UPDATE: D has since said “Never Mind, we don’t need no stinkin’ help.” I’m okay with that, really, though I agreed to do it without paying them. BloginDM calls D and F Chutzpahdik! It was suggested that I mock those who simply don’t fund my programs. That would mean I mock everyone! I only tweak those who in spite of their paid staff, program budgets and office space (I’d sure love some health insurance right about now..) still expect me to donate my time, services and programs. Ridiculous requests get ridiculed, esp. when they come from folks who have the means, and the reasons, to pay for them. And woe unto those who promise but don’t pay… you know who you are.. AD
In the past few weeks, KFAR has been approached by several organizations to produce events for them. I’m always interested in working with the community, but because KFAR is not a normal agency with an operating budget or the ability to pay for its Director’s time, I have to be selective about the projects I work on. I can pick 3. Help me decide between the following:
A. The first, a struggling synagogue, offered me their space, freedom to program it, access to their rather large mailing list (they pay postage) and the door to make the program’s ends (and mine) meet. They’d like a set of 3 events. Not much money in it, but I can put something small together that will help them. Fair deal, and I’d like to help them get traffic through their door.
B. The second is an org doing a big event in the fall. They have a budget to book an act as part of their program, either outright or in partnership with KFAR, depending on what we can find them. Okay, that’s reasonable, and given the work they do, I’d like to help them too.
C. The third would like to bring a performer to town to do a special event for their shul, and would I like to make it worth the talent’s while and put on a public performance. That might work, okay. We’ll talk.
D. The fourth, to whom I’ve been talking to a while, has a great mission and a budget but suggested I pay for the event, their talent (not my choice), the promotion, the venue, put their logo all over and btw, I get to pay them for the experience. Hmm, I’ll have to think about that one.
E. The fifth… never mind.
F. The sixth is part of a group of 5 outreach orgs, all well funded. They wanted to do a program. When I gave them a very modest budget, they collectively scoffed, and said they had no money. Unlike KFAR, each of these groups has paid staff, materials, postage, office space- the works- but no budget. Right. The person saw me at one of their programs, a typical bar party, nice turnout. “Why didn’t we do that program with you?” she asked. “Because nobody in the group wanted to pay for it,” I responded. “So? None of these organizations has a budget,” she said. I looked around at the flyers, the decorations, the food thought about the mailings I’d received and inquired “Didn’t this event we’re at have a budget?” “You know what I mean. I’ll call you.” I do? Okay, I’m waiting by the phone…
G. ORG: “We’ll pay you to fly to a sunny location to create a model Jewish arts event to help leaders understand why what you do as a new Jewish cultural organization is important to their communities, talk to them about talent, funding and opportunities and we’ll provide a budget for the program.” Did I win a game show or is this HaOlam Haba?
So dear readers, were you in my shoes, with beggars, worthy causes and budgeted organizations all being equal, which would you pick to spend your precious time and dollars against? Pick by letters, and if we have anything near concensus I’ll post the results.
