Community Free S:W.A.P. goes to BYU Women's Conference

To do: Update resume. Add "Booth Babe."

Several months back I contacted BYU Women's Conference to apply for a booth at its Sharing Stations. My colleague Kerry F. and  I thought it could be a great place to spread those dandelion-seed wishes to other communities around the country, and to tell local folks about our upcoming event. I was told that the conference normally didn't accept outside applications--that it was all done in-house--but that our idea fit perfectly with the theme (service/community) and therefore extended an invitation to us to share our idea.

{Showed how our past Free S:W.A.P.s have gone}

{Included last summer's debut appearance in Utah Valley Magazine, 

"Down to Earth Angels," by Britney Shiflet.)

We were excited to participate in an event that draws thousands of people each year. Though most of the attendees come from the western United States, there are people from all over the world who come.

{Tiffany D., me, and Kerry F. after the opening session of the conference.}

Kerry F., Tiffany D. and I had an exhaustingly great time preaching our love of the Community Free S:W.A.P. And we got love in return.

{Preach, Kerry!}

Near the end of the night we invited guests to shop our display for free, so they could see the free swap in action. It sure made packing up a bit easier.

{This is a group quilt that I had organized years ago. Several rounds of cutting and sewing and tying. It has been sitting *almost* finished--missing the binding--for YEARS in my basement. This young woman was eager to have it and finish it. 

Thanks to all those who have worked on that throughout the years!}

{Sharing: We All Prosper}

{We love seeing things we don't use any more finding new life with someone else. It works!}

So the grassroots efforts continue.  We are hoping our few voices can be magnified by communities near and far. Help us spread the word to local Utah folks. And for those in other communities around the country/world . . . join us in spirit! Organize an event where you are* (or get a friend to do it!) and see just what it can become. Feel free to promote using #freeswap and/or #sharingweallprosper. Let us know about events you are planning. Ask us questions. Share with us your great ideas of what has worked for you.

(*I understand that this concept is not a universally-accepted cultural practice. So it wouldn't work everywhere. But wherever it can . . .)

s h a r i n g  :  w e   a l l   p r o s p e r