Dear ISF Colleagues,
This is a question that I brought up in a discussion on the Progressive
Exchange email list. I'd also be interested in your thoughts as well...

... I want to raise a point about gift-giving occasions. In some cultures
and sub-cultures, it simply is not accepted practice to point out that your
birthday (or wedding or graduation or whatever) is approaching and to ask
for a present, let alone a specific present in the form of a donation. The
most one can do hope you are asked for your preference, and then point the
aspiring gift-giver to a specific donation item or gift donation registry.
(I happen to love ChangingThePresent.Org)

How do we demonstrate sensitivity to diversity in personal and cultural
norms in gift-giving? How do we avoid a response along the lines of "Excuse
me? We've never even met in person, but you're sending online demands for a
birthday gift, which not even my own child would presume to send me!"

Arrrrrgh. What are you thoughts?

Best regards from Deborah

Deborah Elizabeth Finn
Technology for the Nonprofit
and Philanthropic Sector
Boston, Massachusetts, USA

deborah_elizabeth_finn@...
www.deborahelizabethfinn.com
Skype: Deborah909
Twitter: Deborah909
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah909

I bring resources and needs together for nonprofits and
philanthropies, mostly through strategic use of information
and communication technologies.


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