The federal government is always doing something that affects us. Sometimes, we feel powerless to change these situations — gas prices is a good example of that. Other times, we know there are things we can do to have an impact, but we are just too busy with other priorities. Then, there are times when we feel like the federal government acts, and the sky is falling.
This can happen when a proposed new law threatens to adversely affect how we live our day to day lives. How we generate income. How we feed our children. How we pay our bills. How we build wealth. In these times, we find ourselves mobilized as never before. We know that, if we choose to, we can affect change for the better. We realize that we are not powerless. That we can rise to the occasion, inform ourselves, create a strategy and move forward to implement a change that serves our just cause and alters the course of a nation. The 700+ members of the Indie Beauty Network now find ourselves in such a situation.
I founded IBN in 2000 so that people who discovered the joys of making cosmetics, and who wanted to make a business out of it, would have a place to network, share information and be encouraged. We now add one more layer of purpose to the mission: fight the FDA Globalization Act of 2008 in its current draft form, as it's pending the House Energy & Commerce Committee.
In a former professional life, I worked in the federal and state government advocacy and public policy offices at a Fortune 500 corporation. The experiences I had there have uniquely equipped me to be of service to IBN members on this issue. In the coming days, I will add several posts to this blog, all designed to help you understand how to effectively and efficiently impact public policy on issues of concern to you. While my focus will be on this legislation, you can use my tips and suggestions to guide and direct your efforts in any area.
When a new law threatens to change the status quo, it can feel like the sky is falling. But as Barbie said in one of my daughter's videos, "It's only hopeless if you give up." In this case, we can give up our businesses and let the sky fall, or we can join together with other like-minded Indies in an attempt to adjust the sky to suit well reasoned and just positions on issues that touch our lives.
IBN members are strong. They are tenacious and they are creative. Of course, I already knew that from working with thousands of them over the years. In a member conference call yesterday to discuss issues raised by the draft FDA Globalization Act of 2008 (members enter username and password to listen to audio here if you missed the call), I confirmed IBN members' commitment to take action. To not hold back and cower in the corner. To refuse to let the powers that be control their destiny.
IBN members on the whole have chosen not to let the sky fall. And I am right here with them. Rolling up my sleeves. And honored and humbled to have the opportunity to do so.
Go Indie!
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