REAL DIAPER ASSOCIATION NEWS: Volume 13,  15 August 2005

RDA Celebrates its One Year Anniversary Online.  On August 11, 2004, RDA opened its online doors with the purpose to support cloth diapering advocacy at the local level.  As an organization, we have taken care to establish a solid foundation in order to stand as a valuable community resource for many years to come.  This past year RDA was incorporated as a California public benefit corporation, and then in July, was determined a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization by the IRS. 

Throughout the year RDA has worked to support you as the local expert in your community by creating numerous educational resources, including advocacy tools, and two complete cloth diapering campaigns for your use. In the upcoming year we look forward to offering a media kit, adding more dynamic elements to the website, as well as launching a new annual campaign.

A special thank you to all our members who have written us throughout the year with details on their local work, suggestions, advocacy tips, images, and requests.  You have been a constant encouragement to the building process.

What Volunteer Opportunity Can YOU Fill?  RDA has updated its Volunteer Opportunity List to include tasks that the organization needs to have done.  We NEED YOU to help grow the organization by choosing whatever task best suits your individual skill or experience. Contact us at info@realdiaperassociation.org for more information.

Cloth Diapering in the News.  Do you have an online news story that you can share with RDA?  Please email us with a link.  The Real Diaper Association has collected and made available links to cloth diapering on-line news stories on our Cloth Diapering in the News page.

Why We Choose Cloth.  Upon joining, RDA members are asked to respond to "Why I Choose Cloth."  Business Member, Julie Claunch of Granny's Ark wrote:
"There's nothing better than a clean batch of cloth diapers still warm out of the dryer or fresh off the line to make me believe that all is right with the world. Even if it's only for a few moments, I cherish the memories warm, clean diapers provide. I've been changing diapers for over 30 years now, first with my siblings, then with the babies I was trusted to babysit, and now my own children."
Individual Member, Birla Hood wrote:
" To me it seems like the obvious thing to do. I care immensly for the enviroment and I want my baby to wear the best and cutest diapers. If I had to wear diapers 24 hours a day I would want cloth against my skin and not paper and plastic. So that is why I choose cloth."  Read more testimonials here.  

Gift Memberships.  Do you know a cloth diapering business owner or individual who would enjoy a one year gift membership with RDA?  As you renew your membership, consider gifting a membership to someone else.

Cloth Diapering Advocacy Tip #5: 
Do you have any cloth diapers or diaper covers that your baby has outgrown? Do you know any parents in your area that cloth diaper, might consider cloth diapering, have a baby on the way, or one that could wear the cloth diaper and diaper cover sizes your baby has outgrown? Consider hosting a cloth diaper giveaway. If there are other cloth diapering families in your area, contact them and find out if they have any diapers they can give away. Make sure the diapers are not overly worn or stained, so as not to 'put off' any potential cloth diaper users. Print out pamphlets, post cards and other advocacy materials to hand out, or leave around at your cloth diaper giveaway party.  Don't forget to wear your "Ask Me About Cloth Diapers" button on the days leading up to your party to generate conversation and possibly find someone new to invite.

Please note: Real Diaper Association can now accept personal and business checks for donations or annual dues payments.  Please send checks to the following Real Diaper Association post office box.  Thank you.

Real Diaper Association
P.O. Box 156887
San Francisco, CA 94115

© The Real Diaper Association, 2005. All rights reserved.