Charity guilt trip at work

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-01-2005
Charity guilt trip at work
19
Wed, 06-06-2007 - 5:52pm

UGH. Does anyone else work in an office where someone is ALWAYS asking for money for something? It's usually a baby shower gift around here, but this week it's a charity thing. The two employees in charge of the project are going desk to desk, multiple times, asking (hounding) for money and keeping a record of which staff members contribute and which don't.

I believe very strongly in giving to charity and the community - something everyone should do, I think. But, I also feel very strongly about giving to causes I have a personal passion for and that I have had a chance to research. In fact, I have spent quite a bit of time in the past year thinking about my giving "plan." I'd rather give more money to those causes than $5 or $10 bucks to random causes (many of which are worthy, but I can't give to *everything*) just because someone stopped by my desk.

So, I know I could put a few bucks in the bowl just to get them off my back - but it's not a contribution that I would feel great about because it was given out of guilt and not from a giving spirit on my part. Finally, the keeping track part annoys me. A lot of people like to give anonymously, and something about this whole thing just feels wrong to me.

AJ, enjoying life with C.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 01-26-2006
Thu, 06-07-2007 - 10:51am
Since I work in fundraising for a non-profit, we don't usually do such things. :) But we are on the other end, and I agree. When we get those little $5.00 donations, of course we're still grateful, but it's the people who are giving out of interest and passion rather than obligation that we really appreciate.
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-01-2005
Thu, 06-07-2007 - 11:05am

Oh, you have such a hard job. I definitely realize the need for fundraising -- but there is a fine line between asking and pushing. :)

I agree that the more passionate, engaged donors mean more to the bottom line and mission of any nonprofit.




Edited 6/7/2007 11:06 am ET by tallgirlcolo

AJ, enjoying life with C.

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-16-2005
Thu, 06-07-2007 - 11:45am
I would just politely say you are already contributing to other organizations at this time but thank them for thinking of you. They shouldn't hound you, giving to charities is a personal thing and people don't understand financial obligations of everyone and shouldn't be keeping track. They used to post by the branch at work who "gave" so obviously by "deducting" you could easily figure out who didn't give until I said something about how unethical that was and how it made people feel singled out for not contributing to that particular charity and just because they didn't contribute to the united way didn't mean they weren't contributing to something else in their own life and it was nixed.

Smile,

Deirdre

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-01-2005
Thu, 06-07-2007 - 12:15pm

>>and just because they didn't contribute to the united way didn't mean they weren't contributing to something else in their own life and it was nixed<<

They do the United Way campaign here as well, and I don't give to that either because I'd rather give directly to a particular nonprofit than to a clearinghouse like this one.

I am sure some people here think I am stingy and don't give to anything, because I haven't given to these pet causes at work. As you said, it's a very personal choice - it's none of their business anyway.

--

They just sent out an e-mail asking for "100% participation from the staff." The last line? "Let us know if we have missed you, if you would like to contribute." They know darn well who has been missed and who has said no. GRRR.

AJ, enjoying life with C.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-01-2005
Thu, 06-07-2007 - 12:29pm

Ok - I just sent an e-mail to one of the volunteers, explaining my reasons for not participating. I'm ok with being the one who messes up their "100% participation" goal.

Thanks to all of you for all your feedback. I appreciate that. This issue really got to me this week.

AJ, enjoying life with C.

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-16-2005
Thu, 06-07-2007 - 1:01pm
That's the same kind of bull we get. "We would like 100% participation" but it's not obligatory to contribute and I wouldn't give in to the pressure if you don't want too.

Smile,

Deirdre

Avatar for cl_shywon
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Thu, 06-07-2007 - 1:07pm

You've gotta let us know if you get a response to that!


iVillage Member
Registered: 11-01-2005
Thu, 06-07-2007 - 1:13pm

She responded (I wrote to the sales gal, I'm more friendly with her). I told her I have a mapped-out giving plan and it's my policy to stick to giving to the charities I feel passionate about. She wrote back that she "liked my plan."

I do think she gets it, but I also know that people can take it personally if you are not as passionate about their pet cause as they are.

I think it's a good thing that we're all passionate about different issues - that way, all the worthy causes are supported by someone. :)

AJ, enjoying life with C.

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-14-2003
Thu, 06-07-2007 - 1:20pm

>They do the United Way campaign here as well, and I don't give to that either because I'd rather give directly to a particular nonprofit than to a clearinghouse like this one.<

We do the United Way thing every year too and I *really* don't give to them. I don't want any of my money going to any faith-based charities - sorry - I'm just that way. I want to pick which charity my funds go to.

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