Stuff People Say to Nonprofits . . . editor notes issue #76

Editor's Notes [1] • January 29, 2012 • forward article

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The latest internet meme has been a lot of fun: S*** People Say to Native Americans [4] and S*** New Yorkers Say [5], for instance. So we propose:

Stuff People Say When They Hear You Work for a Nonprofit:

So, do you get paid for that?
I work for a nonprofit too . . . United Airlines . . . ha ha!
The problem I have with nonprofits is that not everybody deserves to be helped.
You know I've always wondered: why do nonprofit people people get paid so much?
Are there any nonprofits here in Atlanta?
Yeah, you know, I volunteered once at a nonprofit, but they were really screwed up.
I have a great idea for a nonprofit I'm going to start someday!
The problem with nonprofits is that they don't run themselves like businesses . . . where do I work? Oh, at Exxon (or Bain Capital, or Solyndra, or . . . .)
I wish I had your job . . . I work too hard.
I have a friend who works for a nonprofit in San Diego! Maybe you know her!
So . . . do you get paid for that?
I could never ask anybody for money. Hey, can you help me move on Saturday?

Put up a sign in your organization and ask people to fill in: "Things people say when they hear you work for _______(your organization's name)" and see what they come up with!

(Thanks to Judy Hatcher, Susan Sanow, Nelson Layag, and their funny friends for help with above.)

* This issue Ask Rita wonders whether employees have to be paid for sleeping on the job, and we wonder why more nonprofits aren't using cell phone messaging for policy alerts, raising money, and special event news. In addition, a fresh look at a frequently-overlooked fundraising vehicle -- scrip gift cards -- and a discussion of how to organize the board to support the revenue strategy (and a 3-minute vacation of course).

* We're looking for one or two investigative reporters with backgrounds in nonprofits to write stories for Blue Avocado. Is that you? If so, please let us know about you here [6].

* It's going to take me awhile to learn how to balance my new role as CEO of the California Association of Nonprofits with [6]my continuing role as editor and writer for Blue Avocado. Please be patient, and as always I and the Blue Avocado Steering Committee welcome your comments, questions, and advice (click here [6]). --Jan Masaoka

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