[nfb-talk] Question of Philosophy- fund raising

[David Andrews]

I don't see anything wrong with this approach.  Most nonprofits and 
other organizations raise funds.  You are doing so in a positive way.

Dave


At 06:38 AM 8/27/2010, you wrote:
>I have a question of NFB philosophy. I bring it to this list because I know
>and want you all to give it to me straight from the philosophical shoulder.
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>Here is the situation: There is a debate upon the acceptability of the
>following method of fund raising. There are some in my local chapter, in the
>affiliate in my state, in the division where I am the President, who feel
>that the below method of solicitation donations is not philosophically
>acceptable under NFB philosophy; some of the membership feel that the way it
>is being handled is acceptable. Do read the description I present and give
>us your feelings.
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>I am part of the Omaha chapter and for years I have participated in the
>Wal-Mart "Meet and greet." And note the title that we've given it, "Meet and
>Greet."
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>Allow me to set the scene- It is 10:00 AM, we have two six foot tables
>setup: one is outside the doors from the grocery store entrance and the
>other outside the general merchandise entrance. There is a large banner
>stretched across the full length of the front of the table, running just
>below the table-top, from the legs on the right hand side, to those on the
>left. The Banner is in the NFB colors of dark blue letters on a white
>background- it reads "National Federation of the Blind, Omaha chapter." The
>chapter members manning the table are also wearing NFB labeled clothing.
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>On the table-top, There are stacks of a variety of NFB literature , a large
>donation jar, a slate and stylist for taking notes, someone's long white
>cane lying the full length of the table and a bill-identifier (we will
>demonstrate and even give change). Then yes, we will have some item to sell
>to the potential donator; the item having been donated or purchased at a low
>price, in order that we do monetarily gain from the transaction. (You know
>how this must go; this is a fund raiser, as well as an opportunity to
>educate the public.)
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>The members who "people" the table either sit behind the table or stand to
>the side or out front to better engage the flow of customers coming in and
>out of the store.
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>"Would you like to give a donation to the Omaha Chapter of the National
>Federation of the Blind?" Or, "Would you like to purchase a Mother's Day
>Flower and support the National Federation of the Blind?" Is one of several
>different types of short, quick phrases that you might hear me or others
>say, as we hear new people traffic coming or going. These customers are
>always speeding by on their personal business and we learned long ago, that
>what ever you say needs to be quick and to the point.
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>Then, as a potential donator approaches the table, you might hear, "Would
>you like to help us do our work?" And/or "do you know a blind person?" Or,
>"Let us tell you about the Federation and what we do." And, knowing that
>most of these people are in a hurry to go about their business, we would
>hand them one of each of our broachers, saying something like "Please take
>these; we would like to tell you about our organization." And of course, if
>the person is inclined to visit, we will go into as much depth about
>blindness as possible (answering their questions is always the priority).
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>Some times, there will be a second organization similarly setup and across
>the entrance from us- like the "Make A Whish Foundation."
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                         David Andrews:  dandrews at visi.com
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