Kindness, Charity, Giving... Whatever

[xoxoxoBruce]

I try to buy more from companies that support good causes than those who don't.

That's a fairly common sentiment and usually draws nods of agreement.

But you know what? If my bank, insurance company, phone co or internet provider, starts crowing about sponsoring some music festival or marathon, I am peeved. That tells me they have excess profits they have to find a use for. They are spreading my money around without my consent. They are forcing me to support causes I might not believe in. They act like Bush.

[Hime]

Originally Posted by xoxoxoBruce

That's a fairly common sentiment and usually draws nods of agreement.

But you know what? If my bank, insurance company, phone co or internet provider, starts crowing about sponsoring some music festival or marathon, I am peeved. That tells me they have excess profits they have to find a use for. They are spreading my money around without my consent. They are forcing me to support causes I might not believe in. They act like Bush.

Huh, I hadn't thought of that. I meant stuff like food stores/restaurants, clothing and shoes, etc. Mostly in my household my fiance chooses the sort of thing you mentioned -- insurance, bank, etc -- anyway.

I don't think you could say they're forcing you, though. If it really bothers you, couldn't you switch to a different service?

Originally Posted by Hime

I am just getting off my feet right now (finished college this year) so I try to give time rather than money -- recently I've been doing a bit of volunteer work with the Gender Public Advocacy Coalition (www.gpac.org). When I need something, I try to buy more from companies that support good causes than those who don't.

I love it when I see young people giving their spring breaks to things like Habitat For Humanity or others. Gives me more hope.

[Hime]

Originally Posted by rkzenrage

I love it when I see young people giving their spring breaks to things like Habitat For Humanity or others. Gives me more hope.

I will admit that I never did that, but I performed in a benefit to raise money for one of those programs. And this month I'm performing in a benefit for Goth Help Us, an organization that does goth shows for charity (this one's for the Whitman-Walker clinic).

www.thehungersite.com

This is my home page. Some days I hit them all, some days one, some a few.
Each page has a cool store. Pink Ribbon Store.

[piercehawkeye45]

Originally Posted by rkzenrage

www.thehungersite.com

I'm seeing more and more sites like these, the same thing isara is.

Great idea.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Originally Posted by rkzenrage

www.thehungersite.com

This is my home page. Some days I hit them all, some days one, some a few.
Each page has a cool store. Pink Ribbon Store.

That reminded me.... a daily stop and sometimes shop.

[Ibby]

I give personally to those I meet that need the money. I dont trust most charities and stuff, though I do donate to them when I can, on occasion. But mostly, just handing out change and cash on the streets.

But in places like Paris, with large numbers of those who need it... usually just to the ones that try to earn it. Buskers, singers, the really nice ones, not just anyone who slumps over in the street.

[barefoot serpent]

Another microcredit site to check out:
FINCA International

[busterb]

Does your phone bill have a tax, that's withheld for people that can't pay their bills? Mine does. WTF!

[xoxoxoBruce]

Yup, plus several other questionable taxes.