“Hi, do you have a few minutes for ____ ?” There are many outstanding organizations that solicit on the Georgia State campus. However, the people who represent these organizations, usually wearing red, green or blue vests, can sometimes come off too strong. Several weeks ago, while walking to the 34 Peachtree building, I was stopped by one such vested individual.
I was in a hurry, late for a meeting with my professor as well as on the phone with my boss. I didn’t have time to stop. Instead, I quickly waved and smiled in his direction, and kept walking. Much to my surprise, he proceeded to yell at me, calling me a “stupid (explicative deleted) with no self -esteem”. This is probably not the best way to raise money for homeless children, gay rights, world hunger, etc.
While walking to/from class, students are oftentimes intercepted by these people. Though working for a worthy cause, it’s quite rude and inconsiderate to stop right in front of someone walking. It’s also a little stalker-ish. Solicitors sometimes use phrases such as the one above to get people to stop and listen to them. However, it makes the person walking sound like a jerk if he/she cannot stop.
So, perhaps these good samaritan solicitors need a better approach. They should be understanding of the fact that people walking past them are often pressed for time. Maybe if they put up booths as opposed to stopping right in front of someone walking, they would get a better reaction from the public.
Furthermore, students don’t have a lot of money. Loans and scholarships are consistently being decreased or cut, while tuition continues to rise. Most of these organizations are soliciting in order to raise money. Perhaps if the solicitors were more geared towards students, the organizations would receive a better reaction from them. Students could get involved in other ways, by giving their time and effort.
