@ WWYD Classroom collecting donations for religious charity

[AAM2012]

Jan 23, 2020 18:02:06 GMT -5 heyjude said:

Would like to see how these parents would respond if the charity in question had something to do with the Church of Satan.

Or planned parenthood.... *smirk*

[jene]

Jan 23, 2020 18:09:34 GMT -5 StrawberryBlondie said:

So... I can sort of see how this happened. There's a local charity here that does a lot of corporate events. Basically, they come to your workplace and you and your coworkers package up food to be shipped places with lots of starving people. I've never done one, but I've heard they're fairly fun. It's fairly common for managers to sign their entire teams up to do it.

But - they're a religious charity and at least some low-key proselytizing involved for the recipients. From what I understand, they mention none of that at the events, so if you don't do research, you'd never know.

I've brought up at work every time someone suggests a team event with them that we need to make clear it's 100% optional because they're religious (no church/state issues, just a diverse company). Most people usually get it but there's always 1 or 2 that loudly paint you as pro-starvation.

They did an event with a local elementary school a few years ago and a brave few complained about it being an inappropriate charity, and the responses were basically that the children weren't proselytized to at the event, so nbd, or that they do great work, so nbd. However, I'm pretty sure that was the 1 and only tie they did it at that school.

I think I know the charity you’re talking about, FMSC? We do work volunteer shit there all the time. And it annoys me every time

[redheadbaker]

Principal responded. She's not aware of any policies regarding what charities the school works with but is looking into it.

The school has been working with this charity for a few years. This is only her second year as principal and was unaware of the requirements imposed by the charity. She's going to be meeting with the organizers of the MLK Day of Service, but didn't say definitely whether the school would definitely sever ties with the organization.

[TR]

Jan 23, 2020 18:20:41 GMT -5 jene said:

Jan 23, 2020 18:09:34 GMT -5 StrawberryBlondie said:

So... I can sort of see how this happened. There's a local charity here that does a lot of corporate events. Basically, they come to your workplace and you and your coworkers package up food to be shipped places with lots of starving people. I've never done one, but I've heard they're fairly fun. It's fairly common for managers to sign their entire teams up to do it.

But - they're a religious charity and at least some low-key proselytizing involved for the recipients. From what I understand, they mention none of that at the events, so if you don't do research, you'd never know.

I've brought up at work every time someone suggests a team event with them that we need to make clear it's 100% optional because they're religious (no church/state issues, just a diverse company). Most people usually get it but there's always 1 or 2 that loudly paint you as pro-starvation.

They did an event with a local elementary school a few years ago and a brave few complained about it being an inappropriate charity, and the responses were basically that the children weren't proselytized to at the event, so nbd, or that they do great work, so nbd. However, I'm pretty sure that was the 1 and only tie they did it at that school.

I think I know the charity you’re talking about, FMSC? We do work volunteer shit there all the time. And it annoys me every time

Oh I thought FMSC specifically notes that recipients are not required to get religious information in order to receive food. I guess they could be stretching the truth on their website though (said seriously, not sarcastically). I only say that bc I volunteered there once through another professional organization and I specifically looked that up before we went once I found out they were a religious org.

www.fmsc.org/about-us/faqs

Do you require delivery of a Christian message when the food is served?

No. Our food is given to the neediest children, regardless of their faith or whether a Christian message is delivered. All of God’s children deserve to be fed.

[meganew]

Jan 23, 2020 18:00:05 GMT -5 redheadbaker said:

And of course, the people who are up in arms that this "positive community outreach" was canceled are the overbearing, outspoken, "Queen Bee" type moms, so I guess now I'm the official Outcast Mom.

I’d wear this badge with pride.

[StrawberryBlondie]

Jan 23, 2020 18:20:41 GMT -5 jene said:

Jan 23, 2020 18:09:34 GMT -5 StrawberryBlondie said:

So... I can sort of see how this happened. There's a local charity here that does a lot of corporate events. Basically, they come to your workplace and you and your coworkers package up food to be shipped places with lots of starving people. I've never done one, but I've heard they're fairly fun. It's fairly common for managers to sign their entire teams up to do it.

But - they're a religious charity and at least some low-key proselytizing involved for the recipients. From what I understand, they mention none of that at the events, so if you don't do research, you'd never know.

I've brought up at work every time someone suggests a team event with them that we need to make clear it's 100% optional because they're religious (no church/state issues, just a diverse company). Most people usually get it but there's always 1 or 2 that loudly paint you as pro-starvation.

They did an event with a local elementary school a few years ago and a brave few complained about it being an inappropriate charity, and the responses were basically that the children weren't proselytized to at the event, so nbd, or that they do great work, so nbd. However, I'm pretty sure that was the 1 and only tie they did it at that school.

I think I know the charity you’re talking about, FMSC? We do work volunteer shit there all the time. And it annoys me every time

Yep, that's the one.

I've managed to avoid every volunteer event we've had with them.

[jene]

Jan 23, 2020 18:35:20 GMT -5 TR said:

Jan 23, 2020 18:20:41 GMT -5 jene said:

I think I know the charity you’re talking about, FMSC? We do work volunteer shit there all the time. And it annoys me every time

Oh I thought FMSC specifically notes that recipients are not required to get religious information in order to receive food. I guess they could be stretching the truth on their website though (said seriously, not sarcastically). I only say that bc I volunteered there once through another professional organization and I specifically looked that up before we went once I found out they were a religious org.

www.fmsc.org/about-us/faqs

Do you require delivery of a Christian message when the food is served?

No. Our food is given to the neediest children, regardless of their faith or whether a Christian message is delivered. All of God’s children deserve to be fed.

Yeah, I also looked at that. But then the dude doing the presentation at the end said something about how great it was that children were learning the word of God. It seemed a bit contradictory to me, but they did make a point to say they give food to everyone who needs it.

[StrawberryBlondie]

Jan 23, 2020 18:35:20 GMT -5 TR said:

Jan 23, 2020 18:20:41 GMT -5 jene said:

I think I know the charity you’re talking about, FMSC? We do work volunteer shit there all the time. And it annoys me every time

Oh I thought FMSC specifically notes that recipients are not required to get religious information in order to receive food. I guess they could be stretching the truth on their website though (said seriously, not sarcastically). I only say that bc I volunteered there once through another professional organization and I specifically looked that up before we went once I found out they were a religious org.

www.fmsc.org/about-us/faqs

Do you require delivery of a Christian message when the food is served?

No. Our food is given to the neediest children, regardless of their faith or whether a Christian message is delivered. All of God’s children deserve to be fed.

That's strangely and specifically worded and sounds like they mean they'll still give you food if they don't successfully convert you.

[jene]

Jan 23, 2020 19:08:09 GMT -5 StrawberryBlondie said:

Jan 23, 2020 18:35:20 GMT -5 TR said:

Oh I thought FMSC specifically notes that recipients are not required to get religious information in order to receive food. I guess they could be stretching the truth on their website though (said seriously, not sarcastically). I only say that bc I volunteered there once through another professional organization and I specifically looked that up before we went once I found out they were a religious org.

www.fmsc.org/about-us/faqs

Do you require delivery of a Christian message when the food is served?

No. Our food is given to the neediest children, regardless of their faith or whether a Christian message is delivered. All of God’s children deserve to be fed.

That's strangely and specifically worded and sounds like they mean they'll still give you food if they don't successfully convert you.

Yes! You said that much better than I did

[suburbanzookeeper]

Jan 23, 2020 18:46:34 GMT -5 meganew said:

Jan 23, 2020 18:00:05 GMT -5 redheadbaker said:

And of course, the people who are up in arms that this "positive community outreach" was canceled are the overbearing, outspoken, "Queen Bee" type moms, so I guess now I'm the official Outcast Mom.

I’d wear this badge with pride.

This! I was "that mom" who complained about narrowly inclusive events (specifically a father-daughter dance that wasn't open to families who did not have fathers to bring their daughters) to our administration and our district - we no longer host them and now I'm part of the planning committee for bringing more inclusive events to our school. 

[bohemianmango]

Jan 23, 2020 17:48:43 GMT -5 redheadbaker said:

Husband of "religious babies need diapers too!" is now commenting.

"Seriously? We let one person shut down a positive project? That’s weak. I’m not religious, and I believe in separation of church and state, but this isn’t a public endorsement, it’s a positive community project. We should not bend the knee to every wingnut with an opinion. This is very disheartening.

You do realize that no one is forced to seek help from this charity right? Every charity has requirements to receive help, anyone getting help from this charity is willing to accept those requirements. Your objection isn’t protecting the separation of church and state, it’s a single Individual advocating for the restriction of individual rights.

The school is not donating anything. Seriously, this is why we can’t have nice things."

These arguments are so silly. It’s not just a religious/non-religious matter. I’m frustrated at them with you.

Nice things? Nice things include religious diversity. If the school finds no issue with donating to this charity, they better start actively choosing and associating with charities and activities of all religions throughout the year. I hope the administrators don’t continue this exclusionary practice and they see the big picture here.

[redheadbaker]

"We’re arguing about helping single mothers. Think about that. Religion has nothing to do with doing what’s right. My daughter will only understand the message of helping these mothers and nothing further than that. Because, being a decent human is the only thing that matters. It would make me feel more uncomfortable if my daughters school felt uncomfortable coordinating this because they read a bible. I would question their human decency."

At this point, I'm starting to feel my depression creeping in. Like I should have just kept my mouth shut.

[georgeglass]

redheadbaker , I'm sorry. I'm proud of you that you said something. At this point, I'd try to not look at wherever the posts are anymore. These people use shame to try and get their way. You clearly weren't alone in your feelings. Don't let them get you down.

[winecat]

redheadbaker- I'm really sorry. They're a bunch of self-righteous bullies. What you said is important and true. They know their arguments are shit and that's why they're being assholes. It sucks being on the receiving end of it but dissent, especially these days, is vital. Big hugs.

[mouse]

Jan 23, 2020 20:11:23 GMT -5 redheadbaker said:

"We’re arguing about helping single mothers. Think about that. Religion has nothing to do with doing what’s right. My daughter will only understand the message of helping these mothers and nothing further than that. Because, being a decent human is the only thing that matters. It would make me feel more uncomfortable if my daughters school felt uncomfortable coordinating this because they read a bible. I would question their human decency."

At this point, I'm starting to feel my depression creeping in. Like I should have just kept my mouth shut.

They suck, and the way they’re digging in, I’m betting they know that.

Whoever above said that nice things include diversity has it absolutely right. You didn’t say this for just you, but for the kids afraid to speak up. You didn’t do anything wrong.

[bronxgirl]

redheadbaker, I'm sorry you're feeling that way. You did the right thing and the people giving you shit are more focused on patting themselves on the back than doing what's best and they're being nasty because they were called out for it. Hopefully these self-righteous assholes will get distracted soon and leave you alone. hugs!!

[meganew]

Jan 23, 2020 20:11:23 GMT -5 redheadbaker said:

"We’re arguing about helping single mothers. Think about that. Religion has nothing to do with doing what’s right. My daughter will only understand the message of helping these mothers and nothing further than that. Because, being a decent human is the only thing that matters. It would make me feel more uncomfortable if my daughters school felt uncomfortable coordinating this because they read a bible. I would question their human decency."

At this point, I'm starting to feel my depression creeping in. Like I should have just kept my mouth shut.

Fuck this person. Fuck them so hard.

[Bad Dingo]

Jan 23, 2020 20:11:23 GMT -5 redheadbaker said:

"We’re arguing about helping single mothers. Think about that. Religion has nothing to do with doing what’s right. My daughter will only understand the message of helping these mothers and nothing further than that. Because, being a decent human is the only thing that matters. It would make me feel more uncomfortable if my daughters school felt uncomfortable coordinating this because they read a bible. I would question their human decency."

At this point, I'm starting to feel my depression creeping in. Like I should have just kept my mouth shut.

No, fuck them! You did what was right. We aren't going to be able to get rid of crisis pregnancy centers and predatory organizations like this if people like you don't stand up.

I am so proud of you for doing what is right in an uncomfortable situation. You should be proud too.

[pixy0stix]

Undo the notifications from the post. What you did was right. Fuck the Karens.

[AAM2012]

Jan 23, 2020 21:29:32 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

Undo the notifications from the post. What you did was right. Fuck the Karens.

Ditto! Do NOT take this personally! You did the right thing.

[ajj]

Fuck that guy. We wonder why kids end up bullying and assholes like that guy are the reason why. I know exactly the type of parent.

You did the right thing and you did it the right way. Please don’t let it get you down or make you feel like you shouldn’t have said anything.

[W.T.Faulkner]

FUCK THESE MOMS.

For every bitch leaving their bitch trail on your post there’s another person reading your posts, who may not have been comfortable enough to speak up themselves, who is saying “YES!!!!!!” to everything you wrote.

[hazelden]

Jan 23, 2020 18:57:52 GMT -5 StrawberryBlondie said:

Jan 23, 2020 18:20:41 GMT -5 jene said:

I think I know the charity you’re talking about, FMSC? We do work volunteer shit there all the time. And it annoys me every time

Yep, that's the one.

I've managed to avoid every volunteer event we've had with them.

I was the parent that complained about the FMSC field trip to a church when my DD was in 3nd grade (she's a freshman now). I spoke with the principal about the 2nd grade field trip and felt that she understood my concerns, but when they planned the same trip in 3rd grade I contacted the American Humanist Association for help based on advice I got here.

I'm so sorry to hear what RHB is going through because I went through the exact same thing on FB. There were a handful of parents on my side, but there were also quite a few that basically accused me of stealing food from starving children. It was ugly, honestly probably one of the hardest things I've ever gone through. Everything died down within a few weeks, but I totally understand why people don't always speak up about things like this, it's really, really hard to be personally attacked for standing up for your beliefs. I do feel what I did was right, and I think you did the right thing here too, RHB. Big hugs because I know it sucks right now.

[SusanBAnthony]

Re. FMSC, if you are in MN check out the sandwich project, and there is also a FMSC alternative who's name I can't remember, but they do almost exactly the same thing, but distribute to Midwest food banks and really focus on dignity for the people receiving the food (and although I think they are religiously based all they do is pack meals for food shelves, no proselytizing). I'll try to find the name and post it.

ETA: it is called Meals from the Heart, and 2 minutes on the website has nothing religious although I can't promise it isn't buried somewhere.

[redheadbaker]

I really appreciate the support. I have turned off the notifications.

[rosiebear]

Ugh. RHB, screw those people. You’re right, they’re wrong. It’s not a zero-sum game, either you give to this charity or women and children go without. There are a gazillion non-religious charities doing equally important work. Would the self-righteous jerks deny those charities the help? Ugh.

[redheadbaker]

On the bright side, H took it upon himself to learn more about crisis pregnancy centers. He is pro choice but had no idea they existed.

[sonrisa]

Jan 23, 2020 7:10:13 GMT -5 orval said:

Jan 22, 2020 21:07:13 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

This is a weird thing for a public school class to do. I wouldn't say anything more on the FB page (because Karens are gonna Karen), but I'd reach out to the teachers. What they do on their private time is different than what they want the class to participate in.

I agree.  I don't think any public school should be taking donations for any charity.  Except for the school itself.  

Eh.

My kids' schools give out (and collect back) trick or treat for unicef boxes. And they have food drives for the local food bank. I don't think collecting donations to charities is necessarily problematic.

ETA: It's a district that fundraises heavily for the school itself and so I feel the opposite - I think it's important for the kids to learn that not all fundraising is a just way to get a tax deduction for a benefit your own kid is going to receive. Charity may begin at home but it shouldn't end there. Nor should it all be galas and other fundraising where the donor is getting something tangible back.

[penguingrrl]

Thank you for speaking up. It’s brave to do the right thing. And I can see in my head those exact comments from the narrow minded bullies on my town’s FB page. The biggest bullies are women I know somewhat well from school and town council things. They’re self righteous assholes who have no life outside of trying to force their beliefs on everyone else, and no imagination for the other side of any discussion at all. Ignore them and know that you weren’t the only one thinking this even if you were the only one with the courage to speak up.

[aspentosh]

Fuck them.

I'd love to see their response if someone were suggesting you donate or fundraise for Planned Parenthood or a non-Christian based charity. They are being incredibly narrow-minded and their responses back to you are nothing short of bullying. These are GROWN MEN AND WOMEN that are resorting to bullying and they probably don't even see it.

There are plenty of charities that could benefit from your school's help and none of them need to have religious guilt attached to it.