To the Editor:
I have a few comments regarding the campus UNICEF group not getting recognition ("UNICEF Deserves Recognition," April 26). The following bits of information on campus resources might be helpful for students:
Instead of blitzing the Tucker Foundation, go over there and talk. You'll find an extremely sympathetic bunch of people who would really like to help you out but can't. The Tucker Foundation has not accepted groups like this for at least a couple of years, probably many more. Simply put, they do not have the resources to oversee those groups. It is more a problem of lack of resources than of red tape. Perhaps a dozen groups have been turned down in recent years -- it is not something to take personally for UNICEF but to accept and work around. If they were suddenly able to take on primarily fundraising groups, a plethora would spring up -- think the Red Cross, etc. -- and it would be overwhelming to handle.
Currently, you can fundraise just fine without an official group. Look at the United Way campaign at Dartmouth. Look at how well the Relay for Life event is going. Maybe try to get Project status with COSO, if you want to put on a big event. You can also liaise with other organizations, to have those other organizations reserve you tables and rooms. Last term, without an official group, I liaised with five campus groups to reserve a table in Thayer for five days and raised over $1,000 with these groups' help in less than one week. There is a lot a group can do while unofficial.
My point is, to anyone who is struggling to set up a new group -- step back, take a look around you at the existing organizations, and work with them. Be creative, come up with different ways to accomplish your goals. The goal is not to end up with an official organization, after all, but to do good. So even though the College's system might be frustrating, it does not prevent you from getting to your goals; it just throws you on a detour.
