When you do charitable work, is it important to have your efforts publicly acknowledged?

Question

I've worked for some organizations where people who volunteer or donate get upset if their name isn't on some kind of "thank you" list.

Answer 1

It is always nice to be acknowledged, but the real point of charity work is the people that you are helping. If someone is upset because they are not on a thank you list they missed the point.

Answer 2

I believe you pick a charity because it speaks to your heart.
I don't think you should do charitable work for any other reason.
Notoriaty or being a hero is not the motivation that should lead one to charity. It should be so much deeper than that, and have so much more meaning behind the motivation. When giving your time/talent or treasure for a good charitable reason, that speaks to you deep in your heart and soul, the feeling that you get when you do it is reward enough... it fills you up and gives off a feeling deep in your heart. It is an act of self-less-ness coming from a wonderful place that actually fulfills a part of you, you might even know was empty. To do it for other reasons is selfish and not only will you not get the same type of reward for it, but most everyone else can see your motivation is you.... which will make people clap and then say what a jerk. Real charity is done in a real way... no hipe!

Answer 3

Well now, I guess that would depend on why they were being charitable in the first place.

For me personally, yes, I do want a thank you or some acknowdgement. Nothing in writing, not a big to do; not even a tax break. I would just like someone to mutter out a thank you, as is always the case when I do something that warrants one. It's just good manners.

That doesn't mean I do it for the thank you. I do it for myself and for others.

To the rest of you, you are being way too judgemental of the people described in the question. Who cares why they do it? Is nothing ever good enough for people these days? Please take a look in the mirror before you judge. Most of you describe the rewarding feeling you get from doing charity. Well, that's selfish too! You do it not only to help others, but for the karma boost! Nothing wrong with that, either. But really...stop looking down your noses.

Answer 4

It shouldn't be important to have it publicly acknowledged...the importance is in what you are doing and that you are doing something to help.

Some people place it on a resume to state their interests and involvement in the community, which I feel is okay, especially if you are applying at a place that you will have more opportunity to do good work.

If you need acknowledgement then you are doing it for yourself...not others and it is wrong.

Answer 5

No I would have thought that you would be doing charity work to give something back to society for free and to help people who cant get help anywhere else - the feel good factor alone should be enough.

Answer 6

It depends...I would say no, but a lot of those who are trying to get scholarships are told to list the charity and volunteer roles they play. There is nothing wrong with that.

Answer 7

Only hypocrites give money or do volunteer work and walk around talking about what a wonderful person they are.

Answer 8

No, it's not important to have your efforts publicly acknowledged, but it's ok if it is.

Answer 9

It shouldn't matter if it's publicly known if you're doing it for good reasons. If you just want people to know that you're a "good person", then it's not for a good reason.

Answer 10

No, I think most people do charity work to help others, not to get themselves recognized