canvassers

GreenTeaDisease

I can't seem to leave my office at all without being harassed by at least 3 different organizations. The worst part is, they are mostly groups I would love to support, if I wasn't harassed by all of them at once several times a day. Sometimes I am just plain in a hurry (today I really had to pee when I was intercepted by greenpeace!) and I also can't give money to every good cause that blocks my path. I have listened to a good 12 presentations on my way somewhere just in the past few days. You can't get by these people- they have an answer for everything, and I feel bad just ignoring them because they are volunteering and stuff...and I really feel bad for the environmental orgs because I am an environmentalist by profession! A couple weeks ago I was in a HUGE hurry, totally late, I was half dressed, and an environmental canvasser came to my door. I couldn't get rid of her until I handed her a 20. It's gotten out of control!

Brain of J.Lo

I had to deal with this a lot when I worked in the loop in Chicago, and also in the neighborhood where we lived (Wrigleyville).

GreenTeaDisease wrote:

The worst part is, they are mostly groups I would love to support, if I wasn't harassed by all of them at once several times a day.

I agree. That always bothered me so much. I have no problem ignoring a random religious pamphlet or a flyer covered with photos of aborted fetuses... But when you actually support the organization or cause that they are harassing you about, it puts you in an awkward position. I always want to say "I support your cause, but I don't support you blocking my path to the subway entrance!"

GreenTeaDisease

Brain of J.Lo wrote:

I had to deal with this a lot when I worked in the loop in Chicago, and also in the neighborhood where we lived (Wrigleyville).

I live by one major university and work by another. and the whole area in general is just known for being very liberal and progressive to begin with. which is totally cool, i like it. but I run out for a coffee and greenpeace stops me for 10 minutes, and then I turn a corner and I'm intercepted by some healthcare reform group...it's just too much.

GreenTeaDisease

now that the weather is warm, they are back in full force. I honestly can't run out for coffee. yesterday I had 3 approach me. One of them stopped me in my path and I had to talk to him. He was from children international, which is honestly a great, great charity. But I was running out to get coffee, I had 5 bucks in my pocket and needed to get back to the office. I can't make a 2 year commitment to sponsor a child and give my credit card info to some guy on the street. I'm sure he was legit, but honestly that is a chance I am not willing to take. If you tell them you'll go to the website when you get back to the office, read more, and perhaps sign up, they are really opposed to it. they want you to hand over your credit card right there. it is very awkward, especially for someone like me who usually cares about the issues and would donate under different circumstances. (I think they can spot me as someone who gives to charity to, they all come right to me). The worst is green peace. they say "hey want to save the environment?" I've gotten to the point of saying "yes I do" and walking by.

how do you avoid the canvassers???

ringo

Keep your head down and don't stop.

That or dress like a bum, perhaps they would think you don't a have a dime to spare.