Last week we kicked off the "100 Words or Less" series with a discussion of Sarah Palin. This week we toss out this question: How could the United Way win you back?
As you might have seen, the Observer is soliciting ideas on how to solve the money crisis in Charlotte-area charities. That's more of a big-idea project. What I'm talking about is a smaller thing. Of course not everyone gave to the United Way even before its recent troubles. But if you did, or if you at least supported the concept, how could they rebuild your trust and make you willing to give again?
We'll have a special guest tackle this question in my Thursday column. For now, it's all yours. Just keep it on-topic, and keep it short -- maybe, you know, 100 words or less...
Monday, July 20, 2009
100 Words or Less: United Way
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
29 comments:
I would say that it will difficult for United Way to regain my trust. That doesn't mean I will stop charitable giving. That will continue, but it will be directed at the agencies I choose. I know my knowledge is limited, so I will likely choose Crisis Assistance and Charlotte Urban Ministry, where I feel the need is greatest right now. That will hurt smaller, deserving agencies. United Way should be ashamed.
I will never give to United Way again. I am a former donor, who gave about $500 per year and believed in the purpose of the organization. Then it comes into light that my donation doesn’t even cover the monthly car lease for GP King, let alone the $250 per month she spent on car washes! And those aren’t even the expenses in question in this whole mess. Don’t I feel like the fool.
I will give my money directly to the charities where it can make a difference, and not support the CEO’s lavish lifestyle.
I'm really hoping UW gets itself sorted out - and sets up a transparent system so we know it.
Until then, I continue to contribute, but to individual charities. I prefer the UW approach of spreading my money among many deserving folks.
The need in the community is great and only knowledgable people can help make those funding decisions. Should the community blame the agency and the people who work there? Or should we take responsibility and be involved in United Way's decision making process so we know first hand where the dollars are going? Let's stop plyaing the blame game. The problems in the community will not go away. Let's help make a difference.
I make contributions directly to the charities. Why use a middle man?
The UW will never get another dime of my money. I'm done paying for bad wigs and press on nails.
The GPK fiasco was only part of the UW's problems. Many people are resentful of the UW's workplace extortion... er, "giving" campaign and see GPK as a way out.
Were there ever 'checks and balances' that reviewed the management of our local United Way? These salaries and spending must have been going on for years. I suggest listing all the charities requiring assistance on a community webpage to solicit direct contributions.
The United Way is a prime example of middleman waste. I don't know the history behind UW, but I assume that it was created as a clearinghouse for gathering donations and then the equitable distribution of same. But, just as with any middleman, greed came into play, and UW was taking more than their fair share of the donations for their overhead. Shame on UW. I will continue to donate to the individual charities.
never again to the United Way...Greedy GP King plus tired of corporate extortion/pressure to give - no need for middleman
The answer is in generating first person awareness of these agencies and their missions. The Observer should create a permanent "section" and regularly publish info on the Charlotte-area charities that need assistance. Provide some brief background info and publish budget needs vs donations received. No need to have a middle man (UA) when all you need is marketing.
Ain't gonna happen.
Someone else can use my leftover 97 words.
never gave to them
never will
I am ashamed the company I work for gives to them, especially after everything that has happened. I am fighting to change that.
I always thought it was interesting that the Philip Morris USA employees in Concord stopped giving to United Way and started their own giving program. They chose who to give to and raised the money from the employees - not the corporation - and gave over a million dollars (possibly way more - can't remember) back to the community. No middleman funds required - no executive salaries and marketing funds. That's the way to do it. I'm sorry but the United Way needs to go.
The UW is more than a middleman - the posts on here prove it. Someone askes for a list of all agencies - someone said provide brief background and publish budget needs. The UW does all this stuff and more. They litterally study each organization individually and find a way to maximize the amount of community wide help. If everybody dontaes to the big agencies - then the little ones have nothing. UW does not just collect money - they determine where it is best spent through professional analyses. Do you know who runs these other agencies, thier overhead, what the president drives? No - but the UW does. Yes - they messed up and overpaid GPK and did not supervise her expenses enough - but don't you generally trust the president of a giant non-profit? They realized thier mistake and have corrected it.
1. Transparency. Where is the money going? How much is going to overhead? Make that number mean and lean and advertise the heck out of it.
2. What's their mission? Why should I donate to them VS. the individual charity?
3. How do we know that the GPK issues are resolved and won't come up again? Advertise the heck out that as well.
The Observer could do us all a favor by publishing a table of local charities, showing how much of a dollar donated to each actually goes to the needy. That would encourage organizations to pare down their overhead and seek more volunteer help if they want to compete for our donations.
Is the answer to give directly to te agency who we feel are the well known? How do we know that the dollars we give to those agencies are not going to the president or ceo or someone's pocket? Is it true that if you send your dollars directly to the agency then they can do whatever they want with your money. They are not REQUIRED to give it to a family in need? I heard it can pay for the landscaper or anything in need for that month.
I been a volunteer for United Way and I know that we had the agencies and they could only spend the money on the service or client.
The blame is on the UW Board members not the agency. they are the ones who gave GPK the perks.
Ask employers to donate the time and labor of their junior and mid-level staff as volunteers for various charities a half-day each month.
Some firms probably already do this.
Surely that's no worse than the lost revenue from allowing staff to surf the 'Net, post meaningless tweets, update their social networking site or e-forward videos and jokes.
I will still give the the UW and actual Non profits that have more of a presence in my local community (Fort Mill). GPK is just a scape goat for most childish adults, There have been a lot more CEO's for corporations including the health industry that have done a lot worst than her and I'm pretty sure most still buy their goods and services. To me that's the difference with UW. Most corporations/NPs flush their waste and have a easy cover up. For them, they allow it to get on the floor and then do the finger point game because "grown people should be able to control their waste".
I know I'm over the limit but I just used the extra 97 words from a previous post.
I think the question is "How could the United Way win you back?" I see many negative comments that will not produce a solution. First, the organization can be more transparent with how the president will be compensated. Second, the organization can demonstrate the value of the community giving concept. The truth of the matter is the most charities in Charlotte are not seeing the direct contributions that everyone keeps speaking about. UW can show how if eveyone gave to just one charity (i.e. Crisis Assistance), that charity would need many others to receive funding as well for them to carry out thier mission.
United Way is just a "corporate" charity with the same screw the little guy attitude as so many corporations.
I've always given them a big, fat, zero and hope others will as well.
Have to comment on the irony of your question. You weren't here when your paper led the charge against GPK just as the UW fall fund raiser began. Every day for weeks, front page articles, editorials, you name it. Now it's the CO that wants to know how UW can get people's trust back? Probably can't. Even the county is going to stop the UW drive for employees and let them choose their own charities to donate to beginning in 2010.
Not giving to United Way is like slapping a CEO in the face.
So enjoy it...
My father was not a "fan" of UW 35-40 years ago. He thought then that the money was mismanaged and that too much of the dollars collected were used to pay salaries, etc. rather than being used for the needs that the money was given for. Isn't it telling that these many years later, with all that is happening in corporate America, that Americans are finally standing up and saying "ENOUGH"!!
The UW should dramtically reduce or eliminate the number of paid positions. Overhead should account for 2 - 3% of all contributions. Volunteers for UW need to stand up and work to save this organization. The redemption has to be at the grassroots level: committed volunteers speaking directly to small donors.
I think United Way is extremely greedy, those jerks had a road block in front of my office. I work for a non-profit organization sponsored by the United Way, I already do my part. The receptionist stopped me and said I had to give a quarter each time I left the office. I disagree with this fund raising effort and felt it was harassing. I was surprised they did not put it by the ladies rest room. What a desperate attempt to get money. This type of effort gives Non-profit organizations a bad name. Not to mention I already gave money this year and I do not plan to give anymore. I hope they don't make their goal and I will laugh so hard. No bonuses or raises for the CEO"s this year! I think United Way will have to change their approach on fundraising to keep from ticking people off.
I refuse to give to an agency that has not touched my life in anyway. They have done nothing for me and I honestly do not want their help as I am doing just fine without any handouts. The freeloaders that use their programs probably don't donate, so why should I?
I hope United Way does not make their goal this year and then they'll finally understand its not all about money.
Years ago I worked warehouse store(you know the one).We were told it was "mandatory" to participate in the UW program. I absolutely refused and told my manager "see you in court". That was the last I heard about it.
Post a Comment