Bully Practices of Non-Profits

C.L. Paur

Over the past several years, I, my family and good friends have been taking a little bit of bullying. Large non-profit organizations seep into companies and schools trying to generate funds for their organizations. Sometimes prizes are awarded for the largest sums raised. Everyone is happy because we're doing something good. We care about people.

Unfortunately, some of these large non-profits conduct research that is questionable, or they have policy statements that directly contradict our beliefs. When we tell our co-workers or teachers or bosses that we can't participate, we're shamed in subtle or not so subtle ways.

First of all, no one should ever be pressured to donate their time or money to any cause. Period. I've been in pro-life since 1982. If I ask someone to donate, and they don't, that's the end of it. When large institutions, however, try to raise money, there is pressure for all the members to participate. I simply think that's bad corporate policy. Members should never feel obligated to partake or donate for any outside organization, no matter how noble the cause. And, they shouldn't have to provide any excuse. I feel like we need to explain why we don't want to contribute. But the fact is, it's really none of any one's business.

But for those of you who must know, the reason I don't donate to many of the major American (fill in the disease) organizations is because I'm not really comfortable with their funding of abortion,  research practices, or some of their policy statements. Just today I was on the American Heart Association's web site. I discovered that they support the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act nee Obamacare (see AHA).

"The health reform law is already making care more available and affordable for millions of people with heart disease and stroke who are uninsured or who have inadequate coverage. While the law certainly isn’t perfect, we believe it makes a number of important improvements to the current health care system that we can build on in the years to come. The AHA has long recognized that the current healthcare crisis in the United States threatens our central mission of building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular disease and stroke. The reform law preserves what works in our current health care system; includes an important and long overdue emphasis on preventing illness; and will help to improve the quality of care that everyone receives. The law also includes important new consumer protections to ensure that health plans meet their obligations to pay for needed care. Read more about how the law is already benefitting people with heart disease and stroke."

The AHA promises there will be no health care rationing, as well as all the other promises made by our current administration in the White House. I frankly don't support Obamacare, and I don't want any of my dollars going to an organization that does.

I looked further on the AHA Internet site to find out about their research guidelines. Here are just a few:

Scientific Research RequirementsAny research funded by the AHA that involves human subjects (e.g., information collected on individuals) must be endorsed by the sponsoring institution's committee on clinical investigation or other appropriate body, and conform ethically to the guidelines prescribed by the National Institutes of Health (emphasis added), which include obtaining informed consent from each individual.

Ironically, the National Institutes of Health has its own registry for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Registry. Is this an organization we want to "conform ethically to?"

In June of 2002, the AHA Board of Directors approved this statement:

Human Embryonic or Fetal Stem Cell Research

1. Research applications involving the creation of human embryos or the derivation or use of human stem cells from in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment embryos or fetal sources will not be accepted.

Their position on cloning is not quite as clear:

Cloning Research

1. The American Heart Association funds cloning research including human DNA sequences, cell lines and animals subject to ethical principles and restrictions to prevent abuse.

Acceptable Research

1. Acceptable research involves cloning to generate animal models (such as transgenic animals) which express human disease for research use:
2. to develop specific treatments for persons suffering from diseases, and
3. to produce tissue or organs for transplantation to replace or augment damaged or diseased tissues or organs in humans.
   Areas Ineligible for AHA Funding 

1. Cloning of humans as asexual reproduction or cloning of humans intended as sources of tissue or organs to harvest are not acceptable. However, the Association will fund research using human cell lines and DNA sequences for purposes of producing tissue or organs for transplantation to replace or augment damaged or diseased tissues or organs in humans.

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 Paur has just published her debut novel STORIES. It is available at AuthorHouse, Amazon,and Barnes and Noble. Paur holds a BS in Psychology from U.W. Parkside, and a MA in Communications from Marquette University. Her work has appeared in CSI Media, Our Sunday Visitor, Canticle Magazine, Milwaukee Magazine and other news publications. She also co-hosted On-the-Way, a radio program for a local affiliate of Relevant Radio. Currently she’s writing Waves, the sequel to Stories, as well as other novels, children’s stories, and screenplays.