The Problem with Autism Speaks

[pinksequins]

A bit of a hijack to respond to Sen's post. Sen, I agree with your sentiment about donating to local charities. More than the accountability, I feel good when I can visit a place and see the results of my contribution (combined with others' of course) being put to use.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by pinksequins

A bit of a hijack to respond to Sen's post. Sen, I agree with your sentiment about donating to local charities. More than the accountability, I feel good when I can visit a place and see the results of my contribution (combined with others' of course) being put to use.

I think Greek orgs and their membership would be looked upon far more positively (not to mention the members would get a more positive benefit) if each chapter could gonback to choosing a local philanthropy they could do hands on work with. Bag the national philanthropies, which sometimes all the groups can do is contribute monetarily. To get the money, too often the groups either have annoying fundraisers or else an event that appears to onlookers more social than philanthropic.

[DrPhil]

The Delta chapters I am familiar with in different regions support local charities that are in line with our Five Point (Programmatic) Thrust.

[Munchkin03]

Originally Posted by 33girl

I think Greek orgs and their membership would be looked upon far more positively (not to mention the members would get a more positive benefit) if each chapter could gonback to choosing a local philanthropy they could do hands on work with. Bag the national philanthropies, which sometimes all the groups can do is contribute monetarily. To get the money, too often the groups either have annoying fundraisers or else an event that appears to onlookers more social than philanthropic.

Yes. Maybe NPC groups should follow more of the Junior League model of focusing on helping specific causes within their communities, based on a general program. The NPHC alumnae chapters with which I'm familiar have a similar service structure.

Back to the original topic--using the OP's logic, one could say, "without schizophrenia we wouldn't have John Nash." While a limited number of people with a condition may thrive, it doesn't discount the people (and their families) who suffer due to this condition. Wanting to prevent it--or simply learn where it originates--doesn't discount those people.

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by 33girl

I think Greek orgs and their membership would be looked upon far more positively (not to mention the members would get a more positive benefit) if each chapter could gonback to choosing a local philanthropy they could do hands on work with. Bag the national philanthropies, which sometimes all the groups can do is contribute monetarily. To get the money, too often the groups either have annoying fundraisers or else an event that appears to onlookers more social than philanthropic.

Agree with all of this. Many of these charities have obscene overhead and spend very little donated money on the things people are donating money for.