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This is the time of year when everyone wants money from me. I get calls from all the charities and I’m getting really tired of them telling me a sob story after I tell them I won’t be sending them any money. They want to guilt me into supporting their cause.
Just because I do not send you money, doesn’t mean I don’t agree with you.
It doesn’t mean that I don’t want to send you money.
It doesn’t mean that I don’t support your cause.
It just means that I can not send you money right now…clear and simple. Don’t try to lay the guilt on. This woman isn’t going to take your guilt anymore.
I am one person and I do believe that one person makes a big difference so I can totally understand why you want my support. But I support other things. We all have our own causes that are near and dear to our hearts for whatever reason.
My grandmother had MS so I support the MS society.
My son has Epilepsy so I walk for Epilepsy.
My son has ADHD, I lend a lot of support to the ADHD community with my time.
I am a big geek, so keeping children safe online is important to me and I lend my time and money to that cause.
I have struggled my entire life with my weight, so the obesity rate of children now is something that really worries me.
We all have likes, dislikes and passions that are different. That’s what makes this world a great place. We all support different causes which is why there are so many and why change happens. I can not change everything that is wrong in the world, but I can do the best damn job possible at trying to change the wrongs that I am passionate about. If we all do that, a lot of good change will happen.
I just refuse to feel guilty anymore for not supporting every cause.
Michelle
December 10, 2010
I'm with you. I actually lose a lot of respect for charities that start to lay on the guilt. I am far more likely to eventually donate if they say they understand and hope that I can someday support them financially. Guilt gets you nowhere with me.
Michele
December 10, 2010
Good point! That understanding goes a long way!!
fiona
December 10, 2010
Yeah, what you said! The other thing I have to get over is feeling guilty about turning down pr junk and the crazy requests to post stuff on my blog.
Paul Tech
December 11, 2010
I understand your frustration. We all want to do good… the act of kindness should be spontaneous and come naturally. If we were to do it because someone lay on the guilt and make us feel bad about ourselves, then it becomes meaningless.
Michele
December 12, 2010
Good point! If we ended up feeling bad about the good deed, we won’t repeat it.
Roger Carr
October 8, 2011
I get contacted by charities on a regular basis as well (especially during the holiday season). There is no way to give to all of the charities that need help. You are doing the right thing. Decide what organizations you are going to support and don’t feel guilty about not supporting the rest. There are others who are passionate about the other causes who will donate to meet those needs. It is unfortunate that some people feel an obligation to “lay a guilt trip” on you in an attempt to change your mind. Thanks for your generosity to help others.
Roger Carr recently posted..Personal Fundraising Is All About Relationships