Apparently the City Council does not agree with paying employees of our city while participating in the United Way Day of Caring. Could this be true?

My employer is a major supporter of the United Way of Washington County and we are encouraged to contribute through payroll deductions as well as participate in the Day of Caring.

I am a proud sponsor of the United Way, through payroll deductions and volunteer time. I am proud of my employer for seeing the value that the United Way offers to members of our community and for providing me and my co-workers with opportunities to serve our community during normal working hours for one day every year!

Shame on the City Council!

good for you , but everyone should not have to give to anyone if they dont want to, and giving employees time off for giving is making everyone in the city to give, the tax payers do pay the workers you know, if your private employer want to give time off good for them.

I watched with horror last night as they discussed it at the council meeting. My friends and I could not believe what we were hearing. Has the City forgotten how much time volunteers put in for events and the like for our fair city?
Comparing apples to oranges? C'mon Kelly. Alesia believes that private industry sets aside monies for just such things, but I am sure it does not include Day of Caring. Sure, they set aside monies for charitable giving, but not for sweat equity giving.
At least Kristin was smart enough to see the value in giving back to the community. Lew also, that is if you believe what the Mayor was saying. What about the mentoring at the schools? They complained about employees getting an hour off so they can go to schools and mentor our children. They would use their lunch times and breaks to make sure that they were not WASTING tax payer dollars for doing such a rediculous service.
God help our city, because apparently we won't get any help from this bunch.

I would agree that the United Way is a Great asset to this community as well as many others. However, I do not feel that city employees should be rewarded with days off for giving. I also give to the United Way through my work but for the reason to give not for the reason to be rewarded. I also do not believe that the United Way is better than other non-profits. Trust me I realize that they give money to many different organizations throughout the county but what if someone wants to give to just one of those organizations, like Food Resources or Girls Inc. ect.....

I feel that if the City is going to give days off as a reward for giving to the United Way shouldn't they reward all people that give to ALL non-profits? What if someone want to give to the Red Cross or the other examples I gave, how do they get componsated? They don't!!!!!

The County employees have been enjoying this benefit for years. If they contribute a certain amount of money they are entitled to take 10 hours of leave. And on top of this the Sheriff DOUBLES the amount of time for Sheriff's Dept employees. And all this is "off the books", each individual department tracks the time taken by employees, internally.... no paper trail.

What's this, the great caring city employees have to be bribed, to give to the UW.

The time off for a donation and the day off for the day of caring would be fine if this were a private company we were talking about but unfortunately we are talking about the city government that is spending tax payer money, and that is where the problem is.

If I want to donate to the UW I will, what I don't need is the city doing it for me.

i just cant believe the county does this , makes all tax payers give to one charity like that ,, i want a investagation into this , so the employes dont give at all the tax payers give? they just wright there names down as giving.

No. The employees contribute a substantial amount of money. I think in the County you have to contribute like $150 for the year. If you contribute that amount (not sure of the amount but it's AROUND $150) then you get 10 hours leave that you can take in hour increments as long as manpower staffing doesn't suffer. Sheriff's employees get something like 20 hours for that contribution.

The employees contribute the money from their salary... but the freebie is the hours of leave.

Yeah, you pay their salaries... but it is THEIR money. Now, the time away from work is another matter.

thats what im saying , the tax payer is paying with the time off they are getting , i wonder if the county commissioners know about this stealing of tax dollars? i give to my choice, now i have to give to those i dont choose to another reason we need a change.

While I'm sure the united way is a great charity who is responsible for making them the "county and city" sponsored charity? what if I'm a county or city worker and i have relatives who suffer from ALS? I give them $500 a year. I am not entitled to the 10 or 20 hours leave? because I didn't give to the right charity? that is complete BS! the city or county has no business rewarding employees based on WHICH charity they give to!
another example of how even the smallest and good intentioned situation turns into a royal cluster F when the local govt. gets involved!

A person can designate where they want their donation to go to. Food resources and red cross are both UW charities.

Still. My point is if you are going to reward people for donating to charity then they should be able to donate to ANY charity and reap the same rewards as those donating to UW? you are saying they can designate where they want their donation to go but it is still going through UW correct? Lets say I want to donate to the Lupus foundation or pediatric AIDS. I bring in my reciept for a $200 donation. DO I GET MY 10 HOURS?

Since when is $150.00 substantial? I donate more than that every month...

And since when did giving money to charity--of which I have a problem with UW to start with(--I once worked at a company that prided itself on over 97% participation..in other words they blackmailed you into it...no promotion potential for those who did not-it was an unspoken rule) equate to paid time off?? I have volunteered my time over the years for many things and never has my employer thrown in my time for free--I had to use my lunch breaks or come in early to make up the time!!!

MY COMMENT--WHAT A CROCK!!!!!

It seems to me that the employees are not taking a "day off", they are working side by side with disadvantaged people or people with disabilities. It is not like they are being given a day off to catch up on yardwork, or run over to OC for the day.

If you have not participated in the Day of Caring, you really should consider doing so. It can have a tremendous impact on the lives and hearts of the people enrolled in the UW programs. Sometimes it takes more than just money to make a difference.

My point of contention is not what they do with their day off. And your saying that the 10 hours they are given has to be used volunteering with said charity? I think its great that they volunteer and even better that they donate. I just want to know why any single charity has been designated as better than any other and nobody seems to be able to or want to answer my question. For arguments sake lets say I donate my $150
to ALS (hypothetically) and I dont want to work with UW. I want to go work with ALS patients.

Do I still qualify for the 10 hours time? Its a simple question. I'm not saying any of these charities is better than another. I just want to know why the UW?

Isn't it nice to know they still have alot of 'issues' at UW?


Sounds more like the mob than a charity, don't it? Where are the teamsters?

It would be interesting to ask an employer if they would approve a substitute organization.

Where did the 10 hours come from? When I did the Day of Caring last year, we finished after about 5 hours and I went back to work.

good for you webbie...but did the rest return to work? Or did they go shopping?

Once again this is a wonderful idea started with nothing but good intentions I'm sure but as soon as the city or county start making policies that are not necessary the fiasco starts. If these people like webbie for instance were kind enough to donate time and money already do you really think they needed to be bribed
into helping out? And if the only way someone would volunteer is if they get 10 hrs. of time in return then
those are the people that shouldn't be helping anyway!

I may be mistaken, but I believe that the hours off were about donating money, not during the day of caring. I beleive it was set up as an incentive to raise funds for the UW, nothing more, nothing less.
The bru-ha-ha (?) started over the fact that people on payroll for the day of caring were spending their day helping in the community, not at their regular city jobs. Much like Webbie, and this is just an assumption, got paid for her regular day of work, but spent the day painting the outside of a building or repairing a porch at an elderly persons house who had been designated by someone that the work needed done and the person or people living there did not have the means to do so. Just my assumption, correct me if I'm wrong Webbie.

Wow Munchy, you seem to be a person in the know. If you don't hold public office, you should consider it.

The people I worked with from various employers all intended to return, but of course, I cannot say with certainty that everyone did. I know the people here at the HM returned.

i still dont like it , if people cant give without expecting it back in one form or another then they shouldnt give in the first place, why does anyone give ? just take it out of everyones taxes and hand it over , same thing .

Day of Caring or other designated corporate volunteer days have been around for years. Early on it involved big corporations or companies that could afford to eat the cost of employees being away for a day. It gave their company good PR and also built a positive spirit within the corporate culture. It feels good to help and share a moving experience together.

The employees doing the rehab assignments are called volunteers and provide wonderful suppoert to homeless shelters, schools, or neighbors in need. Usually, if it involves a company, the employees who sign up for the day still get their regular wages. They are doing good deeds but not going without pay. Unless it is a weekend gig and the "volunteer" is a 9 to 5er.

Day od Caring or other type service days forfill a humanitarian need. It also gives the nonprofits publicity which prompts others to donate, so it is a good thing. Just not actual "volunteer work".

Five years ago when working for a nonprofit, I had to take a day without pay to help on a day of caring. Had I worked for Verizon or IBM, like the others on my crew, I would of not of turned over a days' pay. I was happy to do it, it was a personal decision. Just wanted to clarify that not all those "volunteering" during such service days are giving up a days pay. They are doing good works but some are not actually "volunteers".

I still work in nonprofits and our sites depend on these so-called volunteer rehab opportunities. We appreciate the company's time, and their workers sincere desire to help. But we also know that most of the corporate sponsored "volunteers" on the work crews are getting paid.

2 sides to every issue/not as clear cut as it is advertised. It is different asking city employees to share in the experience than someone from a large banking corporation or tech company. The companies will eat the cost or reassign it to another line item. I see both sides. Some tax payers who see the new increased city wages may wonder, what is next or how you can say it is no big deal for the city to pay 40 employees who will not be in their work areas. Sadly, a good idea has wandered into a grey area. I make donations and volunteer. If it involves work hours I am required to take leave without pay.

Community--

Very interesting. Let me tell you about these 'large corporations'. They "give you" the day with pay, as long as you make up the day...unless you are in upper management. I have seen companies that wanted great PR and so, they said to the outside world, "We support our commitment to United Way, Habitat for Humanity, The World Food Bank, etc..." and then turn around and make the employees do these 'volunteer jobs' and then on top of that their regular job...after all, you are usually "salaried"..meaning you can work 60-80+hrs/wk. in any part of the wk you choose...so yes, you can take off Tuesday and work for UW, but by Saturday your work had better be done..

Just my two cents...from experience...and large employers...

Well, if I worked for the city and I had personal days as a benefit, I would give up a personal day or a vacation day for Day of Caring, if the city would not offer the opportunity as a paid day. As if they don't spend money on other things that are actually worthless. Perhaps we should be thankful that they did not request a study to determine the actual costs of allowing employees to participate

Dont count your chix yet. I'm sure after Mayor Bob among others reads this there will be a full-out study to see how this affects the community. They could save the $100K and I'll tell them. Its a great idea but shouldn't be limited to one charity. If people want to help and volunteer I think its great if you want to pay them but let them choose the charity of their choice. Don't MAKE them work for a charity they might not fully support otherwise.

Bob- I'll expect my check within 30 days. As an extra I could come give a powerpoint presentation if you thnik visuals are necessary

Irony at work folks. Take notice.

My family and I support service days and days of caring. If you have a company that will pay you for "volunteering" than that is great. More power to you, the nonprofits and people and need welcome any help.

When I volunteer my employer requires me to take a personal day. I usually volunteer on weekends when it is my own time. I also know when I was salaried with a big company I did have the option of "volunteering" and still getting paid. Of course I had to get all my normal work done. I could not tell contractors for DOD that I would be a day late because I was rehabing a house. I also was not under any misconception that I was a true volunteer. My full paycheck pointed that out. It was still a good feeling.

While my current employer will not pay me to be out of the office, as it is not financially possible, I acknowledge that there are many benefits that come from such days of service. If your blessed with the abilty to give of your time while the company pays, go for it. The concept of paid volunteers is alien to my line of work. Most important, those in need will welcome any good deeds.

I volunteer on my own time, and always have. That is what the weekends are for. Do not confuse emotion and good feelings with money. Time is money--that is business..

Comma--good observation--I thought I was the only one who saw the two sided answer...

Bottom Line: IF you 'volunteer' by the very meaning of the word, you are not paid. Paid Volunteerism is an oxymoron.

Should Mayor Bob allow paid Volunteerism? In a word: "NO".

Ok... catching up here... since I'm not here during the day anymore. The county employees get the 10 hrs (or 20 hrs in the case of the sheriff's dept) to use any way they see fit. I personally doubt that many of those hours are used for worthwhile charitable projects; other than self-charity of course.

As far as the United Way, yeah you can designate which agency gets your funds... but I doubt this will happen. If you donate 100 dollars to Red Cross, if Red Cross already has their quota of funds from UW then your funds will go to Prisoner Rehabilitation Incorporated, or some other less than popular Agency that has not received it's quota of funds from the UW.

I donate directly to my favorite charities. To heck with funneling it thru some other agency who's gonna lop off admin fees before they pass the funds along; or even direct those funds to some agency I don't support for whatever reason.

And whomever said if they donate directly to their favorite charity, why shouldn't they get time off too? I agree wholeheartedly.

Oh, by the way.. there are other incentives to donate in the county also. Gift certificates to local businesses, cash raffles... etc. Which I'm sure are ALL donated (rolling eyes).

Webbie- I currently work for a non profit organization, I have also Directed a few nonprofit organizations in the area. Under no circumstances were we ever nor did I ever have people get time off for donation of money to any non profit organization. I can't agree more with Yoss and txexpatriot 5, 10, 20 hours for giving any amount is rediculous. I would agree though that this is a very common practice within many nonprofits, state, county, and private organizations. State employees are gives some sort of incentive (time off) for donating money to certain "Maryland Charities Campaign."

I for one use my three personal days and at least 3 of my sick days per year to give back to the community. I also use sick time or vacation time to give blood, mentor students, and attend community activities. I do not nor would I be allowed to do these things on work time. Of course this is all above and beyond the amount of time that I donate in the evenings and weekends.

My issue is not with giving or caring or any of this other stuff, my issue is WHY is the United Way the only organization that is important enough to get these kind of incentives. What would occur if an nonprofit agency that was not affiliated with United Way came in front of the council and asked for 40 volunteers for a day of caring. That is right NOTHING!!!!!

Come on people if you are going to give your time, energy, or money do so!!!! You feel wonderful doing so, but do not judge people for not giving to the same charities as you and for Gods sake don't twist their arm by saying, "if you give $150 we will give you 10 hours of leave." WHAT A JOKE!!!

yup, looks like the city-county give mine to charitys , so now i dont have to give anymore , i cant give to everyone , id love to but i cant .

Dang Samyo, I just LMAO at all your remarks. Keep up the good work.

with all the crap you've got to deal with we have to keep you're sense of humor up. I don't want to tune in one tuesday night and find you sobbing at the meeting

now that we have your attention. whats your take on this? Why only UW? what about employees that donate time to other charities? Doesn't seem fair to single out one charity above the rest

Or he could go the other way--heck, Bob just give everyone the month of UW solicitations - off with pay, and shut down the city...why not??

That is the logic of any number of hours to its logical conclusion.

Hago-thx for the support..

Agreed. UW may be great, but many other chairities are, too.

And at my employer I am seeign some coersion from the Top Dog to his underlings as to what he "expects" of them with regard to the UW. Makes me wanna do zero and give directly to someone else.

As Sam said, givernment always seems to find a way to screw things up; make the simple complex.

Totally agree with hagopinion's statement. My parents worked for years with nonprofits and if possible tried to volunteer. They never had an employer who would pay them if they took time off to volunteer. It would be nice. Just never happened. Guess it set a good example for me. When I volunteer, I do not get paid.

[quote name='Petrouchka' date='Oct 4 2006, 04:16 PM' post='67437']
Apparently the City Council does not agree with paying employees of our city while participating in the United Way Day of Caring. Could this be true?

Well, well, well. I for one was quite glad of the council's decision! As councilman Metzner pointed out, such action equates to the city actually making the contribution! Charity is about giving of one's self, sacrifice for the good of others, etc... When an employee is compensated for his "contribution" it's a perversion of the entire concept! The county has used tax monies to compensate employees for United Way contribution for years. Here's hoping they see the wisdom of the City's decision!

Well said Aldo.

Now could someone explain that to Tim Roland.

[quote name='Aldo' post='67650' date='Oct 9 2006, 06:55 PM'][quote name='Petrouchka' post='67437' date='Oct 4 2006, 04:16 PM']
Apparently the City Council does not agree with paying employees of our city while participating in the United Way Day of Caring. Could this be true?

Well, well, well. I for one was quite glad of the council's decision! As councilman Metzner pointed out, such action equates to the city actually making the contribution! Charity is about giving of one's self, sacrifice for the good of others, etc... When an employee is compensated for his "contribution" it's a perversion of the entire concept! The county has used tax monies to compensate employees for United Way contribution for years. Here's hoping they see the wisdom of the City's decision![/quote]


This is one of the few times I would agree with Lew. Charity is not charity if your paid to do it. I honestly think the city wants get the recognition so badly for meeting their goal they don't care what it will really cost. Bribery to give to charity really brilliant.

Tony

Well, Tim Rowland doesn't feel the same way, Tony & Lew...he thinks that "charity" is what we pay our taxes for...interesting article today in the paper..

As a taxpayer and regular working person, I agree with Lew, it ain't charity if you are paid..

no one should be bribed iinto giving , if they want to give fine if they dont fine , theres better places for my tax money.

I agree with Tim.

The only reason you're agreeing with Tim is to stir the pot here.

Actually the only thing I disagree on with Rowland is the UW. I don't mind if they award someone time off for donations or hours volunteered. I just think that you cant limit it to 1 charity that someone picks without anybody elses input. I admire anyone who volunteers. I just dont think you should steer them into any one charity. have the benefit for all or none

Aww, c'mon, I wouldn't do that, would I?

Many people made good comments right off the bat. Well put by many of you.

Agree that charity is giving. Many made the point early on that actual giving is from the heart and should not show up in your pay check at the end of the week. Sometimes giving means feeling it. Being reimbursed for hours away from normal work duties rings hollow.

Sadly, this concept of some corporate volunteering programs started out great but have lost the focus. So much so, some kids grow up expecting reimbursement for volunteering. Sadly, many adults take exception if they learn they will not see a full pay check if they take 5 or 10 hours off to volunteer during work hours.

Kudos to those who give of their time.

So did they pay the employees for today or not? I watched part of the procedings last night and it was just awful hard to pay attention to all the blather..

You know, this could all be resolved if the UW would organize the Day of Caring on a Saturday, or a holiday. It would cut down on people getting paid by their employers for volunteering during regular working hours...

Plus, then I would have been able to participate this year. Normally I do, but I am very busy and couldn't take time away from my desk this year...