The way I evaluate decisions is based on a Return on Investment (ROI) reasoning rather than efficiency or Cost Per Acquisition (CPA). With that in mind, there are several artists and groups who aren’t just joining because this is an easy way to complete necessary volunteer hours, but who want to make a difference – and see some type of return, like a photo.
We might ask for an occasional photo from a delivery to our partners, but we’ll never make it a necessity or put on pressure to make them feel like they must (“everybody’s doing it, you won’t be cool unless you do it”). It’s different for some nonprofits where you’ll see the little pediatric patients and families holding cards and donations all the time. But here’s why we feel differently.
Patient’s Perspective:
I’ve filmed many videos and told countless stories about my epilepsy testing. I’m comfortable now saying, “I have epilepsy. Epilepsy doesn’t have me.” So I don’t mind if hospitals write about it or if it’s discussed in the media, but that wasn’t always the case. As
mentioned in the Purple Pride post, it took me 10+ years to feel comfortable making that admission.
One thing I’ll always say is “I don’t know.” I won’t go into the details, but I had a position and received all types of recognition and positive marks. In fact, it was before I was open about launching Cardz For Kidz that I started running events at work and that’s what sparked the quotes from the senior leaders in the Right Results blog. I just removed my name. With that company I was put on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) when I told my boss that I spoke with our offices in Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) about transferring to create a digital analytics division in Africa outside of South Africa. For fear of losing my health insurance, when my boss explained the PIP to me, I was not concentrating on the local office, and I ended up removing my name from the transfer. Unfortunately, my health took a step back and I started having multiple seizures again. The worst part was that I had one while driving and got into an accident. I reached out to my doctor to get a note and updated my boss, HR, and others. I said I would make all the presentations and do my work, but that if I needed to drive, I would have to do those presentations from home.
There was some pushback from HR, so I updated them about my seizure while driving. Then, there was silence. When it came time for my review, I was let go. I apologized to my clients for my performance, and they disagreed with what I was told. One agreed to be my reference. It was clear that I was primarily let go from this position based on my “disability.” If that’s not bad enough, there is a situation that’s even worse than that, but based on formal agreements, I don’t feel comfortable speaking on it at all.
Since I personally know the impact and how there are people out there who judge the kids and families we serve, I will NEVER force any of them to expose the identity of their status or situation. We will encourage our partners to send pictures, but it’s NOT a requirement.
Nonprofit’s Perspective:
As mentioned before, I’ve seen multiple aspects of the hospital experience. Everyone loves to think epilepsy and my brain surgery led to Cardz For Kidz. That’s the more dramatic and cuter story. In fact, just review the headline of Michigan Medicine’s article, “Epilepsy
Struggle Inspires U-M Graduate to Give Back.” But really, the reason the Child Life Art Therapist made this adult patient a sunset picture is because I had been volunteering and working with the children for years before my first trip to the emergency room.
Based on that experience as an employee and volunteer, I learned the rules about the Hippo named HIPAA. I also understand that people would love to see the impact of their cards, but I personally know the amount of work hospitals and nonprofits must legally go through to share the pictures.
To be safe, I put together a quick sign off form that thankfully does not include pages and pages of legal language, even though I know most of our partners have their own templates.
We’ll still follow the ideas and path of our partners, and we won’t demand for them to send the type of ideal photos people are looking for. It’s important to understand that there are some potential legal ramifications, and few nonprofits have the type of funds and size to defend themselves.
Summary
Overall, I understand that everyone would love to see WAY more pictures of the overcomers with their cards. Based on my experience in both the patient and nonprofit’s perspective, we’re unwilling to force our partners to take additional steps to return pictures all the time. To make sure that you know your cards are valued, we have taken additional steps and requested that our partners write reviews to highlight the impact of the cards and donations. You can read some of the reviews/commentary on Great Nonprofits via the following links:
Client Served: https://greatnonprofits.org/reviews/cardz-for-kidz-nfp/role:2
Professional with Expertise in the Field: https://greatnonprofits.org/reviews/cardz-for-kidz-nfp/role:3
Hopefully after reviewing that commentary, you will understand our perspective and trust us. You will believe that although you may not consistently see kids, seniors, or families holding cards, your artwork is making a difference. According to the phrase a PICTURE IS A 1000 WORDS, we hope these 1000 words (well 959 to be exact) are a helpful explanation and make it clear that your artwork is valued.
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