Moral Dilemma

[Sam Kennedy]

Okay here's the story.
I met up with someone who used to go to my school a few years back, and he asked me if I would be interested in doing a cycle for charity. He said he wanted to do about 20 miles, but wasn't sure on a route.
I said I'd do the ride, and I planned the route, which means I'm going to have to lead the group (it's just going to be about 7 people total).

My problem is that the charity it is for. (I'm not going to mention it here, since this post will probably turn up on the first page if someone googles it.)
It's not so much a charity as some political group thing, and I read their website. I didn't understand most of the big words (and to be honest I really couldn't care less about what some politician said somewhere, then ran off with oil or whatever, then starved a child with a factory or something, it's really hard to follow. what he is doing is probably bad, but there isn't really anything I can do about it). However, the stuff I did understand I don't really agree with.

Since I'm doing the ride(and leading it) I have to donate to the 'charity', but I'm not really sure I want to support it

What should I do?

 

[joebingo]

Your own moral fibre is telling you it is wrong. Don't do it.

 

[TVC]

He's not a friend, just someone you went to school with so don't feel obliged to do it, particularly if you do not agree with the organisation it is meant to support.

If you've planned the route, give the guy the map and wish him luck, but be clear that you can not support his cause personally.

 

[ianrauk]

what ^ said. Why beat yourself up about it. Explain to your friend that you would rather not support that charity, you don't have to explain why.

 

[fossyant]

You are donating your time.... or don't do it if you don't agree with the views of the organisation.

 

[twentysix by twentyfive]

Your own moral fibre is telling you it is wrong. Don't do it.

+1

Withdraw gracefully.

 

[addictfreak]

Well its pretty straight forward you have 3 choices as I see it:

Plan and complete the ride along with you donation/sponsorship.

Plan and complete the ride, but tell your friend you dont feel happy donating.

Or simply tell him your not happy doing any of it.

 

[Sam Kennedy]

But the ride is tomorrow(I know, I probably should have read about the charity before I agreed), and I'm leading it, so I can't just not go.

It would be quite hard and awkward to tell him I'm not paying since I don't agree with it, since he is into all that stuff.

I might just do the ride, and find out more about what I'm donating to. And if the worst comes to the worst, I can always fake a phone call.

 

[Sam Kennedy]

Lee, is it okay if I pm you the name? I don't want to make it public here.

 

[Norm]

I might just do the ride, and find out more about what I'm donating to. And if the worst comes to the worst, I can always fake a phone call.

Jeez, screw that! It's a charity, something that people donate to, there should be no obligation, especially as you are already giving up a Friday for it.

char·i·ty
An institution, organization, or fund established to help the needy.

If you haven't seen him in a few years, why are you feeling any compulsion beyond your time. Tell him that you don't agree with the charity's aims, if he doesn't like it, there's your excuse not to take it any further.

On the other handy, Sam, you are looking a bit peaky at the moment. Are you coming down with something?

 

[beanzontoast]

Life is too short to spend it doing stuff you don't want to do.

 

[rich p]

I think they can find their own way for 20 miles!

 

[Sam Kennedy]

I have no problem with the ride, I just don't want to donate money to the cause.
I've emailed him asking if I can do it for the Livestrong foundation instead, haven't got a reply yet though.

 

[addictfreak]

I have no problem with the ride, I just don't want to donate money to the cause.
I've emailed him asking if I can do it for the Livestrong foundation instead, haven't got a reply yet though.

Sam

I know your a young lad and have probably not been in this kind of situation before. But remember you are doing this guy a favour in the first place by planning and leading the ride.
If he is any kind of friend, he will respect your discission and thank you for organising it for him

 

[longers]

You are donating your time....

Yep, a lot of events are run like this and donations are optional for those who give up their time to help, or they should be.

You don't have to pay anything in my view unless you change your mind of course. Be polite but firm if pressed on the matter and they should respect your choices.