Wal-Mart Watch

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Wal-Mart Watch, formed in the spring of 2005, is a joint project of The Center for Community and Corporate Ethics, a non-profit organization studying the impact of large corporations on society and its advocacy arm, Five Stones. Initial national partners include Sojourners, American Independent Business Association, National Council of Women’s Organizations, Sierra Club, Interfaith Worker Justice, Campus Progress, Teamsters, United Food and Commercial Workers, Sprawl-Busters. Initial local partners include Neighborhood Retail Alliance, Arizona Chain Reaction, LAANE, Kentucky Fairness Campaign, Florida National Organization of Women, Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters and Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice.^[1]

1 Backers and Funding
2 Mission
3 Projects
4 References
5 See also

[edit] Backers and Funding

Wal-Mart Watch was originally funded by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).[1] According to the Wall Street Journal, Wal-Mart Watch is mainly funded by Five Stones, a 501(c)(3) organization that received $2,775,000 in 2005 from the SEIU.[2][3] The SEIU reportedly gave Five Stones $1 million in 2004 to start Wal-Mart Watch.[4] Futhermore, Andy Stern, the SEIU President, is the Chairman of Wal-Mart Watch.[5][6] It is alleged that SEIU's involment with Five Stones or Wal-Mart Watch has not been publicly disclosed by Wal-Mart Watch, the SEIU or Five Stones.^{[citation needed]} If this is true, then Wal-Mart Watch is not a "grass roots" organization but is an example of Astroturfing.

[edit] Mission

According to one of its fliers, "Wal-Mart Watch is committed to uncovering the true impacts of Wal-Mart’s business practices on our economy, environment and culture. We aim to make Wal-Mart a more responsible company by informing, motivating and supporting the work of consumers, workers, community activists and elected officials who, together, will demand reform in their hometowns."^[2]

[edit] Projects

During the period of November 13-19, 2005, Wal-Mart Watch sponsored "Higher Expectations Week" to highlight its campaign to reform Wal-Mart. It reported over 300 supporting organizations.

www.walmartwatch.com