An important outgrowth of the terrible events of Sept. 11th was a marked increase—or at least a visible emphasis on—charitable giving. From blood drives to PSAs, our industry rose to the call for help, and became closer for it. Many people recommitted themselves to volunteerism and to donating to a myriad of causes. In a nutshell, we remembered that it is better to give than to receive.
But what is the etiquette of fundraising in and around the workplace? Like politics and religion, giving is very personal. How we give—be it time, money, advocacy, etc.—should not be bent by public pressure. Business owners and managers, for example, may encourage employees to join the AIDS Walk team but cannot and should not reward the participation with anything other than thanks. Conversely, we cannot make others feel as though not participating will bring negative consequences.
Here is an example: About two weeks ago I got a fax from an agency producer with whom I have never worked asking me or my company to make a donation to an organization this producer supports. My editors have not worked with anyone at this agency in over two years and I do not have a relationship with this producer. This producer sent the fax on agency letterhead, had an assistant call me on my cell phone two weeks later to ask me if I got the fax and if I planned on donating. (Just as a background note, in the past when I have called this producer and left messages regarding reels, etc., I have never been called back.) I’m not particularly interested in the organization the producer supports; however, caught off guard by the assistant, I didn’t really feel like saying, "No, I’m not going to make a donation and frankly, I think it is in very poor taste the way your boss is soliciting me." So I said, "Yes, I got the fax and I will consider making a donation." A few days later I received a letter, on the agency letterhead, thanking me for my donation along with an agency envelope addressed to this producer’s home address.
Is the agency head endorsing this kind of behavior from his senior producers? I would love to work with this agency. Can I assume I will never work with this producer if I don’t make a donation? The fact that this producer could not even pick up the phone and call me personally is both invasive and impersonal. If I had any kind of rapport with this producer, I could justify the solicitation. My cynical side wonders if this person assumes I will jump to make a donation in hopes that I will have phone calls returned. I’m quite sure I am not the only editorial, production or post company to receive this fax. Am I wrong or is this a blatant misuse of professional position and of agency letterhead?
While I’ve been on committees for non-profits and helped host fundraising events, I have never solicited my vendors for donations to my personal non-profit of choice unless they were also friends. I don’t want anyone to feel obligated to donate if it not something they are interested in or feel good about. Being generous and supporting worthy causes is something I think we can all be better at. Our industry as a whole should unite to make more of a difference in many areas. I endorse fundraising 100 percent. However, using your professional position and your company name to potentially pressure people into making a personal donation is not okay.
As we grapple with a struggling economy, we should find time to use our collective energy to shape a better and brighter future. Living in a country that encourages diversity and protects religious freedom, we should also remember to respect the boundaries of giving. Pressure to give based on position and professional hierarchy is exploitative and works in opposition to the goal of positive change. If we give selflessly and fundraise with care, then our world will be brighter for it.
