Today, my unit had a group called the Combined Federal Campaign come in and do some soliciting. What it is....vendors/solicitors aren't allowed to come on base and solicit the military/civilians for money. So, 3 times a year, they are invited to come in and solicit everyone all at once. Everyone is required to attend and expected to donate. Anyway, this CFC represents hundreds of charitable organizations (Red Cross, Save the Manatee, Ronald McDonald, etc.) and basically you decide how much you want to donate and who you want it to go to, fill out a sheet of paper, and they automatically payroll deduct your donation (usually over 12 months), this way you never really miss the money. Sounds like a really good idea, and what's $5-10 a month to me (besides $60-120 to them). Like I said, everyone is expected (insert "required") to donate. Well, after pilfering through well over 100, probably closer to 300 charities, I discover there was no listing for Blue Ribbon Coalition or any other group that lobbies for OHV use! Let me reiterate that these were not only charities but also groups that represent special interests (US Football, soccer, badmitten, etc.). I was very disappointed. I know I can visit their website etc., but that sure would be convenient if they somehow were able to get involved with this CFC group. Nearly everyone will toss a few coins into the salvation army bucket at Christmas or give a dollar or two when someone is standing on the side of the road soliciting for a local charity. It's a matter of convenience. That's what this CFC offered was convenience. I feel that I made a really good selection as to who my money will go to, but I think I would have increased my donation a little if a group representing us OHV users was listed. I know other riders that don't donate to these funds that would if it were a little more convenient (and they saw me do it). It's funny how peer pressure works. Just my opinion though.

We get the same thing round here, once a year we have to decide who we can send our hard earned money to. I agree, there were no OHV organizations available but plenty of libertarian ones. I can see how this could turn ugly so I won't go there but let me tell you, there were some pretty weird organizations like gay parents of America.

I chose the Widows and Orphans fund for families that lose their Moms/Dads who die in the line of duty. That was the winner, hands down.:thumb:

You don't have to donate, right? Then take what you would and give it to the causes you believe in.

Actually, we do have to donate. It's implied. If you don't, you get to meet the CO in a one on one conference and are priveledged with extra duties (until further notice--which means a donation). The whole reason I brought it up was....that it was a matter of convenience. If one of "our" groups were a little more proactive and became involved with a group similar to the CFC, they may recieve more donations. They sure would have today. I gave money to one of the causes I believe in, but wish there was one more group I could have given to.

The Ronald McDonald House is anti-motorcyclist.
My motorcycle club was involved in a charity poker run that raised over six thousand dollars to give to them and when they figured out that it came from motorcyclists, the rufused the money. Didn't want to risk being associated with dirt bikers. The Mary Bridge Childrens Hospital very gratefully took the money instead.

Additionally, forcing members of the armed services (or anyone for that matter) into involentary donations is wrong. It would be nice if someone in that position was could run this by their congressman without fear of retaliation.

jboomer, you need to do something about your situation. Either try to help the BRC get onboard w/ the CFC or tell your CO that you wish to support your own charity. It's your money and your choice. It is illegal for you to be coerced into contributing unwillingly. That's the law, in black & white. You can remind him of this fact (and how important it is to fight the land grabbers). If all else fails and you are being persecuted call the IG. Try to talk to you boss first though - you can usually work something out. Nobody wants an IG complaint, but I would strongly advise against using it as a threat/weapon.

Good luck!

Big charitable organizations I don't donate to! I'd rather fine a small club/ or a worthy cause that could use a little bit of help! but I have gave to the BWC!

The combined federal campaign is to nationalized and I do not think BRC is a charitable organization. They are only profit free. I quit the CFC 10 years ago when I found that not one cent that I donated went to the local community. Open a X-mas account and have your payroll deduction go into it. Then at Christmas say Merry Christmas to the charity of your choice.

Correct. Non-profit does not mean charity. It just means that the end goal of the organization is to have revenues and expenses approximate each other, thereby resulting in no profit. (That's the ideal non-profit situation. I'm not sure how often that happens.

Charities are completely different. I believe all the entities listed under the CFC have to be tax-deductible charities (which implies that they must qualify under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) as a charitable organization.)

The Ronald McDonald House here in Albany NY has greatfuly excepted donations from HOG . Granted it is not a dirt biker group but there are still plenty of negative sterio typs about HD riders , and that didn't seem to bother them .
The RMHs provide a great service and need the help . I am surprised the one in your area refused your donation .