NCL statement on Del Monte – National Consumers League

April 17, 2019

Contact: Carol McKay, National Consumers League, carolm@nclnet.org, (412) 945-3242

Washington, DC–The National Consumers League (“NCL”) and Del Monte Foods Inc. (“Del Monte”) look forward to working together to further the important goals of supporting consumers, addressing hunger and food insecurity, and maximizing nutrition awareness.  Both NCL and Del Monte value giving back to their communities.  As NCL and Del Monte forge a consumer-focused alliance for the future, Del Monte has agreed to continue its commitment to consumers and nutrition awareness by providing an in-kind donation to certain local food banks and other organizations as a supplement to its regular donations.  These organizations provide crucial assistance to residents of the D.C. metropolitan area especially in times of need.  NCL thanks Del Monte for working with our organization and its support of NCL’s mission.

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About the National Consumers League
The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Its mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

Rhode Island takes 2019 National LifeSmarts Championship at 25th anniversary event in Orlando

April 16, 2019

Contact: National Consumers League, Carol McKay, (724) 799-5392, carolm@nclnet.org

Orlando, FL—The student team from Barrington, RI, coached by Sam Schachter, unseated the returning champs from Dallas, PA, to be crowned the 2019 national champions in Orlando at the 25th annual National LifeSmarts Championship. In an exciting match against the three-time champion team from Dallas High School, the teens from Barrington High School outplayed their opponents in an exciting end to the four-day competition.

Barrington High School’s team roster includes Captain Daniel Sheinberg and his teammates Jonathan Zhang, Annika Kelly, CJ Hilty, and Willis Bilderback. Dallas High School students won the national title in 2016, 2017, and 2018 National Championships. 

Teams from Illinois and Wyoming placed third.

“We are so proud of these students from Rhode Island, who represented their state program with class and pride to take the championship,” said LifeSmarts Program Director Lisa Hertzberg. “They played hard and demonstrated their consumer smarts throughout the four-day event. They are true LifeSmarts champions.”

LifeSmarts is an education and scholarship program run by the Washington, DC-based National Consumers League (NCL), the nation’s oldest consumer advocacy organization. It competitively tests high school students’ knowledge of consumer awareness, with subjects including personal finance, health and safety, consumer rights and responsibility, technology, and the environment. LifeSmarts is available in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and in partnership programs with student leadership programs FBLA, 4H, and FCCLA.

Teens from each of the 39 champion teams represented at nationals competed as individuals, and the top five scorers received scholarships from NCL. This year’s winners were:

  • Environment: Jayson Guo, Hawaii
  • Personal Finance: Daniel Sheinberg, Rhode Island
  • Health and Safety: Annika Kelly, Rhode Island
  • Consumer Rights and Responsibilities: Willis Bilderback, Rhode Island
  • Technology: Clement Hilty, Rhode Island

James Alwin from Oconto High School in Wisconsin and Annette Peterson from Blair Oaks High School in Missouri were named the 2019 Students of the Year. Roslyn Evans (Alabama) and Shawn Joyce (NH) were named LifeSmarts Coaches of the Year. Long-time State Coordinator Will Rance, from Washington, earned the Coordinator of the Year honor.

“NCL’s LifeSmarts program is allowing us to rear a generation of consumer-savvy teenagers who often outsmart their parents on issues related to avoiding fraud, credit and debt, and complicated healthcare decisions,” said NCL Executive Director Sally Greenberg. In the 25 years that LifeSmarts has been educating high school and middle school teens on consumer issues, it has grown dramatically, with more than 3 million consumer questions answered at LifeSmarts.org in the online competition during the 2018-2019 program year.

At the event in Orlando, NCL also announced winners of several other scholarships and contests. Annika Kelly won first place in a privacy-related essay contest sponsored by LifeSmarts and the Identity Theft Resource Center. Runners-up included: Clement Hilty (RI), Matthew Loynes (NC), Austin Dial (TX), Brady Tappel (MO), and Alex Hey (IL).

NCL also announced the winners of the Safety Smart Ambassador scholarships, given to students who participated in the health and safety-related youth mentoring program sponsored by LifeSmarts and UL. Winners included: Luke Maycumber (AZ), Austin Dial (TX), Alexis McBride (FL), Emmy Dehner (IN), and Hannah Wolfe (PA).

The Sarah Weinberg Memorial Scholarship, given to students who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to community service, was awarded this year to Everett Charles from Kentucky.

For team photos, event schedules, grid standings, and more, log on to www.facebook.com/LifeSmarts

All winners at the national LifeSmarts Competition received valuable prizes donated by sponsors to the National Consumers League, including scholarships, savings bonds, gift cards, and more. To learn more about the program, contact NCL’s Lisa Hertzberg at (202) 835-3323.

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About LifeSmarts and the National Consumers League

LifeSmarts is a program of the National Consumers League. State coordinators run the programs on a volunteer basis. For more information, visit: www.lifesmarts.org, email lifesmarts@nclnet.org or call the National Consumers League’s communications department at (202) 835-3323.

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

 

 

Final Four determined at annual national consumer literacy championship in Orlando

April 15, 2019

Dallas, PA, West Chicago, IL, Barrington, RI, Buffalo, WY, represented at final LifeSmarts event

Contact: National Consumers League’s Carol McKay, carolm@nclnet.org, (724) 799-5392
For immediate release: Monday, April 15, 2019

Orlando, FL–Tomorrow in Orlando, the 2019 National LifeSmarts Championship will come to an end with four state champion teams heading to the final matches to vie for the national title. LifeSmarts (LifeSmarts.org) is a national consumer literacy educational program and competitive scholarship opportunity, run by the National Consumers League (NCL), the nation’s oldest consumer watchdog organization. LifeSmarts is celebrating its 25th anniversary season this year, and the 2019 National LifeSmarts Champions will be determined by noon tomorrow and crowned at an awards ceremony following the final match.

The four semi-finalists are:

Pennsylvania: Dallas High School, Coach Kevin West (returning 2018 national champions)
Illinois: West Chicago High School, Coach Don Zabelin
Rhode Island: Barrington High School, Coach Sam Schachter
Wyoming: Buffalo High School, Coach Kami Kennedy 

NCL hosts the National Championship each April during Financial Literacy Month. This year, NCL brought the LifeSmarts National Championship to Orlando, where 39 champion teams from as far away as Honolulu and as nearby as Jacksonville traveled to compete in a variety of competitions focused on consumer literacy.

The event will come to an end tomorrow with NCL crowning the 2019 national champion team at 12 noon EDT. Starting at 9 am EDT, the returning champs from Pennsylvania will face off against Illinois in the first match of the morning. Rhode Island and Wyoming will compete in the second semi-final. 

LifeSmarts is a free program in which teams of students begin competition online. Top-scorers progress to their state competitions, and state champion teams convene each April to compete in the National LifeSmarts Championship. For a complete list of state champions, visit LifeSmarts.org.

The 2019 National LifeSmarts Champion and other winning teams will walk away with prizes and scholarships. In addition to placing as a team, individual students have the opportunity to compete for scholarships for demonstrating knowledge in specific program topic areas. The top eight placing teams and top five individuals are recognized.

NCL thanks the sponsors who make the program possible, including Comcast NBCUniversal, UL, Western Union, and Intuit.

Throughout the 2018-2019 program year, more than 100,000 teens competed online for a chance to represent their states at the 2019 National LifeSmarts Championship. Players answered more than 3 million consumer questions in the online competition.

Streaming live online from Orlando tomorrow, Tuesday, April 16.

Watch this year’s final and semi-final matches live at LifeSmarts.org!

9 am EDT – Pennsylvania vs. Illinois
9:45 am EDT – Rhode Island vs. Wyoming

The final match will begin immediately following the second semi-final match.

Follow the conversation on Instagram and Twitter at #LifeSmarts or Facebook.com/LifeSmarts

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About the National Consumers League and LifeSmarts

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

LifeSmarts is a program of the National Consumers League. State coordinators run the programs on a volunteer basis. For more information, visit: LifeSmarts.org, email lifesmarts@nclnet.org, or call the National Consumers League’s communications department at 202-835-3323.

 

Orlando to host 2019 National LifeSmarts Championship event April 13-16

April 12, 2019

25th annual national teen consumer literacy competition will feature 40 champion teams from across the country

For immediate release: April 12, 2019
Contact: Carol McKay, National Consumers League, carolm@nclnet.org, (724) 799-5392

Washington, DC — In celebration of Financial Literacy Month in April, the National Consumers League (NCL) has announced the 40 champion teams that have earned a spot at the 2019 National LifeSmarts Championship, which will take place starting tomorrow in Orlando, Florida. The event will kick off Saturday, April 13, at the B Resort and Spa in the Disney Springs Resort Area.

LifeSmarts (LifeSmarts.org), a national consumer literacy scholarship competition, is celebrating its 25th anniversary season this year and is hosted by NCL, the nation’s oldest consumer watchdog organization. The 2019 National LifeSmarts Champion team will be crowned on Tuesday, April 16.

Complete roster of state champions teams listed below.

LifeSmarts is a competitive educational and scholarship program, in which teams of students begin online. Top-scorers progress to their state competitions, and then state champion teams meet each April to compete in the National LifeSmarts Championship. This year’s state champion teams hail from as far away as from Honolulu, Hawaii, and from as nearby as Jacksonville.

Consumer-savvy teens representing 31 states, the District of Columbia, and eight wild card teams, will compete at this year’s national event. Throughout the 2018-2019 program year, more than 100,000 teens competed online for a chance to represent their states at the 2019 National LifeSmarts Championship. Players answered more than 3 million consumer questions in the online competition.

“We are so proud of this year’s state LifeSmarts champions, who have proven themselves to be the best and the brightest of the next generation of consumers,” said Sally Greenberg, NCL executive director. “For 25 years, LifeSmarts has been engaging and educating young consumers in a fun format and with a competitive approach. Our program goes in-depth on the issues kids—and adults—are facing now: finances, health care, the environment, and technology.”

The 2019 National LifeSmarts Champion and other winning teams will walk away with prizes and scholarships. In addition to placing as a team, individual students have the opportunity to compete for scholarships by demonstrating knowledge in specific program topic areas. The top eight placing teams and top five individuals are recognized, as well as the recipients of specialized scholarships related to community service.

NCL thanks the sponsors who make the program possible including Comcast NBCUniversal, UL, Western Union, and Intuit.

MEDIA AVAILABILITY

Event kickoff + competition and weekend activities
When: Saturday, April 13, 2018 at 4:45 pm through Monday, April 16
Where: The B Resort and Spa, 1905 Hotel Plaza Blvd, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Final competitions

When: Tuesday, April 16, 2019
Matches begin: 9 am Eastern 
Awards Ceremony: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Eastern
Where: The B Resort and Spa, 1905 Hotel Plaza Blvd, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Follow the competition online

Parents and teachers can follow the action at Facebook.com/LifeSmarts and via Twitter: #LifeSmarts
The semi-final and final competition matches will be streamed live at LifeSmarts.org onTuesday, April 16, 2019 starting at 9 am Eastern.

2019 LifeSmarts State Champions

AL-Central High School Tuscaloosa – Coach Roslyn Evans
AZ-Flagstaff Home Educators – Coach Christina Blanchard
CA-Abraham Lincoln High School – Coach Wendy Estrada
CO-Vista Ridge High School – Coach Sahvanna Mease
CT-Crosby High School – Coach Kelly Donohue
DC-McKinley Technology High School – Coach Sarah Elwell
DE-Salesianum School – Coach Maribeth Jaeske
FL-Duval County 4-H – Coach Meri Read
GA-Bartow County 4-H – Coach Kim Payne
HI-‘Iolani School – Coach James Rubasch
IL-West Chicago High School – Coach Don Zabelin
IN-Franklin County High School – Coach Diane Slaven
KS-Haven High School – Coach Vicki Galloway
KY-Webster County 4-H – Coach Wade Raymer
LA-Acadiana High School – Coach Stephanie Bennett
ME-Waynflete School – Coach Steve Withers
MI-Fenton High School – Coach Bruce Burwitz
MN-Willow River Area High School – Coach Melissa Johnson
MO-Buffalo High School – Coach Sara Gallivan
NC-Union Academy – Coach Kim Kirk
ND-Burke Central High School – Coach Erika Landro
NH-Mascoma Valley Regional High School – Coach Shawn Joyce
OK-Pryor High School – Coach Sharon Rash
PA-Dallas High School – Coach Kevin West
RI-Barrington High School – Coach Sam Schachter
TN-Marion County 4-H – Coach Vicki Lofty
TX-Hargrave High School – Coach Graceanna Simpson
VA-Massaponax High School – Coach Ginger Walters
WA-New Market Skills Center – Coach Stephanie Tocher
WI-Oconto High School – Coach Alissa Boucher
WV-John Marshall High School – Coach Megan Pintus
WY-Buffalo High School – Coach Kami Kennedy

Qualified for the LifeSmarts National Championship through an Automatic Bid process:

4-H Wild Card-Oconee County 4-H – Coach Allison Barnes
FBLA Wild Card-West Carteret High School – Coach Mark Thompson
FCCLA Wild Card-Selah High School – Coach Michelle McCartney
Varsity Wild Card 1-Midcities Montessori – Coach Cristina VanGilder
Varsity Wild Card 2-Chattooga County 4-H – Coach Rebecca Thomas
At-large Wild Card 1-Blair Oaks High School – Coach Linda Cumpton
At-large Wild Card 2-Henrico County 4-H – Coach Jennifer Raub
At-large Wild Card 3-Ritchie County High School – Coach Sonya Haught

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About the National Consumers League and LifeSmarts

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

LifeSmarts is a program of the National Consumers League. State coordinators run the programs on a volunteer basis. For more information, visit: www.LifeSmarts.org, email LifeSmarts@nclnet.org, or call the National Consumers League’s communications department at (202) 835-3323.

Technology can limit speeds on cars; EU set to require it

According to reports, the European Union (EU) is set to require a sophisticated set of technologies on all vehicles to limit driver speeds, described as satellite location cameras, intelligent speed assistance, video cameras, data recorder, and emergency braking starting in 2022. They say it will increase safety–but at what cost?

These measures will purportedly reduce fatalities by 20 percent and prevent 25,000 deaths over a 15-year period. Consumer advocates care deeply about auto safety, but how it’s done, what measures are used, and who pays for it is also important. There’s anger and skepticism in Europe about these kinds of measures. I must say, I share some of that concern.

Here in Washington DC, the Mayor and City Council put hundreds of speed and red light cameras all over the city and imposed large fines—$150 in some places for a first offense—for violations. DC has a lot of low- and middle-income residents; NCL looked at the placement of the cameras and found the biggest revenues were generated in heavily African American neighborhoods. And though the rationale for the cameras is pedestrian safety, after these cameras have been in place for several years, pedestrian injuries and fatalities are once again on the rise. The fines have become a cash cow for the city, generating well over a half billion dollars. Apparently, they haven’t done much to actually improve pedestrian safety. And I’ve talked to many people who drive for a living—they’ve all received the pricey $150 tickets for going 36 mph—while otherwise driving safely, some on roads that have virtually no foot traffic.

There’s more to learn about the new EU rules. Germany has no set speed limit, but in France, backlash on its limits has resulted in half the network of speed cameras being destroyed. I’m more of a “build safer cars” advocate, not “impose draconian fines on drivers.” The former is more effective in preventing injury and death. Two EU rules that have reduced fatalities significantly: mandatory seat belt usage and performance standards for crashworthiness of vehicles make a lot of sense. So does emergency braking technology, because it’s automatic when conditions trigger it. But I fear that more video cameras, data recorders, tracking the location of vehicles—all of which raise privacy issues—may sound good but won’t bring safer roads and will just result more in fines generated for municipalities.

We will be watching with interest the EU rollout of required technologies on cars. We should overserve it closely because the United States will probably not be far behind.

Senate HELP Committee’s hearing on vaccines

Nissa Shaffi

On March 5, 2019, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee held a hearing on vaccines and their critical role in halting preventable disease outbreaks. The hearing featured a witness panel consisting of experts from various disciplines, such as public health officials, specialists in pediatric medicine, epidemiology, and the primary immunodeficiency space, as well as Ethan Lindenberger, a high school student who recently obtained vaccinations against the wishes of his parents.

The hearing was noteworthy in that every member of the HELP committee–both liberal Democratic and conservative Republican–supports routine vaccinations. The only hesitation came from Senator Rand Paul (R-KY)–who supports other vaccinations and vaccinates his kids and himself–on flu vaccinations. He was roundly corrected by a doctor-Member of the HELP Committee, Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA), who said that while flu vaccines aren’t always hitting the right strain, they always lessen the symptoms. 

Recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine were confirmed to be “the gold standard” and got kudos from everyone on the panel. In the face of a very anti-science administration, good medicine and good science overwhelmingly prevailed and won the day.

The hearing also drove home the importance of increasing the dissemination of factual, evidence-based research about the safety of vaccines to consumers. Confirming previous research, a new 10-year study conducted in Denmark found that there is no correlation between autism and the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Researchers studied 657,461 Danish children between 1999-2010, and discovered that the MMR vaccine did not increase the risk for autism or trigger autism in susceptible children.

Below are some of the highlights of the witnesses’ testimony:   

Public health burden from outbreaks

The resurgence of measles is not only detrimental to affected individuals, but it also presents an incredible burden on public health infrastructure as communities struggle to contain an incredibly infectious disease outbreak.

Dr. John Wiesman, Secretary of Health, Washington State Department of Health, stated that while the MMR vaccine costs $20 per dose, the current outbreak has cost the state of Washington approximately $1 million — as well as the time investment of more than 200 individuals contributing more than 10,000 hours of work to help contain the outbreak and investigate the trajectory and sources of possible contamination. Dr. Wiesman also mentioned that every dollar spent on vaccines generates a cost savings of $10.

Vaccine hesitancy

Officials credit the proliferation of measles across the country to growing anti-vaccine sentiments. HELP Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN) stressed that low immunization rates destroy herd immunity and that annual child and adult vaccine schedules help to ensure individual and community safety.

Mr. Lindenberger explained how the Internet was instrumental in both spreading misinformation regarding vaccines to his parents, and conversely, how crucial it was to helping him obtain factual data on the safety of vaccines — and convincing him he needed to get vaccinated. Lindenberger stressed the importance of education to help stem the tide of misinformation surrounding the safety and efficacy of vaccines.

The witnesses also stated that vaccine confidence is built through physician consultation. Parents have been known to reverse their anti-vaccine stance when physicians provide counseling, allowing for an objective, judgment-free space for parents to ask questions. Healthcare provider counseling not only assuages looming doubts regarding vaccine safety but helps to protect the entire community in the process.

Vaccine regulation, research, and funding

Several witnesses from the HELP hearing emphasized the importance of building vaccine confidence through sound research, dissemination of factual information, policy implementation, and funding.

John Boyle, president and CEO of the Immune Deficiency Foundation, expressed how important vaccines have been to his survival as an individual with a primary immunodeficiency disease. For individuals like Boyle, survival is contingent on herd immunity, as he is not able to get vaccinated himself.

Dr. Wiesman joined with other advocacy organizations in calling on Congress to increase the budget of the CDC by 22 percent by 2022. Dr. Wiesman also requested that the federal government launch a national vaccine education campaign, similar to the anti-tobacco Truth campaign.

Dr. Saad B. Omer, professor of epidemiology and pediatrics at Emory University, recommended that Congress make physician vaccine counseling reimbursable, as providers are often overburdened and this could aid in their efforts. Dr. Omer also recommended the continued prioritization of vaccine safety research and greater investment in vaccine acceptance and communication research.

NCL thanks the Senate HELP Committee and other Members of Congress for shining a light on the importance of vaccination, and NCL will continue our work to dispel the myths and educate the public on the safety and effectiveness of vaccines.

NCL calls for investigation of direct-to-consumer genetic testing industry in the wake of FamilyTreeDNA revelations

February 27, 2019

Media contact: National Consumers League – Carol McKay, carolm@nclnet.org, (412) 945-3242 or Taun Sterling, tauns@nclnet.org, (202) 207-2832

Washington, DC – Reports that DNA testing services like FamilyTreeDNA are sharing genetic data with law enforcement agencies should prompt regulators and Congress to consider new rules to protect consumers from abuses by the direct-to-consumer (DTC) DNA testing industry, said the National Consumers League (NCL) today. The reports about FamilyTreeDNA come on the heels of other revelations about lax data security and the potential for misinformation stemming from consumers’ use of DTC genetic testing kits.

“Our genetic information is literally the code for who we are,” said NCL Executive Director Sally Greenberg. “The value of genetic data to law enforcement must be weighed against the significant potential for harm from misuse of such data. Our DNA data is tremendously sensitive, and extreme care must be taken to ensure that it is not used in unexpected ways or, even worse, misused to harm consumers. Unfortunately, the DTC genetic testing industry has exploded without effective oversight, leaving consumers at the mercy of companies whose primary goal may be monetizing this valuable data, not respecting their users’ privacy.”

Specifically, NCL urges policymakers to take common-sense steps to better protect consumers’ genetic data, including:

  • The Federal Trade Commission should immediately broaden its existing investigations of DTC DNA testing services to determine whether FamilyTreeDNA and similar services have engaged in unfair or deceptive trade practices by sharing genetic data with law enforcement without adequate notice and consent by users;
  • DTC DNA testing websites should collectively pledge to obtain affirmative opt-in consent from current and new users prior to allowing law enforcement agencies access to users’ genetic data without appropriate legal process; and
  • Congress should convene hearings to examine how widespread abuses of consumer privacy by the DTC DNA testing industry are and what, if any, new consumer protection regulations are needed to address the potential for consumer harm in this rapidly growing industry.

For more information about the National Consumers League’s work on privacy issues and data security, visit https://fraud.org/data-breach-epidemic/.

About the National Consumers League

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

LifeSmarts program awards scholarships to student leaders from Ellenboro, W.V., Tuscaloosa, Ala., Jefferson City, Mo., and Fredericksburg, Va.

February 26, 2019

Media contact: National Consumers League – Carol McKay, carolm@nclnet.org, (412) 945-3242 or Taun Sterling, tauns@nclnet.org, (202) 207-2832

Washington, DC—Today the National Consumers League (NCL) has announced five scholarship recipients, honored for their involvement in a community service and leadership initiative made possible through its consumer literacy program, LifeSmarts (LifeSmarts.org). The students were awarded $1,000 academic scholarships for their winning entries based on their experiences serving as Safety Smart® Ambassadors, a partnership between LifeSmarts and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) that pairs high school students with elementary classrooms to teach lessons about health, safety, and the environment. 

The scholarship winners are: 

  • Logan Hostuttler,Ritchie County High School, Ellenboro, W.V. (11th grade)  
  • AylaraOlcmen, Central High School Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa, Ala. (11th grade) 
  • Rebecca Peters, Massaponax High School, Fredericksburg, Va. (12th grade)  
  • Annette Peterson, Blair Oaks High School, Jefferson City, Mo. (12th grade)  
  • Dakota Wayne, Ritchie County High School, Ellenboro, W.V. (10th grade)  

 Since 2013, when the LifeSmarts UL partnership began, more than 350 LifeSmarts students have become Safety Smart Ambassadors. Working in teams, high school students have made more than 1,500 interactive 30-minute presentations sharing empowering and educational safety messages with thousands of younger children throughout their communities. LifeSmarts is a national program that competitively tests high school students’ knowledge of consumer awareness, with subjects including personal finance, health and safety, consumer rights and responsibility, technology, and the environment. This year, LifeSmarts is celebrating its 25th anniversary season. 

“We are so proud of our students who participated in the Safety Smart Ambassador program and the positive impact they made on their communities, and especially these five stand-outs,” said Lisa Hertzberg, LifeSmarts program director. “We truly appreciate this partnership with UL. It has been extremely gratifying to see LifeSmarts students embrace the Safety Smart Ambassador program, provide education and mentoring to younger children, and learn about themselves in the process.” 

“As part of our overall mission to create a safer world, UL has long been committed to increasing scientific literacy, discovery and student empowerment,” said Cara Gizzi, vice president, education and outreach for UL. This collaboration with LifeSmarts continues to strengthen our decades-long relationship with NCL and, work for positive change in the world while empowering the next generation of Safety Smart Ambassadors.” 

The LifeSmarts and UL partnership has underwritten the Safety Smart Ambassador program and provided LifeSmarts with access to the vast knowledge base of UL’s educational programs, including resources for LifeSmarts to bolster its science and environment curriculum, resources, and competitive opportunities. 

For more information, please visit LifeSmarts.org/SafetySmart.  

Winter 2019 Safety Smart Ambassador award winners – in their own words  

“I think it is very important to teach our youth of the hidden dangers on the internet and teach them ways of how to keep themselves safe. This presentation was a great opportunity for both the presenter and the students attending to learn many new and exciting lessons on online safety.” – Hostuttler 

“I have taught with the Safety Smart program for two years. This year was a complete turn-around for me. I was interacting with the kids more, I scarcely held the script in my hand, I felt more confident, and lastly I really enjoyed myself.”  – Olcmen 

“Being able to explore a different part of my local community that I otherwise may not have been bold enough to approach has changed my perspective.” – Peters 

“I have gained so much confidence, giving me the ability to talk in front of people and do so much more today.  If I hadn’t been a part of this program and presented in front of these kids, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today.” – Peterson 

“I accomplished my goal of getting all the students involved and interacting. I had a great time spending time with these kids and I believe that they really enjoyed us being there to teach them.” – Wayne   

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About LifeSmarts and the National Consumers League 

LifeSmarts is a program of the National Consumers League. State coordinators run the programs on a volunteer basis. LifeSmarts educational resources are available online throughout the year at LifeSmarts.org. Competition begins again in September. For more information, visit: LifeSmarts.org. 

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit nclnet.org. 

About UL 

UL fosters safe living and working conditions for people everywhere through the application of science to solve safety, security and sustainability challenges. Our nonprofit parent organization engages in standards development, scientific research, education and public outreach activities. Our commercial businesses test, inspect, audit, certify, validate, verify, advise and train and we support these efforts with software solutions for safety and sustainability. The UL Mark engenders trust, enabling the safe adoption of innovative new products and technologies. Everyone at UL shares a passion for making the world a safer place. To learn more about the work of our education and outreach group, visit Education.UL.org. To learn more about our business solutions, visit UL.com.

McKinley Technology High School wins 2019 National Consumers League’s Washington, DC LifeSmarts Competition

February 25, 2019

Students will compete in the 25th annual National LifeSmarts Championship in Orlando, FL in April

Media contact: National Consumers League – Carol McKay, carolm@nclnet.org, (412) 945-3242 or Taun Sterling, tauns@nclnet.org, (202) 207-2832

Washington, DC— LifeSmarts announced today that McKinley Technology High School was named the winner of the 2019 Washington, DC LifeSmarts Competition. The competition, hosted on February 22 by the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) and the National Consumers League (NCL), tested local high school teams, comprised by teens in grades 9-12, about personal finance, health and safety, the environment, technology and consumer rights and responsibilities. McKinley Technology High School will represent Washington, DC at the 25th annual National LifeSmarts Championship in April in Orlando, FL. Comcast, a sponsor of the competition, awarded the team a $5,000 scholarship for travel expenses.

“We were very excited to host the competition for DC once again this year. Students learn valuable skills and become savvy consumers by showcasing their knowledge in LifeSmarts competitions,” said Sally Greenberg, NCL Executive Director.

During the competition last Friday, February 22, local high school teams from Columbia Heights Educational Campus, Friendship PCS Technology Preparatory High School, McKinley Technology High School, and the UPO Power Program competed individually and in buzzer-style matches, answering questions about consumer issues that impact everyday life.

“LifeSmarts asks relevant, tough questions. Many adults don’t know the answers. LifeSmarts prepares young people to be stronger, more assertive participants in our economy. I’m proud of our DC LifeSmarts students,” said Bill Cocke, the Washington, DC LifeSmarts co-coordinator.

“Congratulations to the McKinley Technology High School team on your impressive display of real-world consumer knowledge,” said Stacy Burnette, Senior Director, Government & Regulatory Affairs for Comcast’s Beltway Region. “Comcast is committed to strengthening our communities through academic achievement programs and is honored to help these students further their education.” 

The winning team is coached by Sarah Elwell, and students include Team Captain Abenezer Lemma, MarQia Allen, Selam Bulti, David Hounyo, and Natural Taylor. McKinley Technology High School has taken the DC LifeSmarts title in previous years and sent students to national championships, but this is the first year the entire team of seniors have participated in LifeSmarts.

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About LifeSmarts

LifeSmarts is a program of the National Consumers League. State coordinators implement the program locally. For more information and to register a team, visit: LifeSmarts.org, email lifesmarts@nclnet.org, or call the National Consumers League’s communications department at (202) 835-3323. The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. NCL’s mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information about NCL, visit nclnet.org.

Groups call on TTB for alcohol labeling – National Consumers League

February 22, 2019

Media contact: National Consumers League – Carol McKay, carolm@nclnet.org, (412) 945-3242 or Taun Sterling, tauns@nclnet.org, (202) 207-2832

Washington, DC–The Center for Science in the Public Interest, Consumer Federation of America, and National Consumers League sent a letter today to Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin today criticizing the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) for its proposal to “modernize” the labeling and advertising regulations for alcoholic beverages without requiring key information about alcohol content, serving size, calories, ingredients, and allergen information. The groups petitioned the agency in 2003 to require this information on alcohol labels, and provided survey data showing that the public overwhelmingly supports including this information on the labels of alcoholic beverages. The agency issued proposed rules to require mandatory allergen labeling in 2006 and Serving Facts information in 2007, but has not moved to finalize either rule.

“While the TTB may believe that the issues are complex, the agency has now had over a decade to consider them, and rulemakings to provide this key information are already well underway,” the groups write. “These rules should be prioritized under any effort to modernize alcohol labeling.”

Read the full letter here (PDF).

About the National Consumers League

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.