Got nasty with the MS society today
 

I got nasty with the National MS society today. They called to ask if I would send out those letters or flyers and send them to all my friends, neighbors, and relatives? I said I did that last year and was met with some pretty harsh reactions, and dont plan on doing it again this year. I started to follow it with how much we have raised through church bazaars, and streeet festival booths at the local parades, but was cut off. She started to chew me to bits to tell me about those poor people with MS, and how my small little effort could make such a huge difference, and if I wasnt willing to do their flyers, would I consider increasing my contributution this year to make up for the loss of those succesful flyers. I was speechelss for a minute and then...

I asked "do you even know how much money I have sent to the NMSS this year?" she said "well, no mam I dont have access to those records, but I am sure by the use of our cards, you can dramatically increase that amount." I was really ticked off now. I said I have contributed more than 10k to the NMSS THIS YEAR alone. In the past two I have raised more than 50k! My little bazaars and booths have been VERY successful, and for you to call MY home to tell me about those poor people with MS!!!! let me tell you I PERSONALLY know the story. I HAVE MS! so, please think twice before calling someone's home to strong arm them into things they are either not able nor willing to do for you! To say no over and over and over is VERY stressful, and not appreciated by us poor folk with MS. now, please take the NO you have been given, and MOVE ON.

I was outraged that she wanted to guilt me into giving more money or doing tasks when I said no very politely several times.

grrrrr.... I was tempted to call the NMSS and ask why they are using such strong arm tactics. That isnt a good way to represent us.

Was the caller representing herself from your local chapter, or the national society?

I do think you should call the immediate supervisor of that caller and tell them their script needs revision and that their phone personnel need to listen to what is being said, not what they presume according to their script.

Sadly, it was probably a volunteer.

Good for you and ITA with Cindy.

BTW, :You-Rock: What a fantabulous job you've done of fundraising in the past! Keep up the great work. :)

yeah I agree make a call and let them know, how this person presented themselves and how they treated you,

They used to call me repeatedly so I finally told them to remove my name from their list. I still send in my annual contribution, but the phone calls were a waste of their time and mine. Sorry they were so pushy with you. Like AMN said, I bet it was a volunteer. It sounds like they had limited communication skills, too bad. That could really turn off a lot of potential contributors.

The person I talked to was giving me the same drill. I told him that I tried it last year and never was able to follow through, so I didn't want to commit. He heckled me until I finally said, OK, send the stupid cards.

I wonder if they hire people, like telemarketers, that have nothing to do with the NMSS? I was really chagrined, and was left with a bad taste in my mouth. And it's NOT an MS symptom!!

I was just angry that she was like a dog with a bone. she would take NO for an answer and then tried to guilt me into taking those damn cards! she tried to make me feel like all those poor people with MS would simply not meet their funding goals if I didnt harrass my friends, family and co workers. Dont YOU hate it when someone from work/school shows up with candy to sell, or a cause to support? its hard to give to so many worthy causes. She was pushy, rude, and was aggressive. Now, I know that I am an aggressive girl, and if I had trouble saying NO! then I bet others have just taken the cards to end the call. then the cards sit on their desk, and they just feel guilty all over again. NMSS ISNT about guilting people into helping! its about asking and volunteering.

I am sorry you were left with such a sour feeling about the NMSS but like Cindy said she is probably a volunteer and someone in the society needs to know about your experience.

Unfortunately if you didn't get her name they probably won't be able to do anything about it. They have lots of volunteers making calls. You could ask though what their "script" is for those that say no and address your concern that way.

I got called this year and I told her I had participated in the MS Walk so that was my contribution this year. She thanked me for my efforts the year before and this year's contribution by participating in the MSWalk. Last year I did the letters and was successful with them but just didn't want to do them this year.

Remember it wasn't really the NMSS but one person that did that to you.

My bf and I received dentifcal calls as well, I think it is more than an issue with an individual. My BF and I do a lot of fundraising for the bike ride and refuse to hit up our friends, family, and acquaintances twice in a year. Plus, it's our primary charity for our regular donations. I get that given the economy non-profits are fighting for fewer dollars, but they aren't helping the casue by irritating the doners.

I'm disapointed with our local chapter so perhaps it's just sour grapes for me.