sweatfree schools training

There is little doubt that young women of high school age like Mahamuda Akter in Bangladesh (earning 17 cents per hour in 19 1/2 hour shifts) sew athletic clothing worn by members of sports teams in New York State schools.
Interested in changing this? One way to start is by changing the purchasing practices of your own school district. Public schools are governed by school board members accountable to the New York State residents who elect them. Find out how to start by arranging SWEATFREE SCHOOLS ORIENTATION in your area.

What is the Sweatfree Schools Campaign?
This campaign seeks to get K-12 public boards of education to adopt a sweatfree purchasing policy pledging the district not to purchase school apparel made in sweatshops.

Why should you join this campaign?
Because the campaign to make your school district sweatfree is an excellent chance to form a moral coalition with students, parents, local religious groups and unions to fight sweatshops in the US and abroad.

What will you get from the orientation?
Useful materials, practical support and allies! "I feel very motivated and confident that I can make a change in my community," said one November 16 participant. Click here for a sample CONTENTS sheet of packet materials. Training will be tailored to meet the needs of each group. Sessions range from 2-4 hours, scheduled on a weekday evening, after school or on a weekend afternoon. The New York State Labor-Religion Coalition provides trainers and materials. You provide space and interested participants. Those who have attended a training tell us that they find the following especially valuable:
• model policies, letters
• small group work--planning next steps and hearing others next steps
• seeing so many people who are interested in making schools sweatfree. Also, being able to get together an action plan.

For information contact us at 518/ 213-6000 ext. 6294 or the local coalition in your region. Registration is required.

"Sweatfree New York Schools" is a campaign of the New York State Labor-Religion Coalition, a human rights organization with a statewide office in the Capital District and nine local affiliates. Contact us at info@labor-religion.org or www.labor-religion.org