It is fascinating how just a sentence or two in an article can spark a flood of reader comments. This occurred after my article highlighted some management approaches that should be avoided when encouraging charity within organizations.
One reader expressed, “Your story examined specific management practices to avoid in encouraging employee charity and touched on an important issue faced by those of us involved with charities at universities across the country.”
He noted, “For years, donors—the individuals who enable a college education for countless young people—are often overlooked and fail to receive a simple ‘thank you.’
Understanding the Lack of Appreciation
In a recent discussion, an academic professional shared insights about a group of university students who participated in a faculty-led trip to Paris, fully funded by a local financial services company. Despite their enriching experience, not one student reached out to express gratitude.
Reasons for the Absence of Gratitude
Interviews with various individuals revealed two potential explanations for this lack of appreciation:
- A growing sense of entitlement among students.
- An overly cautious approach to eliminating bias in scholarship selection processes.
One advancement officer from an East Coast college remarked, “Years ago, donors usually met with scholarship candidates, discussing not just finances but the essence of generosity. Now, students often lack direct interaction with donors and rarely write thank-you letters, depriving contributors of the joy of seeing their generosity’s impact.”
Strategies to Foster Gratitude Among Students
The conversations revealed several actionable strategies to nurture a culture of appreciation between donors and students:
1. Host Meet-and-Greet Events
Organizing events that bring together students and donors can significantly foster mutual understanding. Such gatherings allow donors to share their stories and the impacts of their contributions directly with beneficiaries.
2. Ensure Faculty Representation
It is crucial to have a faculty member present at meetings between donors and recipients. Additionally, recording these sessions (with prior approval) can help address any concerns regarding fairness or bias.
3. Implement Thank-You Letter Policies
Instituting a policy that requires recipients to send thank-you letters before scholarship funds are dispensed may encourage students to express their gratitude proactively.
4. Provide Letter-Writing Workshops
Conducting workshops on effective letter writing can equip students with the skills they need to convey sincere appreciation, fostering a culture of gratitude.
5. Teach Generational Etiquette
Offering seminars on social skills and appreciation can help students from diverse backgrounds understand the importance of gratitude, thus preparing them for successful futures.
Implementing these recommendations could greatly enhance how students appreciate the contributions that help shape their educational paths.
Dennis Beaver practices law in Bakersfield, California, and welcomes comments and questions from readers, which may be faxed or emailed. For more insights, visit dennisbeaver.com.
This article reflects the views of its author and does not necessarily represent the editorial stance of iBestTravel.
