SIGIA-L Mail Archives: RE: SIGIA-L: donation gravity ... IA eth
RE: SIGIA-L: donation gravity ... IA ethics?
From: Surla, Stacy (SSurla_at_aspensys.com)
Date: Tue Oct 02 2001 - 11:17:16 EDT
I have to respectfully disagree with Mr. Velasco on this point (whereas I
generally agree with his comments and insights on most other matters). As a
former fund raiser for several nonprofit arts organizations, and as a person
who has made charitable contributions a signficant part of my monthly
budget, I've faced many of the concerns people share about asking for and
giving money. I have come to know that asking for money on behalf of a
charity is NOT a bad thing. It's an invitation to participate in something
that will make a difference to other people and to the world. Asking for a
LOT of money is not a bad thing. Again, it's only an invitation, and one
can always decline an invitation. And I've found that, rather than being
offended, people are generally flattered when asked to make a large (even
outrageous) contribution to something important. People really do want to
give of themselves.
Of course, there are rude and inappropriate ways to solicit donations, and
nonprofits should never disrespect their donors! But if a relationship of
trust is maintained, I believe that when legitimate charities can offer true
participation in their work, and encourage a generous giving spirit, it's a
good thing.
~Stacy
___
Eric Scheid wrote:
Then it occured to me -- what are the ethical implications in this?
Shouldn't people donate just what they can and want to, without feeling
pressured to conform to others?
Javier Velasco wrote:
I for one, believe that it's not appropriate to state a suggested
donation amount, nor to publish the average amount...
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.1.2
: Sun Nov 23 2003 - 22:54:50 EST
|
