Salvation Army

[MedusasOwl]

I'm SO not looking to stir up anything or start a debate here, but I know I'm not the only one on these boards who'd want to know this. I'm all for giving to charity, but it's important to know about the charities you're giving to and what they're doing with the money and what it is exactly you're supporting.

The Salvation Army wastes a lot of money on religious discrimination, which I for one would prefer not to contribute too. For example:

95 percent of the Salvation Army’s budget for children services came from the federal government, and was used, among other things, to conduct an anti-gay witch hunt in which employees were told to look for signs of homosexual activity in their colleagues, and to expose those colleagues so that they could be fired.

And that's just the tip of the iceburg. I'm all for giving generously to those in need, but it's good to do some homework first and make sure that's where your charity funds are actually going. To those in need. Don't be taken advantage of this holiday season. Donate direct to whatever charities of your choice that you trust. If that includes the Salvation Army, go for it, that's of course your choice too. I just think it's important to be informed.

http://irregulartimes.com/index.php/...v-army-review/
http://www.thejewishweek.com/news/ne...p3?artid=11687

[cassandra]

Right on, sister...thanks for sharing the info. =)

Got any dirt on Goodwill? =P

[MedusasOwl]

Knowing is half the battle!

I hope not on Goodwill, But if I hear anything you'll be the first to know!

[Rapture]

I have dropped off things in donation bins, but I'm really not sure what charity they end up at...

[Freakie_frog]

I must tred very lightly here and choose my words carefuly. If anyone sees anything that might be misconstrued please let me know. And I will reword.

Unfortunately these days everything is political. If you support one group lets just say for example the Gay rights movement. Then the people that apose that will look down on you and you'll have a whole crap storm for that side. If you try to please the aposing group by not advertising or keeping it under your hat or just flat no supporting Gay rights then you catch flax for the Gay rights people.

Do I think it is right for a company or charity (Aside from a church) to single out and deny or support a group of people based on thier lifestyle. NO. However you said

The Salvation Army wastes a lot of money on religious discrimination, which I for one would prefer not to contribute too. For example:

95 percent of the Salvation Army’s budget for children services came from the federal government, and was used, among other things, to conduct an anti-gay witch hunt in which employees were told to look for signs of homosexual activity in their colleagues, and to expose those colleagues so that they could be fired.

This is off topic. In my mind homosexuality is not a religion and their for can not be classified as religious discrimination. Its a lifestyle or what ever is "PC" to call it. Please forgive my ignorance in this matter

Asking them to sign a paper swearing to their Christian based beliefs is in mind also wrong. I think that just like every thing in this nation the Salvation Army has found itself caught up in the world of politics. They are in choppie water. It may take years for this to work itself out. We may see the Salvation Army to go the way of the Doe-Doe. The good thing about this country is that you have the right to give to whatever group you wish. Yes the government gives them the majority of their money, I will find the artical where a spokesman for the Salvation Army stated back in the late 60's early 70's said that they were "having to find other means of funding because the donations have dropped off by more than half, so much so that they can no longer fill the needs of the people we reach with dontaions alone." You take the governments money you Play by their rules

The other side of the coin is that you would expect that if you work for a company more importantly a charity you would support their beliefs. It would be like being an Amish bus driver or a P.E.T.A CEO that owned raceing Gray hounds. See what I mean.

Please no one take offence at what I have said this is not in support of their position. I just wanted to show everyone that when you take the goventments money, you play by the governments rules.

And we are only getting half the story

Consider the Salvation Army’s decision to put its religion ahead of the needs of homeless people in Wisconsin. When the Janesville City Council asked the Salvation Army to stop trying to convert people to evangelical Christianity with government money provided through the city government, the Salvation Army said no. The Salvation Army decided that it was more important to keep trying to convert people to Christianity than to help people in need, so it decided to stop work on a homeless shelter until the local government relented and allowed proselytization with government funds. A spokesman said that stopping its religious activities as part of government-funded programs that it administrates would stop the Salvation Army from fulfilling its mission “to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ”. The Salvation Army would let the homeless freeze outside in the Wisconsin winter weather rather than just stop telling people to worship Jesus.

See take the governments money play by the governments rules. They gave the money knowing full well what the S.A was about and only after then did they make this request. Then put it one the S.A. Which is worse that the Homeless freeze or get witnessed to while enjoying a hot meal? Seems in this instance anyway the City councle put its political agenda ahead of the needs of homeless people in Wisconsin. Who cares that they wanted to share with homeless They also want to see that they got a hot meal and medical care? The government and because the government didn't want them to share. The homeless go hungry.

Please do not take Anything I said wrong or offence to it. Bottom line you Take the Governments money you Play the game by their rules.

[Blu Mongoose]

I do know from a family member if you do not go to the complete church service before dinner you are locked out of the building and refused food for you and your family. This is a fact.

[Vomitore]

I'm SO not looking to stir up anything or start a debate here, but I know I'm not the only one on these boards who'd want to know this. I'm all for giving to charity, but it's important to know about the charities you're giving to and what they're doing with the money and what it is exactly you're supporting.

The Salvation Army wastes a lot of money on religious discrimination, which I for one would prefer not to contribute too. For example:

95 percent of the Salvation Army’s budget for children services came from the federal government, and was used, among other things, to conduct an anti-gay witch hunt in which employees were told to look for signs of homosexual activity in their colleagues, and to expose those colleagues so that they could be fired.

And that's just the tip of the iceburg. I'm all for giving generously to those in need, but it's good to do some homework first and make sure that's where your charity funds are actually going. To those in need. Don't be taken advantage of this holiday season. Donate direct to whatever charities of your choice that you trust. If that includes the Salvation Army, go for it, that's of course your choice too. I just think it's important to be informed.

http://irregulartimes.com/index.php/...v-army-review/
http://www.thejewishweek.com/news/ne...p3?artid=11687

If you're gay, youre gay. If you're a lesbian, you're a lesbian. I think it's a joke to try to expose people for their preference. No I'm not bashing the gay community in ANY way with my next comment but I know if you are heterosexual it's hard to understand the same sex preference. Yet, it's actually very easy to understand. I love redheads and women with curves. Some guys love blondes who are 6'0 tall and have athletic bodies. So why these people need to exploit what someone likes is beyond me and truly a waiste of time. Hopefully one of these decades people can move on with whom you dig and not dig.

[Ginevive]

I knew that they were religious, but I was not aware of the extent. I really never like to donate cash to any charity; I prefer donating food, hats/scarves, etc. As for donating to some charity so that they can convert the masses and purvey their judgemental views, I will never do that.

[Sinsation]

Im just gonna say what I feel. Hopefully no one takes this as the wrong way.
As a kid at one point in my life I was homeless. If not for the salavation army my 2 brothers and I would of not had a christmas one year, they supplied us all with Winter coats hats boots scarves gloves and much needed new clothes, and even some toys. Recently my youngest (who is 8) was walking into wal-mart with us. She had with her a lil purse with 1 dollar from the tooth fairy and some change she had collected by doing small favors for my bro-in-law (he's lazy will pay the kids for a pop lol) She had every intention of picking up some new small toy or something when she seen the salvation army man with his bell in and bucket she shouts wait! And every cent she carried in that tiny lil purse went in the bucket with a big toothless smile and said have a good day. My husband and I were all but in tears but didn't want to make a big deal out of it. Charity comes from the heart and we don't feel it is something to boast about doing.

My whole point is: I personally feel that no matter what the cause believes, it is still a cause. The couple bucks you throw in that bucket will help someone in need.

I am by far not chatising you in your belief that they are unfair in their beliefs. I say we should each stick to what our gut tells us is right. I personally don't agree with what alot of people believe but I know that is what makes each of us human and an individual and I am comfortable accepting that.

[Deliciously Evil]

Medusa's Owl; you make a very good and timely point. I think it's really important to do some research when you are going to donate money to charity. Don't assume that the goals or agenda of a charitable organization are in line with your own, or that they are even what you assume they are. Most charitable organizations have a mission statement and if asked will (and may be required by law) to disclose how donated funds are being allocated. In particular, it's good to take a look at the amount spent on administrative fees - it can be substantial. This is a time of year when people feel moved to share what they have with those less fortunate and I support that wholeheartedly. I do however think that we should not bypass our brain when giving from the heart. We work hard for our money, let's make sure it's working hard for those we intend it to help.