Above is XKCD's most recent Friday webcomic (they post every Monday, Wednesday and Friday). Titled "Charity", I think it highlights a delicate issue.
What's the best way to raise money for a 'good cause'?
I know a ton of people, myself even occasionally being one of them, that are proud of a purchase that donated some of the proceeds to an organization. Some benefits of this are fairly clear: it's a product that can be appreciated by the consumer and works as publicity. However, I do believe it can be used as a cover.
Take a moment. Ask yourself if you have any organizations that you care about. Have you ever donated something, be it time or money, without expecting something in return? Now ask yourself if you've ever donated to a 'random' charity, one that you weren't personally attached to, without receiving some token? I wouldn't be surprised if there were quite a few yes-es, but I don't think anyone would blame me for asking this question and expecting some no-s either.
There's underlying incentives for people to take certain actions within our culture. Whether they're implicit or explicit can vary, but to be successful when fund raising there becomes a need to have a gimmick of some sorts. I'm not saying it's bad; as I said, I can be a proud owner of some of these items. They're enjoyable, can spread the word about a certain cause, and will get some people to give money who otherwise wouldn't have. At the same time, I can't help but dwell on that last point. The people who wouldn't have donated otherwise. With that, it still makes me wonder, how many people go beyond this first level of donations? I would imagine not enough.
Don't buy something that claims to donate to charity expecting to make a huge difference. It's not that simple. If you really want to feel proud, take the extra step to follow through. Do something because you believe in the cause, not always because you can get something snazzy out of it.
One of my friend's favorite charities is the organization Falling Whistles, which raises awareness about, and aid for, child soldiers. Buying one of the whistles to wear around one's neck is the expected way to donate. They certainly encourage it, using it as a sign of protest. An outcry. This is a great example of when purchasing something can be incredibly generous and helpful. In the end though, how many people buy more than one - to give away to friends? How many will donate money in addition to buying one?
How often is charity selfish?
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