Sunday, May 27, 2012

#FlatsChallenge Day 7: A Call to Action



This Flats Challenge has been a great experience. Here I sit on the morning of Day 7, on the home stretch! In some ways I am excited for this challenge to be over because it has been a hectic week filled with long days and nights of washing diapers, forgetting my diapers are soaking, and running around trying to dry my diapers in time for the next change! I will not miss those aspects of the challenge. 


But, I have learned so much about hand washing, folding flats like my mom used to do, and time management. I am quite sure that I will be doing the hand washing and flats on my own in the future, without the need for a challenge to prompt me. I have learned valuable techniques that I will carry with me for the rest of my Cloth Diapering Days!


BUT...


The point of this challenge was to spread awareness about the practicality and cost effectiveness of cloth diapering for those who may be having a hard time just "getting by."


When I was first discussing doing this challenge with  my husband, he said to me..."why are you doing this, I mean what's the point if you do it for yourself and show that you can do it...where does it go beyond there?"


I gave my response - most of it found HERE. You know, my 5 textbook answers...while they are very genuine, he wanted something more from me. 


He then said, "Yes, that is all fine and good, but if you don't do anything with the information you have learned, then it ends here."


I thought to myself...HE'S RIGHT (as much as I hate when he's right)! The point of this challenge is to help others and spread awareness...so why not do something with the knowledge I have learned...like apply it. I mean... that's is what we learned in school right...apply our knowledge to everyday life?


SO...


I began to think of ways to apply this knowledge I had gained. Then it hit me...our church work's with a ministry for families and women. This ministry is always looking to offer little seminar's or educational events to help these families, and women. I thought to myself....what if I offer a Cloth Diapering 101 Class to these women? This would be a perfect opportunity to help me, help them. I can share all the ways I got my materials for under $50, and give them some techniques for hand washing and folding their flats. I could offer support and show them how to save money! We could even offer little gift baskets with things they would need (detergent, flour sacks, clothespins, etc). I know that the ministry already gives these women and families gift baskets with the necessities (disposable diapers, lotions, detergents, etc), so why not do specific baskets for cloth diapering that will last a long time??


With the close of this challenge, I am going to take the knowledge learned, and apply it to those who would appreciate the knowledge. I would encourage all of you to look at your own lives, and see how you can practically apply the things you have learned with this challenge. A challenge is great to accomplish and even feels good to complete, but you don't want that to be where it ends. Take the information you have learned, and apply it...whether it be with one person, or a group. Knowledge is Power! I will be sure to post updates along the way as I take steps towards making this idea become a reality:-)


So what are your thoughts on the Flats Challenge? 


What are some ways you can apply the things you have learned?

9 comments:

  1. That's fantastic! I couldn't participate in this challenge (namely because I work 50 hours a week and my DH wouldn't be folding and snappi-ing while I was gone!), but I have been getting in touch with local organizations and the local schools. They have home-ec courses that teach you about babies and diapers.... why not let them know it's not all disposables (and when it's not, it doesn't HAVE to mean diaper pins!) :)

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    1. Wow, 50 hours is a lot! That is a great idea with the schools!!! I would never have thought about that for home-ec courses! Let me know how you make out with that, and if schools are open to the idea??

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  2. I think that's such a great idea! I had a very similar idea last year - we run a food pantry. We had helped a couple of families in with small children/infants at that time. I thought I could do the same- set them up with a small amount of cloth diapers and show them how to wash if they didn't have proper washing facilities. But we haven't had any young families come through recently, just older people who don't have small children or don't have children at all. It's in the back of my mind, though, in case there is future need. Anyway, I think your idea is awesome and I think you could get people in your church to help donate the supplies. Flour sack towels are so easy to pick at Walmart!

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    1. Awesome! So glad you were able to teach others! I too think that the supplies would be very inexpensive for churches to donate!

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  3. That is a great idea. We have several cloth diapering groups and classes in my area, but I don't think any of them really teach how to do it the absolute cheapest way.

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  4. That's amazing Julie you'll have to tell me how it goes!! Ou go girl !!

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  5. Wonderful idea! It is very true. This challenge is wonderful, but to really make it benefit anyone we must actively try to educate others.

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  6. I wash my son's cloth diaper all by hand but mine is a different procedure, i just wanted to know does all cloths came out clean including the poppy ones in your method of washing.?thanks inadvance

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    1. Yes, I was surprised at how clean they came out...What method do you use? I am curious and would love to know! During the week he didn't have too many poopy diapers though, so I lucked out:-)

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