Anyone listen to Scott Sloan the other night on the United Way and the pressure tactics they use in one's place of employment to get donations? I listened to many people call in and relate their experiences, and I absolutely concurred with what some were saying about the annual UW campaign drives at work.
At Honda, and it's in their handbook, any charitable solicitation is strictly forbidden except the company sanctioned and operated United Way campaign every year.
And like Sloan said... "They have found a way to hack into your company's payroll!"
Every year, and in every department, there is an employee "nominated" to go around to every associate soliciting them to sign a card where money is weekly payroll-deducted from their check. And it's not "Would you like to give to the United Way?" but (showing you the card) "Here is the recommended level we would like to see every one of our associates sign up for." And even if you choose not to participate they say you have to check off on the card and sign it. And I always ask WHY, and they say because you have to because it's for tracking/accounting purposes.
It's not that I don't think the UW is a worthwhile organization and doesn't do alot of good locally.... it's the methodology that is being utilized within the place of employment that bothers me. And yes, I've heard alot of testimonies from people that a type of pressure sales is involved.
The UW, as well as the employer, has turned it into a type of competition where they give out ribbons, plagues, and various awards for recognition of contribution levels. I've read stories in various other workplaces where managers will tell their employees they expect them to contribute so much because they don't want their depratment to look bad, or that it will somehow personally reflect on them.
During the drive they put up graphs at the entrances of the plant showing where the contribution levels are at, and in the shift meetings they'll occassionally read memos reminding people what level they are trying to reach and again encourage assocaites to sign up if they have not already done so.
I'm just one who believes that charitable giving is to not only come from the heart, but is also a personal, private matter that, IMHO, doesn't require some sort of outward recognition or pat on the back. One gives without any expectation of a return.