may be spread out in several small campaigns around the country, to see everyone there in our Nation’s Capital, essentially fighting for the same end was very fullfilling.

While there were many nice forums, stategy sessions, and educational talks, I feel the main value for me was in conversations with other organizers.  Sharing ideas and solutions to common problems with other organizers was a very valuable resource to me. 

Given some recently learned changes about the Purchasing Consortium our Louisville ordinance is now in need of ammendment.  I feel that I can write a more concise and effective policy for Louisville and leave the heavy lifting to the Consortium.

We still need your help.  If anyone would like to do some fundraising or letter writing please let me know ASAP!