Global Forum and Kru Nam

Last year my brother invited me to hear David Batstone speak at OSU. Dave told the story of Kru Nam, a modern day artist turned abolitionist who is changing the world, one child at a time. Kru Nam's story was the inspiration - not only for the book, Not for Sale, which became an internation grassroots campaign, but for me. I joined Not for Sale after hearing the story of how one woman was choosing to fight injustice in the world. In that one evening, my life was changed. (Thanks Jesse!!!)

6 months later I had the privilege of traveling to Thailand to visit Kru Nam, JK, and the kids at the compound Not for Sale funded. Fortunately, and unfortunately, Kru Nam is rescuing so many kids that they need more houses, an education center, a bigger kitchen, etc.  NFS promised to do everything we could to raise the money as quickly as possible- which, according to the project proposal was $180,000.
Recently, Kru Nam and JK came to California to talk about their project in Thailand, VCDF, and try and raise money for the additional housing project.

Less than 5 days ago I watched with tears streaming down my face as NFS presented JK and Kru Nam a check for $155,000, with an addition $25,000 on the way. $180,000 -the exact amount of money needed to build a home for children rescued from sex trafficking in Northern Thailand.

(I am crying now as I write this!)


There were so many other incredible moments at the Global Forum.
I got to spend a good bit of time with Kru Nam and JK (JK is not only a translater, but the head of project develepment and funding for VCDF - Volunteers for Childrens Development Fund, the ngo that Kru Nam leads in Thailand that NFS helps support).
JK looks alot like Jesse, is from Ohio, has a dry sense of humor, but the biggest heart in the world. Kru Nam is the most compassionate and couragous woman I have ever met. Sidenote,
I don't know why, but Kru Nam and JK call me Shakira :)
It was unbelievable to get to hang out with a woman that I have admired and heard about, a woman whose legacy inspired me to join the abolitionist movement. I was face to face with my personal hero.  She told me that I have so much inner strength - that I must use my inner strength to fight modern day slavery and keep the movement going. We hugged, she cried, I cried.
Yep, pretty much one of the best days on my life!

strugglin

Man, I am strugglin! I knew that working full time and going to school time was going to be rough, and I knew that I  would be busy, but I never expected this:
I am turning into the biggest bitch! I get so frustrated with people over the littlest things because they are wasting my precious time - then I get mad at myself for being mad, and mad that I am mad that I am mad and I can't seem to let go of this craziness inside!
Seeking some wisdom and advice....

De-moralizing Economies

I am currently reading De-moralizing Economies: African Socialism, Scientific Capitalism, and the Moral Politics of Structural Adjustment by James Ferguson....

"On 12 December 1991, Lawrence Summers, the chief economist of the World Bank )who would go on to serve as U.S. Secretary of the Treasury and is currently the president of Harvard University), sent an internal bank memorandum (later leaked to the press) in which he argued that the export of pollution and toxic waste to the Third World constituted an economically sound, "world-welfare enhancing trade" that should be actively encouraged by the World Bank. " (p70).


WHAT THE HECK!!!!!!

two months too late???

SOOO School started, work is in full swing, Jordan and I have a house guest, and summer has finally come to HMB. Zack and Eve moved to Cambodia, Deidre and Alex had a baby, Jesse started grad school and Kellye graduated and has a new job!

WOWOWOWOWOWO...time never stands still does it?

so Jordan and i went to Hawaii before all the craziness to get some time to just be...it was wonderful! the above picture is us on a dinner cruise (not nearly as fabulous as the one we went on in France w. the Scott's!) The first picture below is from our Zipline adventure....so fun!

 And last, but definitely not least, our helicopter ride!!!!

Fellows Part 1

The past month has been a whirlwind of activity. I returned from Nepal and Thailand, and was thrown into a week of prepping for my first batch of NFS fellows. Most of you know that, although I loved the work that I was doing with NFS, I was disappointed by the lack of infrastructure in the fellowship program. Although it turned out to be a blessing - in that I was hired to lead the program and revamp it, the first few months as a fellow with NFS were definitely trying.
Since July 1st, I have been trying to "revamp" the program. In my mind, I would like to see it take on a more educational focus - with fellowship dues being seen as tuition payments, structured reading materials, and even a "course syllabus" so to speak.
Here is the first month - at a glance.
The beginning of week one was a time to get to know each individual - their expectations of the program, life goals, skills, passions, etc. Mark Wexler and I took them hiking in Muir Woods and then we spent the afternoon at Stinson Beach.
The latter part of week 1 and all of week 2 was an immersion into NFS. Mark Wexler taught several days on the 10,000 ft. perspective of NFS and the movement: an overview of the organization, emphasizing NFS's mission, goals, and values. Our goals is to end slavery in this lifetime. How do we do that? What is Not for Sale's role within the larger movement? Why do we do some things, and not others? How are we going to accomplish our goal?
After the 10,000 ft mountaintop view is hammered home, we can delve into the daily tasks, programs and platforms, and the the overarching mission becomes the guiding point for all that we do. This is key - as  some days and weeks the daily tasks can be quite trying-  sitting at a computer all day, answering emails, doing what can seem to be mundane tasks. But when the mundane tasks are set into the larger perspective and foundation of the mission: To end slavery in this lifetime - then every task is important.

Week 3 and 4 were spent in San Francisco at the Investigator Academy. The first week was led by Dennis Mark, our Chief Investigator - with a focus on sex trafficking. The second week was led by Kilian Moote with a focus on forced labor violations.  As the fellows are car less, I drove them everyday to and from the city. Although this was trying at times, it was wonderful to be a part of their conversations on the way home - listening to what they learned, what they thought, how they felt, etc. Some days they were so overwhelmed that we turned the Beatles on and sang the whole way home. Some days we had great conversations regarding how to raise consumer awareness.
All in all, this has been an exceptional month. I am overjoyed to be working with such a great group of people. They bring enthusiasm and energy to the campaign - and are constantly surprising me with their fervor and dedication. I could not have asked for a better group of fellows!

hiking the Annapurna Circuit

We flew from Katmandu to Pokhara, Nepal for a 5 day trek in the Annapurna Circuit. Our trip was arranged through Three Sisters, a female owned, operated, and managed trekking company. We had 6 porters and one guide with us.
I don't think that my words will accurately convey the beauty - so I will let my pictures do the talking.
The following shots are from the third day -we began at 3:00am in order to ascend Poon Hill in time to watch the sunrise. It was an absolutely magical moment as the sun set the peaks on fire, breathing life, color, and possbility into hearts and minds.

Tini and I at sunrise on Poon Hill (left).
Below: A map of our trek.

more Pashupat - a different side

After watching the cremation process, we walked amoung the pagodas, and up a hill to see the Yogis.

One of them was over 100 years old, and as I stopped to take a picture with him, he wrapped his ancient dreadlocks around my neck. Don't be fooled by my smile - I was freaking out when he put his locks on me. Don't get me wrong, I love dreadlocks, but these locks were pretty gross!

I am not really sure about the history of these Yogi's. They are followers of one of the Hindu gods - I think the elephant god, but I can't be sure. They were pretty charming - in a weird sort of way.

Katmandu - Pashupati

We flew into Katmandu, Nepal and travelled 20 minutes to our hotel, Hotel Tibet. Thomas Kelly, a renowned photographer met us and took us on a tour of the city. 
First stop: the Pashupatinath, or Pashupati, a Hindu temple on the banks of the Bagmati River in Deopatan. It is dedicated to a manifestation of Shiva called Pashupati (Lord of Animals). It is regarded as the most sacred temple of Hindu Lord Shiva in the world. Thousands pilgrim to this temple, known as the "Temple of Living Beings". It's history is shrowded in legends and tales - some say it dates back to the 400AD.

Many ornate pagodas surround the temple which is situationed on the riverbanks of a tributary to the Ganges, the Bagmati river. This is considered a holy area and it is believed that to die and to be cremated here will release one from the cycle of repeated birth and death.The ashes of persons cremated are sprinkled into the waters of the Bagmati, eventually to be carried to the Ganges. 
In the hour that we stood on the banks and watched, we watched the pires be loaded with logs, stuffed with kindling, and bodies burned - then the pires cleared of all remaining ash - and the process repeated again.  

If you look closely at the river, you will see that it is filled with trash, monkeys, and cows. As we stood and watched, smoke and ashes filled our nostrils and covered our sweaty bodies.  Although it is a holy place, I was anxious to leave to river bank and the smell of burning flesh and rotting trash behind.

Thailand Part 1

I arrived safely in Bangkok om July 12th, at 12:00pm after nearly 24 hours of traveling. My hotel is connected to the airport. Its a little shwanky, definitely not my style and 30 minutes from the city! - but the whole group is staying here and it is one of the safest places in the city. After check-in and a quick shower I got a cab into the city.

Zack was right - this is one crazy city! Everyone is going, going, going, buying, selling, swerving, talking, going, going, going. It's the Thai style of New York City.

My first stop was the Grand Palace which was built in 1782 as a complex consisting of the royal residence and halls, as well as government offices and the renowned Temple of the Emerald Buddha. For 150 years it was home to the Thai King and his Royal Court.

First, I bought at 350 baht entrance ticket, then I had to make a 200 baht deposit to borrow a skirt (my cropped pants were too short). Men and women alike need to cover their feet, legs, and arms. Then I was free to amble about the courtyard. Upon entering the temple, everyone must take their shoes off. The Grand Palace is often referred to as the spiritual home of the Thais.

The complex is large, filled with gold covered statues, ornate walls, monuments, etc.

BTW, its 98 degrees and HUMID, so as I was walking around in a state of revelry, sweat was constantly dripping down my face and back.

Next stop was to Wat Pho to see the equally famous Reclining Buddha at the oldest temple in Bangkok. The Reclining Buddha is the largest statue of Buddha (over 150 feet long) in Thailand, and it lays resting on its side with one arm supporting its head, and the other arm laying down by his thighs. Covered in gold plating, the temple seems to glow – if not from the gold, then from his serene face and peaceful nature. The bottoms of his feet are covered in mother of pearl and intricately decorated with 108 auspicious scenes in Chinese and Indian styles. As you walk around his body, there are over 1,000 other pictures of Buddha painted on the walls.

Went to Water Loon, but did not go in as they wanted to charge the foreigner and arm and a leg! So instead I explored a couple of the crazy markets before heading back to the hotel to meet the rest of the group. As luck would have it - they were checking in when I arrived!

So we met up, everyone checked in, then headed to the pool to cool down and relax.

My roommate for the duration of the trip is Christinia Hebets, aka Tini. Also here is Mike Duffy, a prof at USF, David and Zack Batstone, and Kique Bazan.

Okay - gotta run - I am on Tini's computer and we nee to head out. Eating breakfast, then going to the airport to catch a flight to Katmandu. We will stay the night in Katmandu and leave on Monday am for Pokhara - from there we will begin the trek. This is my last time near the Internet for a while.

Love you all!

Kate

babies...

Man, I really gotta get into the habit of posting on this more often. So, I just returned from a weekend visit in Texas with Deidre and Alex. They are expecting the very first grandchild in our immediate family, and everyone is thrilled! I am thrilled to be an aunt, but even more excited to see the next generation of "Schroeders"...

My thoughts on being a mom....

You know, I have never been the woman that always talks about having kids, has always wanted to have kids, dreams about kids, etc. It's not that I DON'T want kids....It's just that, right now, I don't really WANT them. I still feel so cuss young! There is still so much I want to do, explore, be. I guess I am handicapped by the perspective that kids hold you back. And I know that I really need to get over that one. But...how do you travel the world with kids? How do you explore mountains and valleys with kids? How do you build a career with kids? Kids limit spontaneity, and have a bad (or good depending on how you look at it) way of changing your dreams. And I am just not ready for my dreams to be changed.

On the other hand, I definitely do not want to grow old and die childless. Not because I WANT to procreate and create a lil me and a lil Jordan...But because there is something to be said about the NEXT generation -

But I just don't quite know how to say it.

a promotion

On Tuesday of this week I sat down with David Batstone and Kique Bazan (one of the co-founders) and was told that they are thrilled with the work that I have been doing, and would like to offer me a full time (paid!) position with Not for Sale beginning July 1, 2010.

This incredible promotion means that I will no longer be the Freedom Store Manager, but the Executive Assistant to Daivd Batstone, and the Fellowship Director.

As most of you know, I had high hopes of one day becoming an official Not for Sale Staff member, but didn't think it would ever happen this soon. I was on cloud nine on Tuesday - I couldn't stop smiling and doing a little dance.

My first real career job. Wow! Needless to say, Jordan and I will now be living in California for a lot longer than we had originally anticipated. We are happy here- we love the open space, the limitless outdoor activites, the beaches, the people, and our jobs.

As always, I am forever grateful to my supportive husband - who was courageous enough to embark on this adventure with me, who always gives me his unending support, and whose love and faithfulness gives me the freedom to follow my dreams.

a slow Sunday at the store

The Freedom Store opened it's first store in Half Moon Bay, Ca a little over two weeks ago. Since the first day we began selling products, I have been the Freedom Store manager. It's been an interesting transition for me, as I have never worked retail before in my life!

The other interesting aspect is that fact that I moved to California to join the campaign and set the slaves free, and now I am selling stuff in a pretty much deserted mall on the harbor.

Granted, a lot of the "stuff" is made by people rescued from trafficking. The whole concept of the Freedom Store is to create markets for slave-free goods which in turn creates sustainability for vulnerable people and brings education to empowered consumers. It's a good cause, but is it my cause?

I am still trying to find my place in the campaign. Even working for a campaign is much different than I thought it would be. There is much less hands on work, and much more effort put into building and strengthening our constituency.

It makes sense that to end global slavery, the entire earthly population needs to be educated and engaged. Everyone has different talents and gifts to use - that when put to use, will effectively re-abolish slavery. "Not For Sale believes that everyone has a skill to contribute than can free an individual living in bondage, and together we can stop human trafficking and end slavery in our lifetime."

"The campaign aims to recruit, educate, and mobilize an international grassroots social movement that effectively combats human trafficking and slavery through "Smart Activism". It deploys innovative solutions for every individual to re-abolish slavery -- in their own backyards and across the globe."

As I said, I am trying to find my place in the campaign. It's crazy that I work one on one with national staff -that I am at the forefront of this powerful movement. But sometimes, I wonder if the forefront is really where I am supposed to be.

I miss the hands on experiences that are so life changing and vital for strengthening and directing passion.

I am really looking forward to my trip to Nepal and Thailand in June. For the first five days I will be trekking in Nepal with this groups: http://www.3sistersadventure.com/ - also check out the pic here http://travel.nytimes.com/2010/03/21/travel/21nepal.html

The next week I will be visiting several different Not for Sale Projects including Kru Naam's Village - which if you have ever read the book or heard David speak, he talks about Kru Naam and her village.

It will be the most amazing experience - one that I am very grateful to take. Also, grateful that I have a supportive husband who encourages me to live my dreams.

Freedom Store

http://notforsale895.corecommerce.com/cart.html

Check out some of the products I am selling at the Freedom Store - now open in Half Moon Bay!

welcome to the jungle....

On the one hand there is so much to say I can't find the time or the words, but on the other, less apt, more insecure hand, I never feel as though I have anything worth posting.

The pendulum swings constantly in both directions - and I am constantly immobilized.

So an update:

In February I want to LA to visit Jade and Natalie and had a much needed girls weekend.

In March I went to D.C. with NFS for Global Advocacy Days and the Leadership Summit and had an amazing time raising my voice on capitol hill.

In March Kristi, Andrew, and Jordan's cousin Matt came out for a visit and we took them south to Ano Nuevo and Pescadero and north to the city. So very thankful for family!

In the meantime, I continue to enjoy my work with NFS. There are so many different projects that I work on - academy stuff, fellow stuff, store/office, and as always, the Stop Paying for Slavery Tour.

I have decided to stay for at least another six months and manage the fellow program. In addition, I will be working at the Freedom Store as the Freedom Store Manager. WOHOO!!!!

That's bout all I have for now. Going to Nepal and Thailand in June. Super stoked about that.

Send me some love. Feelin lonely...

Elephant Seals

On Wednesday, Jordan, Critter and I headed 40 miles south to Ano Nuevo to see the elephant seals. It was a beautiful drive down highway one -no clouds, bright blue sky and warm sunshine. From Dec- March there are hundreds of elephant seals on the beach at Ano Nuevo State Park. The 15 foot, 5,000 pound alpha males fight one another for procreation rights. The winner takes over forty females and the loser gets NONE. The females give birth and transfer 50% of their fat to their 60 lbs pups via milk. In a few weeks they weigh over 300 pounds. Once the pups are no longer pups, they are called weaners :) We saw lots of weaners laying on the sand and one playing in the water.

press release - in cnn money wohoo!

Manpower Inc. Joins Forces with Not For Sale Campaign to Mobilize Next Generation of Business Leaders in Fight Against Human Trafficking

Manpower Named Lead Sponsor of Global 40-City “Stop Paying for Slavery” Tour, Focused on Raising Awareness to Eliminate Forced Labor From Supply Chains

Milwaukee, WI (March 3, 2010) - Manpower Inc. (NYSE:MAN), a world leader in the employment services industry, announced yesterday that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Not For Sale Campaign (NFSC) to advance the fight against human trafficking and forced labor.

“In spite of growing publicity around human trafficking over the last several years, too many people do not have the information and direction they need to be part of the solution,” said David Arkless, Manpower’s President of Corporate and Government Affairs. “Raising awareness and collective understanding of the breadth and impact of modern-day slavery is imperative to ending the scourge. The ‘Stop Paying for Slavery’ Tour has tremendous potential to arm emerging business leaders with the information they need to end human trafficking for good.”

Under the Memorandum of Understanding, signed February 9, Manpower will take on the role of lead sponsor of NFSC’s 2010 “Stop Paying For Slavery” Tour, helping convene business leaders for participation in Tour events. The Tour, a series of multi-day events and community outreach programs in 40 cities across the globe, will bring together educators, business leaders, law enforcement agencies, faith communities and the general public in the fight against human trafficking. A key goal is to visit the best business schools to introduce the next generation of leaders to the urgency of the human trafficking problem, and the potential of social entrepreneurship to end it.

“The ‘Stop Paying for Slavery’ Tour is revolutionary in its aim to engage consumers and corporate actors in practical solutions to root out slavery from our supply chains,” said David Batstone, NFSC’s co-founder and president. “Manpower's leadership at the forefront of this movement demonstrates the enormous impact corporations can make in ending the modern-day slave trade.”

Manpower and NFSC have also identified a set of joint projects and objectives aimed at carrying the fight against human trafficking forward globally, including aligning efforts in advocacy against human trafficking, for sanctions against abuses, and for legal, economic and social protections for victims and persons at risk.

Manpower Inc. is a leader in the global fight against human trafficking and forced labor, and was the first company to sign the Athens Ethical Principles. These Principles declare a “zero tolerance” policy for working with any entity which benefits from human trafficking. Manpower’s effort to engage more companies in support of the Principles has resulted in more than 12,000 organizations either signing up directly or through the commitment of their industry federations.

About the Not For Sale Campaign

Founded in 2007 by Dr. David Batstone, Mark Wexler and Dr. Kique Bazan, the Not For Sale Campaign equips and mobilizes Smart Activists to deploy innovative solutions to re-abolish slavery, in their own backyards and across the globe. NFSC was created after Batstone authored Not For Sale: The Return of the Global Slave Trade and How We Can Fight It and is now an international grassroots movement. The campaign works to link law enforcement, business leaders, universities, government officials, social service organizations, and faith-based groups to launch and coordinate effective actions on behalf of the 200,000 people currently living in slavery within the US – and the 27 million victims worldwide. NFSC is a 501c3 non-profit corporation based in Montara, Calif. For more information about NFSC and the “Stop Paying for Slavery” Tour, visit www.notforsalecampaign.org

About Manpower Inc.

Manpower Inc. (NYSE: MAN) is a world leader in the employment services industry; creating and delivering services that enable its clients to win in the changing world of work. With more than 60 years of experience, the $16 billion company offers employers a range of services for the entire employment and business cycle including permanent, temporary and contract recruitment; employee assessment and selection; training; outplacement; outsourcing and consulting. Manpower's worldwide network of nearly 4000 offices in 82 countries and territories enables the company to meet the needs of its 400,000 clients per year, including small and medium size enterprises in all industry sectors, as well as the world's largest multinational corporations. The focus of Manpower's work is on raising productivity through improved quality, efficiency and cost-reduction across their total workforce, enabling clients to concentrate on their core business activities. Manpower Inc. operates under five brands: Manpower, Manpower Professional, Elan, Jefferson Wells and Right Management. More information on Manpower Inc. is available at www.manpower.com.

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voices....

March 1^st marks not only the first of our Global Advocacy Days, but also the first day of Not For Sale Campaign’s “Advocacy Month. An “advocate”, as defined by the Webster dictionary, is one “who pleads the cause of another”.

As I thought about what it meant to be an advocate, and what it means to plead the cause of another, I remembered a poem by Mary Anne Ramacher. She asks,

" What is a voice if it does not raise against injustice?

What is a voice if it does not sing for change?

What is a voice if it does not speak for the silent?

What is a voice if it merely minics the machinations of culture?

A stilled voice is a dried reed, lost toy, torn page...

A broken feather floating down and emptied canyon.

What is a voice if it remains silent against leagues of tyranny?"

Ms. Ramacher’s poem highlights the need for every one of us to use our voices. We don’t often think about the power of our voice. Just like breathing, it is natural bodily function that we take for granted -until it is taken away from us.

Advocacy month will change that. Your voice will no longer be something that you take for granted. Moving from the subconscious to the conscious, from the shadows into the limelight, we ask that you join Not for Sale in pleading for the cause of the millions of people enslaved in the world today.

Silence in the face of injustice is complicity with the oppressors. As abolitionists, as activists, as humans, we can no longer be silent while our brothers and sisters are in bondage.

Raise your voice and tell the story of the young girl forced into sex slavery. Speak the truth: that an egregious injustice is taking place in our very own backyards. There are so many, many ways to use your voice. Communicate. Articulate. Enunciate. Modulate. Pronounce. Pitch. Proclaim. Publicize. Aver. Assert. Air. Aruge. Say. State. Speak. Shout. Sound. Verbalize and Vocalize. Declare. Broadcast. Circulate. Tell.

just another day

Just got home from work. My first step was to greet the pup and hubby - then build a fire. I am loving our fireplace! Gonna go to the beach tomorrow and grab some driftwood. Californian's are big into the fake wood - one log burns for 4 hours, but I have found that they don't give off much heat. So now, with the fire roaring, I am chilling on the couch - a couch that our fabulous neighbors gave us. Its 7pm here, but 10 in Ohio and too late to call anyone, so I am feeling a little lonely. Lost is on tonight, and we may head over to C2 to watch it with the designer boys. Last night was Monday- and 24. As we are happily without cable, we watched that with our neighbors. After work, Jordan and I took Tank on a beach walk. He exhausted himself chasing seagulls, then found a friend to play with. After the beach we enjoyed burgers with the neighbors and a friendly game of boggle:) then Jack Bauer.

I spent the day in the city at USF. There are tons of open rooms that we utilize for work as we wait on the completion of our office - which only needs one final inspection, then furniture! It is in a beautiful space with a wall of windows that look out on Pillar Point Beach. I guess working inside isn't soo bad when you have that view.

This week's projects:

calling congressmen/women and setting up appointments for our global advocacy days (March 1-2 in D.C.) updating the underground church network website for freedom Sunday, office furniture, and creating an information packet for the Regional Directors to promote the Stop Paying for Slavery Tour.

That's about all here....Feelin kinda lonely tonight. Not lonely, just missing people to talk to...Tired of meeting strangers and trying to bridge the gap into friendship. I always feel so damn awkward!!! Am I coming across too strong? Tooo needy? Am I showing how cool I really am? Argh! AWKWARD! And then there is the daily awkwardness with staff...making jokes that they don't think are funny, etc. Moving and making a new life can be rough!

Don't get me wrong, we love it here, but finding a community where we belong.....

Anyway, just wanted to write another update....Miss you all. Cant wait for you to visit and to laugh and be at ease...

a few pics from mavericks

apparently the waves were 25-50 footers - so gnarly! you cant see much, we were pretty high up on the bluffs, but if you look closely at the last pic, you will see a lil surfer riding the wave in.

mother nature is wicked! after watching for a few hours up on the bluffs we went down to the beach, but it was closed - as two waves crashed over the seawall and soaked a dozen spectators, even injuring them. A lil bit later it opened up and I was able to get a much more limited view from the ground.

They estimate 50,000 people came out to watch. The crowds were ridic! But we are glad that we were able to see it, one of the most dangerous surf competitions in the world.

chocolate press release

NOT FOR SALE CAMPAIGN & INTERNATIONAL LABOR RIGHTS FORUM

Contact: Kilian Moote, press@free2work.org, 415-307-1498

Tim Newman, tim.newman@ilrf.org, 202-347-4100 x113

Free2Work.org informs consumers on use of slave labor in chocolate production

Chocolate producers rated for Valentine's Day

In advance of Valentine’s Day, top chocolate companies such as Hershey’s, Nestle, and See’s Candies have been rated on an “A” to “F” scale on their ability to ensure that forced labor and child labor are not being used in the production of their goods. Free2Work.org, a consumer awareness tool maintained by Not For Sale Campaign and International Labor Rights Forum, will help concerned consumers decide which chocolate to buy for their loved ones.

A recent report by the Department of Labor highlighted that forced labor and child labor is still a major concern in the production of cocoa, nine years after the chocolate industry agreed to eliminate the worst forms of child labor from its products.

Over 70% of the world’s chocolate is produced in West Africa, primarily in Cote D’ Ivoire. Since 2001, reports have documented extreme labor abuses including abusive child labor, forced labor, and trafficking. “Consumers should be outraged that after so many years, children continue to harvest cocoa that consumers are buying for their children this Valentine’s Day,” says Bama Athreya, Executive Director of the International Labor Rights Forum.

Annually, the United States consumes upwards of 2.8 billion pounds of chocolate, or nearly half the world's supply. “Unfortunately, it's unlikely that any standard or system can ensure chocolate is 100% slave-free, but as consumers, it is our responsibility to know which chocolate is less likely to be produced by slaves,” says David Batstone, President of the Not for Sale Campaign. “The concentration of forced labor used in chocolate production has significant implications for the credibility of the entire industry.”

Free2Work rates companies performances based on their code of conduct, implementation of their code, transparency, response to child labor and efforts to empower workers. Additional questions are used to evaluate specifically what steps chocolate companies are taking within their own industry to address forced and child labor.

The Free2work.org rating program is a new and ongoing endeavor. Additional products will continue to be rated throughout the year.

The Not For Sale Campaign equips and mobilizes Smart Activists to deploy innovative solutions to re-abolish slavery in their own backyards and across the globe. www.notforsalecampaign.org

International Labor Rights Forum is an advocacy organization dedicated to achieving just and humane treatment for workers worldwide. www.laborrights.org

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an overview of NFSC

On Friday David Batstone talked the staff thu "What is the Not for Sale Campaign". For the first time ever, I was able to get a glimpse of the much, much bigger picture. So I am posting some of my notes. Sorry if they seem chaotic.

NFSC's goal is to:Equip a movement to design innovative solutions to end slavery

Equip: we are not an expert organization (they refer to other experts all the time, which is amazing! one of their first questions was, where does NFSC fit into the bigger movement? they recognize that they are a part of a much bigger whole. So strengthen the whole, refer to the experts!)

Innovative solutions: How do we create the tools, education, and opportunities that empower the constituency to become engaged

We are a think tank – we create tools/models that other groups can replicate

Find causes – part of being innovative

In 25 years get to source of causes of slavery

Slavery Map was a crucial early tool for us – people don’t believe that slavery still exists….

Our analysis early on that there was no good data

(state dept talking about slavery map – as an example for documenting trafficking – because they are interested in methods people traffic drugs, guns – and those same networks bring bombs into states – criminal networks – how does the state dept understand criminal networks – looking at NFSC!)

Slavery Map is now an advocacy tool –

Walk into mayor’s office and show them the data of cases of slavery in certain area and let DATA speak for itself

We want to be in a place where we are shaping impact – building programs that address the six main sectors of influence:government, private, business, university, media, volunteer (ngo’s, religious communities, HR agencies) justice system (law enforcement and courts)

Our six programs that shape the six sectors: Justice League, Student Movement, Tip Press (media) Free2Work, Freedom Sunday, Free2Play, Advocacy Days

Int’l Programs – setting up models that others can replicate

SPS tour – equip and empower student movement and grassroots through the tour- work w. regional directors and provide them w. tools

Dave tell’s Cambodia story – building a shelter for those at risk/rescued on the border of Cambpdia and Thailiand – contracted out to a local group that is identified as first in class and manages the shelter (Somali Mam is parent group) –

In conjunction with aftercare, give them job training (move from giving a fish to teaching to fish to giving access to pond to giving them ownership of the pond)

So we build a shelter, and build an apparel factory – training equips them to move into a paying position – they were highly equipped! – for every 6mo/yr they work in the company, they get stock! Ownership of the company. If they leave, they can sell the stock back.

Placement fee for a trained worker is paid to the shelter.

Also building condos. People who work in factory apply to live in condo – and they pay a mortgage! Condo built with donor funds. Mortgage given back to shelter.

Economic model built for sustainable autonomy!

Most shelters fail b/c not sustainable.

NFSC: Creating opportunities not to just be a worker, but a manager, and an owner – and they can walk away w. stock – or sell – with money and own their own house!

one month in....

On Saturday Jordan, Tank and I ventured 20 miles south to a little town called Pescadero. We got a burrito at a tiny taqueria that was housed in a gas station and picnicked at Bean Hollow State Beach. We got a lot of great pics of Tank runnin and playin in the sand!

On Sunday we headed north to Berkeley to join Greg and his friends for a potluck. There were about 30 people and as many dishes! Everything from curry soup to lentils and sangria and beet salad. It was awesome!

Tomorrow it will be one month since we left Columbus and started out on this great adventure. We are beyond happy with our new lives. I thoroughly enjoy my work with NFSC. For the first time I feel that my work matches my life purpose, and I am continually challenged and encouraged. NFSC is a non-profit that I am thrilled to be a part of, and proud of the work that they do. They employ smart activism: thinking before doing. They undertake amazing national and international projects, and work to strengthen the horizontal lines of their movement. They are grassroots. They listen to their constituency. They refer to experts in the movement instead of trying to do it themselves. They seek only sustainable models. And they do it all well, really well.

There is still so much to learn, so much to see, and do, and experience.

A Saturday night in the city –buffalo, bass, beats and more...

For the first time since we moved here three weeks ago, we were able to get away and have an afternoon and evening in the city. Jordan, Sam, and I left HMB around 3:00 in the afternoon for a fun filled night.

Here’s what I saw, smelled, tasted, and felt:

First stop: Golden Gate Park

We were lucky and saw…..a running buffalo!

Yes, there are buffalo in the park in a small-gated area…and we were fortunate enough to see one gallop from one side of the field to the other….Before you scoff, answer the questions: have you ever seen a buffalo run?

Second memorable sight: Sam not only falling down a slippery grass incline, but doing a back flip!

After the park we drove into the city and parked near Chinatown.

We entered through the infamous gate and ambled along the streets, under red lanterns, past shops selling t-shirts for two bucks and necklaces and earrings, and even fortune cookie change purses. We passed noodle shops and sushi shops and tea tasting houses. We walked from one end to the next, and ended up on Columbus street, where we ate dinner at E Tutto Qua …across the street from “fancy” topless show clubs with thugs outside the door charging twenty bucks entrance, yet where lap danced where on sale for only five bucks! What a bargain- I can only thank our pitiful economy.

Our most delicious dinner was served to us by real Italians (as opposed to story book Italians), who shouted across the dining room at each other in EYE-talian! The Maitre’ D had a most impressive beer belly and tats lining his arms with not one, not two, but multiple piercing. Can you say mafia?

Jordan and I both ate a potato crusted oven roasted succulent Chilean Sea Bass. Sam savored her saffron gnocchi with clams. After tiramisu and espresso, we went across the street. Not to the titty bar – but to the Jack Kerouac museum. They charge $5 for tickets, but I was hoping to sweet talk them into letting us in for free, as it was late, and we were the only customers. But low-and-behold, lady luck was by our side that night. Not only did we get free entrance, but we were invited to the poetry release party. It didn’t start for an hour, so we explored the streets. First we worked off dessert by climbing a mini city- mountain and enjoyed a glorious nighttime view of the city. We walked up and down streets and even stopped in a candy shop where Sam bought too many different kinds of taffy to name. Then on to the poetry reading…

In a dark room in the Beat museum we listened to modern day beats twist and tangle their words into perfect rhythms and imperfect rhymes to a spattering of perfectly timed “snaps”. It was my first time at a poetry reading and I felt...encouraged, inspired, creative, saddened, deceived, enraged, engaged, and more, more, more. I guess that's the point though of poetry - to transform mindless words into meaningful words that cause the reader to feel....

It was at the poetry reading that I watched a grown woman lick every last trace of dip off her paper plate.

The night was too young to end, and we were hoping to listen to some live music or karaoke, but, alas, yours truly was truly tuckered out.

A sweet drive home along highway one with the ocean always accompanying us on the left…