New York Minute 42 - Sidewalk Fundraising

There are typically two of them, but sometimes more, smiling as they wait on the sidewalk with colorful fliers in their hands. They're so pleasant in their approach. "This will only take a minute," they assure me when I explain that I'm in a hurry.

They represent an organization that you've heard of, an outfit that provides important services somewhere in the world. The pitch pulls at your heart strings. You're tempted to contribute.

I always tell them that I'll make a donation through the website, the main website of the famous organization that they represent. This is where the mood changes. "It will be faster if we do it here," they insist, as they pull out a clipboard and pencil. You don't have to be skeptical - or a wizard of technology - to realize that this simply isn't true.

They want you to contribute then and there - but why? What is their hidden agenda? Are they pocketing a cut? Selling your personal information? Are they even representing the organization that they claim to support?

I refuse in the end, always. It's my policy not to give money or personal information on the street. They look so dejected now, as though in addition to not paying them, I've also announced that I'll be stealing their pet.

It's probably okay. I don't believe that they're criminals in most cases. But the fundamental dishonesty bothers me. Why can't they just tell me the truth? "The company that was contracted to solicit these donations takes fifty percent." Okay, well, I guess that's why they don't tell you.

Anyway, I'm not comfortable playing a game when I don't know all of the rules. It's my nature, and I'm not about to change.

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