12-1 class work

Christine Casale's Introduction to Professional Writing class assignment for 12/1/00

Date: December 1, 2000

To: Mr. Jesse Rosenblum, College Relations

From: Christine Casale, Member of College Relations Board

Subject: Junior Golf Program at The College of New Jersey

Background: The Junior Golf Program provides young people between the ages of 4 and 18 the opportunity to learn the game of golf. Children from Trenton, NJ will have the chance to participate in this program. The Trenton Recreation Department funds the Junior Golf Program. This year The College of New Jersey will be hosting the program from May 15-29. The children will be living on campus and transported to local golf courses. Tiger Woods, a golfer and role model for America’s youth, will be making a guest appearance. Nike is the corporate sponsor of the event.

Amnesty International, an organization dedicated to the preservation of human rights, is opposed to TCNJ hosting this event. There are about 20 students in this organization. They believe that Nike has various sweatshop factories throughout the world. Therefore, they feel that it would not be in the school’s best interest to support an event that is sponsored by a company linked to sweatshops. This issue is of extreme importance because of the school’s potential involvement in the Anti-Sweatshop contract.

Recommendation: The Junior Golf Program should occur at The College of

New Jersey. If this program is held at the college two main stakeholders will benefit, the

college and the children of Trenton.

Considerations: There are three important aspects to consider regarding this topic. First

of all, this program would be an indirect association with Nike. The college in no way

supports sweatshop labor. We will not assume the position of Nike advocators. On the contrary, we are supporting the Junior Golf Program. It just happens that Nike is involved with the program as well. Together we are putting on a wonderful program for inner city children, however we are involved independently.

Secondly, it is important to keep in mind that none of our clothing sold in the school store is manufactured through the use of sweatshop labor. According to

Barnes and Noble, all potential manufacturers go through a screening process in which

labor practices are examined. Therefore even if the college agrees to signing the Anti-

Sweatshop contract, we are in no way directly supporting the company itself through any

form of business.

In addition to these points, the students of Amnesty International may not be fully

aware of Nike’s position on the issue or what actions they are taking to remedy the

problem. According to their web site, Nike will provide any school requesting the location of manufacturers the needed information. They have employed independent monitors of labor practices, support zero-tolerance for child labor, and actually pay more to the workers than a country’s accepted minimum wage. It is also important to keep in mind that Nike is involved with other organizations. They actively support the Boys and Girls Club of America, as well as micro-loan programs, which contribute to economic development in Asia. They also assist in the development of African-Americans through a partnership with the 100 Black Men organization.

Lastly, if we support this program, we can expect some sort of organized protest on behalf of the anti-sweatshop organizations. It is especially important to consider how the media will respond to this. We must also consider how the campus and the media will respond if we do not support the program.

Why I Recommend It: According to the college’s action statement, one of our goals is

"building a community by creating spaces, programs, initiatives, and administrative

structures to enhance academic and creative accomplishment." Our relationship to the

community is extremely important to the college. We take great pride in our Athens to

New York class and our service learning project. This is another great opportunity for

our school to make a connection with others in the area. Increasing the strength of our community relations, positions the college in a new light. We will be seen as active participants striving to make a difference in the community. Community members may become more receptive to the college and view the institution as beneficial for the area. This is especially important given the current tensions between the college and the township of Ewing. If we do not support this program, it will look like we are rejecting the formation of relationships with the inner city community. This will damage the college’s relationship with the community, as well as its reputation as a school striving towards Ivy League status and diversity.

Our school will also receive much publicity about the event. The publicity can

assist the school in its quest to become a public ivy. It will get our name out to many

prospective students. It may also provide the college with more recognition as an

excellent academic institution. Our college needs this publicity and formation of relationships with community members to make our reputation known.

Another core belief is to "attract and retain a diverse population of students,

faculty, and staff demographically representative of the complex and changing world of

the twenty-first century." The fact that we participate in the college bound program will be augmented by our participation in this event with inner-city children. In fact, enrollment in our college bound program may increase because of our involvement with inner city kids in this program. Both programs may increase the diversity of the campus community in the future. If people see we are striving to become a diverse school, prospective students may consider the college as more than just a predominantly white, middle class school.

In addition to the benefits the college will receive, the young people of Trenton

will benefit as well. According to the school’s mission statement the college, "…..prepares individuals to lead and serve in their chosen fields and to preserve and transmit knowledge, skills, and wisdom to benefit the people of New Jersey, the nation, and the world." If we do not host this program, we are taking a tremendous opportunity away from the young people of Trenton. In addition to learning the game of golf, this program provides children with a sense of belonging in the community. The Junior Golf Program may provide for them the opportunity to learn about their potential as an individual. If they succeed in this program, they may be filled with the confidence and encouragement they need to succeed in other endeavors. By not supporting this program, we are robbing the young people of that very opportunity.