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POLICY AGAINST COERCION

No form of coercion is acceptable to United Way of the CSRA or United Way Worldwide.

United Ways understand that fundraising success depends on how much potential donors know and understand the organizations seeking support. Fundraising should always be conducted in a voluntary manner; coercion creates animosity, hinders communication and understanding, and eventually leads to decreased support. 

 

For years, United Ways have been concerned about the use of undue pressure in fundraising and are opposed to any type of coercion. Any semblance of pressure whether real, implied, or perceived-is contradictory to the operating standards of United Way. United Ways continually try to prevent the use of coercion in their campaigns by encouraging peer solicitation of employees by managers. In addition, United Ways conduct training programs for fundraisers that stress information and education and discourage the practice of seeking 100 percent participation in a campaign - as that may inadvertently encourage coercion. 

 

To underscore their conviction about this policy, United Way of America's Board of Governors adopted the following policy statement:

 

The Board of Governors of United Way believes that the most responsive contributors are those who have the opportunity to become informed and involved. A well-planned campaign with an effective communications program, conducted by committed volunteers, will ensure responsive contributors. While we have always been unalterably opposed to coercion, we do recognize a responsibility to state our beliefs formally, as freedom of choice is a basic tenet of our democratic society. 

 

 

 

 

Updated August 26, 2020

 

 

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