In May I wrote an article about how charitable organizations are compensated when they send speakers into the community. I asked for your feedback and promised to follow up. Here is the information we gathered:

1. Most speakers do not ask for a minimum donation or honourarium when they are invited to speak.
2. If they do ask, they ask for an amount that will cover the cost, and occasionally a bit extra to support the work of their organization.
3. When asked to speak, most say yes.

Here are some of the comments:

“It is amazing how many people still believe they are offering us ‘awareness building’ when they give us these opportunities. I've had to drive for miles across a vast territory, and dress in a costume to await a speaking opportunity at a service club event. We were one of many charities that were considered for a donation. I waited for over three hours, and by the time I spoke, everyone was having a great time and no one listened. The service club did not select my charity for their giving.”

“I also felt pressure (as the senior leader” that my presence was expected and that I should be willing to come anytime, be anywhere, to present as an acknowledgement of my obligation. ‘Big Cheque’ presentations were the worst--small gifts raised by a group of well-meaning people, needing a photo for their corporate newsletter.”

“Thank you for the opportunity to share about this. It is one of the reasons why I am reluctant to consider another role as a charitable CEO.”

Thank you to those who responded.

Unfortunately, there are no easy answers. This is obviously an issue that is widespread in the sector and one that will need to be addressed as individual organizations, and as a sector as a whole. I believe it’s part of the larger conversation around the perceived professionalism of the social serving sector and how we motivate the business and government sector (and community as a whole) to recognize the important—and professional—role we play.

United we stand; divided we don’t get compensation.

Joanne Linka is the Manager of Communication and Fund Development at The Cridge Centre for the Family in Victoria BC. She loves to dig into systemic issues and look for solutions that benefit the wider community. She can rant on any number of issues at the drop of a hat. When not working, Joanne is reading, in the garden or pestering her children. Email Joanne.