Does Canvassing Work (and Should It)?

About two weeks ago, I was having an especially pleasant day--the sun was out for the first time in weeks, I was not overly stressed about anything--and I saw a "Save the Children" canvasser on the street outside the college. So I thought "That poor guy, standing out here on this gorgeous day begging people just to stop." So I did the unthinkable--I stopped.

Now, I often feel guilty anyway when I don't stop for these people because of course I have time for the children, and for rights for gay people and for the politicians (OK, maybe not the politicians), but I know they are going to ask me for money, and that I do not have. But, on this day I thought I at least wanted him to know I had time for the children.

Big mistake. He was a really nice guy (or so he seemed), and he pointed out some great things about the organization. One thing I'd always feared is that there's no way to really know where your money is going. But he made it sound pretty legit. You get letters from the child you "adopt" and the organization has won a bunch of awards or something. But I still couldn't help thinking it could all be a big scam--I guess that's what you get for taking marketing classes, you learn nothing is ever as good as they make it sound.

But despite my conviction when I started to just hear him out but not promise any money, I found myself almost signing up. (The sad part is, I know the name for the tactic he was using to try to close the deal--an assumptive close). "So, you can just fill out your information here and we'll match you up with a child in whichever country you choose," he said.

"Well, I'd love to, and you're very convincing, but I really can't afford to commit to $30 a month right now. I'll look up your web site, and maybe I'll sign up in the fall when I don't have to pay for an apartment anymore," was my feeble attempt at a reply that wouldn't make him think I was too pathetic and selfish.

Eventually I managed to give him a one-time donation and run away, but I couldn't help thinking, is $30 a month really too much for me to give? These children can't get clean water, as he pointed out to me, and all I'd have to do is give up two meals a week and I'd probably have $30 to send. Now I feel guilty every time I decide to splurge on Sandella's. Oh, I could have bought some Ramen noodles instead and I'd be a quarter of the way there. I really don't think I spend much money on unnecessary things, but some days I seriously consider going to that Save the Children web site and signing up. The problem is, I'm still not sure I really trust them. But at least they got me thinking--maybe instead I'll just start by donating $5 a month to a local charity. Then when I'm rich and famous I'll sponsor a child. Or heck, adopt one. Sound fair?