Reconsidering United Way contributions

[Helen]

I never donated to the CFC in the 20 years I worked for the Feds. For me, it was some of the homophobic organizations they supported and the high overhead.

I instead have donated to local animal shelters, local food banks, and local support organizations for gay youth. My favorite thing to do though is to adopt a family at Christmas time.

I am about to go in for a test to see if my platelet count is high enough to donate to the Red Cross. I'm on the small side so they will only accept me if my platelets are really high. I really want to be able to donate.

[Texas Proud]

I have resisted for awhile, but have decided to weigh in on this subject...


I have hated the UW for many decades... when I first started working for a large company (in the mailroom at almost minimum wages), I got my first taste of the UW pressure... we were under intense pressure to do our 'fair share' as a percent of salary...

To make a long story short, I left the company and was very surprised to get a BIG amount of withholding for the UW on my last paycheck (IIRC, it almost zeroed out the check)... when I called to find out what was happening, I was told 'this is to satisfy you pledge amount for the year'.... now, I did not read all the fine print, but I thought I had signed up for a % of my salary... and now was not getting any salary...

IMO, they stole money from me.... so I have no interest in giving any money to them.....

After graduating from university.... the UW pressure came back with my first job.... and I refused to give anything... I was the ONLY employee of my group that did not give anything.... so, the whole group was putting pressure on me as they were going to get a party if I contributed... the girl running the UW for our group came by and put a $5 bill on my desk and said 'donate this and we all will get the party'.... I decided to spend my own $5, but did not go to the party... (BTW, this happened for the three years I was there)...

In my next job.... we were FORCED to attend the sob story presentations from the UW.... and we were FORCED to turn in a card stating what we were going to contribute or not contribute.... I did not turn in my card and eventually a top executive called asking me about it.... (BTW, at this company, all high level employees were required to donate their 'fair share', which at that time I believe was 1.2%)....

Even my last job that I had for many years had high pressure, but not anywhere near as the previous two....

Luckily, I am in a small firm now that does not have UW.... so I am free of the BS.....

[MRG]

Lots of good info, I was brainwashed as a kid due to DF involvement in that organization. Was forced by one employer to give my fair share, seriously it was grounds for term in this small co.

Megacorp always did it and I just did what I thought was expected. Always shocked the poor guy in the office when I handed him my form 'hey you don't have to give that amount', money that could have been better used.

My issue today is 40 years after DF involvement in UW he calls and asks about individuals contributions, and they give him that information. It's caused a lot of grief for the family, as he's very ill and uses this information to manipulate others.

MRG

[FIREd]

Another UW thread bites the dust.

Porky Pig Cartoon Ending "That's All Folks!" - YouTube