CPSIA Activism Idea

[Former_Member]

First off, my apologies if someone else has already had this idea. I'm not trying to steal anyone's thunder here. If someone else is already coordinating something like this, I would love to have a link to it.

Okay, here's my idea. If we grouped together by state or district, we could send a gift basket, filled with a few hand-made children's items, to our Congress and Senate members, along with a letter detailing how the CPSIA, as it exists now, would affect the artisans who crafted the items.

I'm in Austin, Texas; district 21. I would be happy to coordinate a gift basket for my Congressman (Lamar Smith) and for the Texas senators; Kay Bailey Hutchinson and John Cornyn. If anyone is interested in this, please contact me.

And if you're interested in coordinating a gift basket for your state or district, then maybe we can use this thread as a place to communicate with others.

[Former_Member]

Hmmm...that is an interesting idea. Do you have some ideas already of what the text accompanying the items should say? There are so many points to cover that I wouldn't be sure where to start.

[BEMsStudio]

I'm interested

[Former_Member]

The sad thing is, I live in PA. PA is famous for how much its representatives care about their citizens, isn't it?

[Former_Member]

NeedfulThings,

I'll put some thought into that and post later; grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning and life in general awaits me right now.

[Former_Member]

marrsgirl, perhaps something like this could be sent to the House/Senate leadership and/or the Members of the relevant committees (Waxman, et al.). I'm not convinced they care one whit about us, but there's always a chance...

[Former_Member]

I think that's a super idea littlethings.
I agree with NeedfulThings that we need to decide what points to make; how to concisely sum up how this affects artisans and what can be done about it, without writing a 500 page treatise.
I like the proposals put forth by the Handmade Toy Alliance:

http://www.handmadetoyalliance.org/Home/our-proposal-to-modify-the-cpsia

As to point number two in their proposals, we should stress that the CURRENTLY exempt items need to remain exempt.

I think this would be a good starting point. I think that each person contributing to the gift basket could write a short(!) note about their personal difficulties when it comes to complying with the law.

Why don't we start with a basket for Commissioner Thomas Moore? He recently voted against a stay of enforcement for tracking label requirements, while acting chair Nancy Nord voted to grant the stay.

Let's do this! Who is willing to donate an item?

[Former_Member]

Hmm, this sounds interesting, anyone in eastern Arizona interested?

[Former_Member]

Oh dear, I killed the thread... Well I'll give it a bump up anyway

[Former_Member]

Thanks for bumping, Delightfulhands.

I really thought this was a great idea. Doesn't seem to be too much interest though ;-(
I'm still all for sending a basket to Commissioner Moore. ANYbody interested in donating an item?

[Former_Member]

I do think this is a good idea! I'm in Illinois and have sent several letters in so I'd be happy to continue the 'harassment' to get noticed. LOL!

[Former_Member]

I am more than happy to donate one (or more) items for the cause. Perhaps Commissioner Moore has grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or staffers who do who could use them...

[Former_Member]

I can donate a pair of booties, a couple of soft blocks and a clutch ball.
If you can donate something for a gift basket for Commissioner Moore, contact me via my Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1004535501&ref=name

Does anyone have any objections to the proposals put forth by the Handmade Toy Alliance? (http://www.handmadetoyalliance.org/Home/our-proposal-to-modify-the-cpsia) I thought this could form the substance of the letter we would include with the basket, along with any additional notes from the crafters who donate to the gift basket.

[Former_Member]

If you do this please, please add charity knitters to the list. I could send you a preemie sweater.

(I'm starting to sound like a stuck record. LOL!)

[Former_Member]

I keep trying with my non represntaion of Congressman here in Western New York. I continue to email on a daily basis. There is now a Twitter site also!

[Former_Member]

NY 51st District!

[Former_Member]

Interesting idea. My products don't fall under this law, but I'm willing to do what I can to help so they stay that way.

I just set up a forum for sharing information and I could add another category for things like this. The link is in the promo section:

http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6191233

[Former_Member]

I WOULD LOVE TO DO THIS ;) . I'm in Maryland... Steny Hoyer is my Congressman. I would love to send in one of my kid bracelets.