imagine yourself the dedicated director of a non-profit

[mopinko]

Poll question: imagine yourself the dedicated director of a non-profit

celebrating a hard fought 15th anniversary. lots of people contributed to the success, lots and lots. but you have given over pretty much your entire life to the fight. it would not exist without you.
one of those people thinks that supporters should chip in a few bucks, to say a public thank you, just to you. (most of the money stays in the organization- part of a larger annual fundraiser.)
you think this is self serving, and are uncomfortable with the idea. (you are a wonderful person, but you don't delegate authority too well)
what would you do?

[mopinko]

1. so, folks don't like to see individuals recognized?

a person who organizes and keeps organizing, sometimes in the face of institutional resistance and intimidation, only takes a paycheck when there is money, rarely takes a day off, etc, etc, shouldn't be singled out? sigh.

[TOhioLiberal]

2. Be gracious...

...perhaps accepting it on behalf of 'everyone who worked so hard'?

[mopinko]

4. hey, that might work.

trying to stay hypothetical in the poll, but guess that is not making it that clear.
so, here is the deal. every year this org gets about half its budget from an auction. there is a program printed, which contains ads. that is my job. i think this woman deserves a special thank you for the 15th anniversary. so, i want to get people, for a small fee, to be listed on a "thank you" page. she does not want this.
but that could be a good compromise- let her have the last word.

[Oeditpus Rex]

3. I'd go with the second choice

because any media coverage of the event would help the cause.

[mopinko]

8. media is unlikely.

this is part of a larger, annual event. that would be the story. we should be trolling for more media, tho.

[Oeditpus Rex]

10. PM me if you want to kick around ideas

I used to be state PR director for a rather large non-profit. :hi:

[mopinko]

11. could you tell me- it that a larch over there?

thanks for the offer. maybe i will shoot you my draft letter. my daughter used to be my editor, but damn her she finally got a life.

[Oeditpus Rex]

12. The one with the... uh... serrated edges?

A hornbeam?



Never a willow.



Perhaps it's a horse chestnut?



:shrug:







The larch.

[wildhorses]

5. insist--if they want to do a tribute to only you

then you should NOT know about it ahead of time:shrug:

[mopinko]

6. can't get around that one.

she sees everything before it goes into print.

[dembotoz]

7. sometimes a thank you is good for the organization.

In accepting the award the receiver then has the opportunity to be gracious and ladle out some recognitions to those who do not often get it. A few warm fuzzys sent here and there can work wonders.
The paranoid part of me would want to find out if the recognition is part of your planned --by others-- retirement party. "just because you are paranoid doesn't mean nobody is out to get you"

[mopinko]

9. no no, nothing like that.

just for clarity- i am not the thanked- i am the gatherer of thankees.