DNC Defies Donor Bill of Rights

The season of gift giving has come and gone, but the season of political campaign solicitations seems to be ramping up to a new level. Eight years ago, I was among the millions of Americans who made several contributions to Senator Barak Obama’s run for the presidency, and I did so happily. It wasn’t so much that he was a Democrat, but I was genuinely enthusiastic about this particular candidate. I made my donations online, not on the phone, and then I did the same thing four years later. All of my acknowledgements – as well as a steady stream of updates from Michele, Joe Biden, and a number of others – have come to me electronically.

 In the ensuing years, I have moved five times (but have managed to keep my very memorable cell phone number throughout). Somewhere along the way, the “Obama for President” campaign gave all of my information over to the Democratic National Committee (DNC). This makes sense. To the DNC I’m a good prospect for supporting other Democratic candidates (which they have generalized to Congress, the Senate, local elections and dog catcher). It wasn’t long before the calls (marked as “No Caller ID”) started coming. There were at times up to 10 auto-dials per week at all times of day with the hopes of reaching me and asking me for a contribution to “the critical Senate race in… (Insert distant district name here).

 Turns out that two years ago I was diagnosed with and treated for Stage 2C prostate cancer (another story for another time). In order to protect my privacy, the hospital and cancer center all used a “No Caller ID” handle so as not to reveal to family members of other that I was being treated for cancer. In order to get test results, confirm medical appointments, and even update my medical records I receive a steady stream of these calls, which I DO wish to answer. So, I answer them. And more often than not, its not Dana Farber – it’s the DNC.

 In the past year and a half I’ve asked to be removed from “the list” (all lists, any list!) no fewer than a dozen times. I have also sent e-mails to this effect, with the most recent one dated August 2015. And yet, as recently as December 26, I got another call. It went something like this:

Caller: Good afternoon, Sir, this is ____ calling behalf of the Democratic…

Me: Let me stop you right there. I am not interested and I would like to be taken off this call list, as I have request before.

Caller: We are working now on an important campaign to…

Me: Please remove me from the list.

Caller: Before I remove from this list and cannot reach you again – ever - may I ask why you’d like to be removed from our call list?

Me: Well, I can think of several reasons. 1. This is at least my 12th request to be removed; 2. your number appears as the same in as my cancer treatment center, so I answer your calls; 3. I am not interested in supporting the DNC; 4. I make all of my donations online, not by phone; and 5. Because I asked nicely.

Caller: Sir, I would like to ask if you would support…

Me: Wow! You haven’t listened to a word I said. I’m going to stop being nice. TAKE ME OFF OF YOUR F**K**N LIST RIGHT NOW AND FOREVER! (Click).

This is a very unfortunate example of poor solicitation techniques that are not only serving to undermine my support of the organization I made my original contribution (Obama campaign) but support of any Democratic candidates. And lest any of us get haughty about this particularly “bad fundraiser,” let’s keep in mind that this is widespread practice propagated and reinforced by the “don’t’-take-no-for-an-answer” sales techniques used nationwide. Fundraisers use them, hire people who use them, and rely on them to reach donors. In addition, many nonprofits are guilty of this practice in more subtle – albeit no less damaging - ways.

• They sell or exchange their lists with peer organizations
• They over-solicit online, making repeated requests for the same support.
• They send eight solicitations a year when three will do.
• They don’t maintain accurate records
• They do a poor job of stewarding existing gifts, pledges and organizational interest.
• They only communicate to ask for money. (Imagine your friend who only calls when he needs help moving).
• They forget to thank people or send them receipts for their contributions, or don’t do so in a timely fashion. (One nonprofit gift I made took six months to acknowledge).
• They don’t own their mistakes, which would go a long way in repairing any missteps.

The American Association of Fundraising Professionals Donor Bill of Rights reminds us that “all relationships with individuals representing organizations of interest to the donor [must] be professional in nature” and that “[donors] reserve the right to have their names deleted from mailing lists that an organization may intend to share.” I would argue that the Democratic National Committee has violated AFP Code of Ethical Principles and Standards. It appears from my research that they may also have violated the Communications Act of 1934 (updated October 13. 2013).

But more than any technical violations, they have undermined my trust in their organization and their cause. Not only will I not be making a contribution to support the DNC efforts in 2016, but I also will not be making a donation in 2020, 2024, 2028, 2032 and so on until (God willing) 2072 when I’m wheeling myself to my last voting booth. I’m done with the Democrats and will be redirecting all of my support to organizations whose values I share, whose agenda I support and whose practices I admire.

All of us need to keep in mind that there is a fine line between soliciting support for our cause and becoming a royal pain in the ass. We must honor the person whose support we wish to gain and to keep in mind that all donor and organization relationships are long term. And whether you adhere to the mantra that “people give to people” or subscribe more to “people give to causes,” when it comes to donor connections they are one in the same. As fundraisers, we represent our organization in our manner and practice and poor behavior undermines all of our efforts.

P.S. While I was sending this article to a colleague to proofread last night, I got a call from "No Caller ID." Guess I'm still on that list.