February 23, 2004
Purge the PIRGs
When I was an undergraduate, I didn't take much notice of all the various PIRGs (Public Interest Research Groups) on campus. More do-goodism, I figured -- good on ya', guys, but not what I went to college for. And in more recent years, when PIRG fundraisers came ringing our doorbell, I've politely sent them on their way.
Now I'm reading some rather disturbing things about the PIRG MO. Above all, that the door-to-door canvassers -- whom I always thought were idealistic volunteers -- are actually on commission, taking 45% of all donations off the top. And with yet more being raked off as the money makes its way up to headquarters, it seems little of what is given ends up going to anything beyond feeding the PIRG itself. And to think that money was taken directly out of our undergrad student fees to support such organizations. . .
Read more over at Jane Galt's blog; don't neglect the comments, either.
Posted by David on February 23, 2004 9:23 PM
I've got a car to donate. Purple Heart, Volunters of America, etc. The only I have faith in is the Salvation Army
I'm not a member, but I've not seen a reason to not trust them
Posted by: William Todd on February 23, 2004 10:17 PM
Environmental canvassers are fairly frequent in Austin, one some years ago murdered a woman in a neighborhood he was canvassing. Don't know that it is called PIRG, but some well-advertised organization sponsors them, hires numbers at the University every year.
They are annoyingly faux-bonhomie and, like, "let me educate you, even though I'm a callow 21-year-old."
Posted by: bc on February 23, 2004 10:40 PM
Even the Salvos - twenty five years ago, they came under fierce attack in Britain when it was discovered that only eight pee in the pound when to shivering homeless yoof and the rest went on admin (prolly fair enough) and missionary activities. I've often wondered what the proportions are in other countries..
Posted by: david tiley on February 24, 2004 1:04 AM
I have yet to understand why people get upset that a figure like 45% of contributions goes to the canvasser working to educate the community. Yes,the money goes to the organization. It feeds the organization to get the work done. Why is that disturbing? I would suggest that folks actually look into the work of a PIRG and realize the great work that has been accomplished through citizen donations that fund the canvassers educating the public and the staff working on legislation and scientific research.
Many of the canvassing organzations are working to educate citizens on issues that truly impact their lives. For example, water pollution. Many, many people are unaware of the challanges this country faces for safe water.
When an orgainzation is primarily citizen funded, it is obvious that a percentage of the funds go to fund the staff doing the work. An average canvasser makes about $80 a day for 8-10 hours of work per day. Is that disturbing? That is not a lot of money. Most staff salaries are minumum as well. Additonally, many staff work 50, 60 and 70 hours per week - that time is really donated. PIRGs are working for the public interest and since their money comes from the public to fund the work, the organizations' responsibilities are to the public. Please go to the PIRGs website(s) and look at the accomlishments achieved through citizen donations.
Posted by: sbr on April 2, 2005 2:38 PM
gmail.com