Thread: Charity performance

I don't mind periodically donating performances or demonstrations to non-profits who's missions align with my beliefs. Well, one has asked me to teach an ongoing belly dance class to kids with no compensation. I am not comfortable with this on a lot of levels. I don't want to take on all the preparation and ties of a class with no return except spiritual. I honestly think it's a lot to ask, yet I don't want to alienate them because I do know they are a new organization with little funding and are only trying to provide a variety of programs for kids. How would you gracefully turn them down? Simply say no thank you or would you let them know that what they are asking is too much for gratis?

How about something like, "Oh, thank you so much for thinking of me! Unfortunately, I just can't help you out with this. Teaching this sort of class would require a huge commitment of time and effort, and I'm afraid that's just not something I could donate at this time."

Very nice! It says it well.

put numbers to it.

If you would generally earn $100 per month from a weekly class, explain to them that they are asking you to donate $100 worth of services monthly and you just can't do that much.

You could offer to do a one-time mini workshop. If you'd generally charge $100 (or whatever), make sure you tell them.

We always give a receipt showing the fee and that it was waived for charity performances.

Sedonia

I was also thinking that a nice, short workshop would be nice. That way, the kids get a nice fun bellydance class and you don't have to commit to weekly classes.

I have gotten a few requests like tehse, and I agree that it might be nice to offer a one time workshop, but explain that the ongoing classes are too much of a "donation". I think Shira worded it perfectly!

I don't mind giving them a one time demonstration. I would be inclined to do more folk dances for them just because that is my comfort level as far as a kids and teen audience is concerned.

I like the receipt idea, alot.

This would be an undertaking with adults, but I think it's even more work with kids. My first thought was to decline the ongoing classes but offer a workshop/extended class. Could you maybe expand it to involve other aspects of the Middle East, such as food, weather, etc? I wouldn't think you would need a dissertation to entertain kids.