Charles L. Orr,
DSEF Executive Director

Welcome!

On behalf of all of us at the Direct Selling Education Foundation, I extend my personal thanks to you for visiting our Web site in support of the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC ) National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2010, March 7-13.

Each year during NCPW, the FTC and its partner organizations offer a wide array of consumer education events and resources to encourage people across the country to take full advantage of their consumer rights. The NCPW 2010 theme is Dollars & Sense: Rated “A” for All Ages, and the campaign highlights the importance of using good consumer sense at every stage of life—from grade school to retirement.

This year, I’m most excited about the broad range of events supported and sponsored by DSEF. From middle school students in South Carolina to college students in Utah, from “at risk” adults in LA to government employees in Maryland, and for women across the United States via Teleseminars, DSEF’s efforts empower our partners in government, non-government, and academia to more effectively reach their communities with invaluable consumer education. Additionally, DSEF is helping the direct selling industry reach thousands of people of all ages with events and resources that can transform lives.

DSEF’s NCPW outreach represents an extension of the direct selling industry’s 36 years of corporate goodwill to help build a nation of well-informed and educated consumers. In fact, the FTC is our industry’s most important regulatory constituent and, by supporting their efforts during NCPW, DSEF demonstrates our firm commitment to consumer education and protection, and individual economic empowerment.

I invite you to encourage others in your community and company to visit this Web site and participate in the five exciting NCPW events supported by DSEF. Together, we can improve the lives of many by encouraging good consumer sense and fostering financial literacy.

Sincerely,



Charles. L. Orr
Executive Director
Direct Selling Education Foundation

 

FTC Resource Section
for Everyone

 

Check Out DSEF's
2009 Web Site Supporting NCPW

 

A PROCLAMATION BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Every day, American consumers decide how and where to spend their money. Their decisions have far-reaching effects for both their financial well-being and our Nation's economic stability. National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) gives all Americans an opportunity to become better-informed consumers.

This year, NCPW focuses on the importance of being a
careful consumer at every stage of life, from grade school to retirement. To help our children grow into financially responsible adults and avoid frauds and scams, we must help them understand the marketplace. Parents and educators can play a role by teaching them about advertising and marketing, smart financial practices, and keeping personal information safe and secure.

My Administration is committed to protecting American consumers. Last month, major reforms went into effect with the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure Act of 2009. This landmark legislation reins in deceptive tactics that unfairly penalize responsible consumers with unreasonable costs. However, consumers must also learn to avoid predatory practices and manage their financial resources more effectively. That is why I established the President's Advisory Council on Financial Capability, which is looking for new ways to help individuals make informed financial decisions.

Still, our Government must do more to stand up for consumers. From excessive bank account overdraft fees to abusive mortgage lending practices, our broken financial system produces profits at the expense of American families. I support the creation of an independent Consumer Financial Protection Agency to safeguard ordinary Americans as they navigate the financial marketplace.

Giving Americans of all ages the resources they need to make wise buying decisions is the responsibility of Federal, State, and local consumer protection agencies, private sector organizations, and consumer advocacy groups. This week, I encourage all Americans to visit Consumer.gov/NCPW for informative and interactive resources to help them take full advantage of their consumer rights. (continued)

 

Get Your Tickets
to Financial Freedom

DSEF Supports Five Consumer Education Events During NCPW

 

Are You a Wi$e Woman?
“Reduce Debt, Reduce Stress,”

At a free Teleseminar held March 9, 2010, and sponsored by Money Wise Women Educational Services and DSEF, noted credit expert Gerri Detweiler discussed how:

  • to analyze your debt and determine the best repayment strategy
  • to find help repaying your debt
  • to leverage extra income to pay off debt fas
  • women just like you have conquered their debt
  • to leverage business credit for growth

The Money Wi$e Women Get Smart teleseminar series is hosted by Marcia Brixey, president of Money Wi$e Women Educational Services. Each month Brixey is joined by professional women who share their expertise and wisdom to help others create a plan for a healthy financial life and business.

To view upcoming teleseminars, visit www.moneywisewomengetsmart.com.

U of U Students Take Part in
“Treasure Hunt”



Student winners of University of Utah’s consumer education treasure hunt with faculty

DSEF and the University of Utah (U of U) sponsored an interactive consumer education treasure hunt March 8 and 9, 2010, to help U of U students learn about the wealth of consumer information available via the Internet. Two one-day, Internet-based contests quizzed students about a variety of practical questions on common consumer issues, including:

  • the new Credit Card Act
  • auto and home insurance
  • consumer fraud
  • tax credits for energy efficiency

Almost 400 students competed for gift bags and cash awards, including 10 $500 grand-prize checks. Contest prizes were donated by:


Celebrating Young Essayists
"If I had $100, I would…”
Essay Contest Recognition Ceremony

DSEF supported South Carolina’s Department of Consumer Affairs’ (DCA) at the Recognition Ceremony for statewide essay contest winners, March 10, 2010. Middle school students were asked to submit an essay on the topic, “If I had $100, I would…” The essay competition helped 5th and 6th graders:

  • better understand financial concepts
  • develop money management skills
  • improve writing skills
  • understand common terms such as “recession,” “economic downturn,” and “from Wall Street to Main Street.”
Contest winners, left to right: Sojo Tripp, Andrew Zeringue, Taylor Covington, Sarah Feingold, Travaisha Shaw
Back row, left to right: Brandolyn Thomas Pinkston, Administrator, South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs, Lloyd Hendricks, President, South Carolina Bankers Association, Mark Hammond, South Carolina Secretary of State, Eunice Dudley, Executive Director of Dudley Beauty School System, Inc., and Co-Founder of Dudley Products, Inc. Dr. Lonnie Randolph, Chair, Commission on Consumer Affairs

The competition was funded by the SC Bankers Association and is part of the S.C. DCA’s continuing outreach to focus public awareness on consumer rights and responsibilities. The Recognition Ceremony was held on Statehouse grounds at the South Carolina Capitol Rotunda.


Make $ense of Your Credit
“Rebuilding Your Credit Score After the Credit Card Act of 2009”

More than 275 Maryland government employees attended training workshops held by The Maryland Money Team March 2-15, 2010. The training sessions, sponsored by DSEF, helped employees and partner agencies fully understand the Credit Card Act of 2009, including:

  • how it affects credits scores
  • new terms and cancellation policies
  • payment options
  • rewards” structures
  • disclosure policy
  • gift cards
  • penalty fees

The Maryland Money Team trains individuals on financial literacy topics and authored the Best Little Money Book and soon-to-be-released Best Little Credit Book.

View a Slide Presentation

Protect Yourself Against Consumer Fraud
LA DCA and LAUSD Host 19th Annual Consumer Information Fair:

The LA County Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) and the Los Angeles Unified School District's (LAUSD) held the 19th Annual Consumer Information Fair at Evans Community Adult School in L.A. on April 14 and 17, 2010. Evans serves newly arrived immigrants with limited English skills—a prime target of consumer fraud. The Consumer Information Fair helps this multi-ethnic community to protect themselves in the marketplace by providing them with information about:

  • landlord/tenant rights
  • credit
  • buying a car
  • and much more

Students also had the opportunity to ask questions and share their personal buying experiences.