I’d like to engage my colleagues in supporting a
charity I care a great deal about, however I do not wish for anyone to feel
obligated or resentful. Are there ways to inspire without making anyone
uncomfortable?
Anonymous
Your
concern is well taken – bringing aspects of one’s personal life into the
workplace requires careful thought. You are right to suspect some could resent
direct requests for support to your cause. Some considerations:
Option
1: Tell but don’t ask. You may certainly speak to colleagues about how much
you admire those who support the cause, and how much you enjoy your own volunteer
work – but you can’t say anything that could be interpreted as a request for
support (whether in money or action). Any volunteered
offers should of course be warmly welcomed – discreetly – and it
should be clear that one donation does not set up expectations for repeats.
Option
2: Channel your efforts through an office-wide United Way type campaign so that you are
not seen as asking colleagues employees to donate to your personal favorite.
Option
3: Don’t go there. Canvass neighbors, friends, and fellow members of clubs
you belong to, but don’t mention the charity at work.
Ulla de Stricker