3-31-16 Collaboration works again: Locally and in Tunisia

Greening Congregations Collaborative of Whidbey Island

A local collaboration of seven local churches accomplished the passage of legislation that will make a significant difference in the lives of children.  The Toxic-Free Kids & Families Act, which was passed on March 8, is a bill that prevents manufacturers of children’s products and family furniture from using Tris, a toxic flame retardant.

The bill had been unable to reach the floor of the State Senate for five years.  Island resident Ted Brookes, a representative of the collaborative, played an integral part working with 10^th L.D. Senator Barbara Bailey to get the bill to move forward.

I believe a lot of the American culture pushes the idea of a single individual accomplishing great things.  But, as I’ve said many times before, I love what happens when several people come together to collaborate to make something happen, whether it’s promoting a business community or accomplishing a political action.

Note: The full story is in an article that appeared in the South Whidbey Record on March 26, 2016.

Tunisia: The rise of a democracy in the Arab world

 Just saw, “Where to Invade Next,” at The Clyde Theater.  This is Michael Moore’s latest film, and seeing how women came together to change the whole political culture of Tunisia (the only Democracy in the Arab world according to Wikipedia) is about the strongest statement I’ve ever seen about the power of collaboration.