First, I don't know that I would use the term "kickbacks" quite so broadly. To me, that means money or perks that are secretely provided to a person in a role to influence the purchase or continuation of services. That seems a bit harsh in this context.
As far as the soccer situtation - good or bad - that sounds like a paid volunteer position. The person doing the job doesn't seem to be hiding anything. Unless it was a secret arrangement between the photographer and the picture coordinator, so what? The photographer cannot afford to have that schedule managed haphazardly and is willing to pay for the service. Yes, those costs are passed on to the organization as are his other costs. Certainly these arrangement should be dislosed up front. Next year, if the organization can find a free volunteer and guarantee the effort, maybe they can work with the photographer to reduce the picture costs by that amount, or to remit the $900 back to the Soccer League.
But as far as the other perks, or incentives, I have to weigh in with the folks who would feel it was unethical for an individual to benefit. Like the others, samples and freebies that I received when President were passed on to teachers, as prizes, used in the PTO, etc. I don't think this needs to be carried to the extreme. I'm sure I held on to a free pencil or calendar at some point. But, for the most part, I viewed incentives and promotional items as belonging to the organization, not to me personally.
I agree with you Chrystal. I do belive that the Photography Company is giving that money to the Organization and not to the person. I am PTO President at our school, and we get money from the company that takes our school pictures in the fall. They all give around 20%, but that is not meant for a person. I wonder how she is able to cash the check, and I would hope that your Socceer Org. needs that money in order to keep the registration fees down.
As far as the little free items, depending on what it is, if it is a stuffed animal then I usually give it to a little one who comes in with their mother. I give to different ones. And the pens and stuff, I give to my volunteers who do a lot more than the norm. I do beleive there should be some perks to volunteering but not at the expense of the organization. Just my opinion.
I have been PTO President for three years and I have never felt comfortable taking kick backs. I do accept what they give me...but for instance if it a food item (chocolates etc.) I put them in the teachers lounge. I received a cookie dough sample a few weeks ago and baked them for the bake sale. If it is a non-edible item I usually save it in our PTO closet to use as a door prize at our Pot Luck Dinner. I have had an experience in our Soccer League where I am the registrar in which the lady that handles setting up our picture dates told me she gets a $900.00 kick back from the photographer with the statement, "Do you think I'd do this for free!!" and yes I was steamed because I have the job no one wants and the hardest...registering and placing 500 kids on teams and dealing with angry parents often. To think that this person makes $900.00 for setting up picture times really upset me. I was very ignorant to the fact that volunteers would do this. So I did mention it to our President and at a meeting he told her that he was aware of the photographers kick back and was wondering when the league was going to get their "bonus". Nothing is for free and that photographer still makes his money he just rolls the kick back into his already over inflated prices so we all end up paying for the little "kick backs"! In my honest opinion if you are volunteering for an organization your first priority is to get the best deal for your group not for yourself...use the kick backs to benefit others...I worked out a deal with the fundraising company for our PTO to send extra boxes of chocolate when our order arrives to give to the volunteers who show up to help...and I can honestly say that I don't take any myself. If those who take a kick back feel it is their right to accept such extras...I ask would you feel comfortable announcing your kick back at a membership meeting?? If you wouldn't and you keep it a secret then you too know it is wrong.
I agree, that this is the perks of hard work. A few years ago, when I was teaching pre-school, I started looking into different fundraisers our school could use. In the process of gathering info I also received tons of freebies from each company just for making an enquiry. We're not talking anything of huge value, just stuff. Most companies and boards have put a $25 limit on freebies from vendors, above that is considered a bribe. Are we actually talking about something that expensive or just nickel and dime stuff?
I don't see anything wrong with getting the free stuff. Just a little perk for volunteering your time. I feel that the volunteers put in a lot of work and if the company they're working with wants to give them something for their efforts, that's their business. If the person doesn't want to accept it, that should be up to them. I'd think it would be an advantage to get people to sign up for the positions at your school too.
The only reason I could see anyone complaining about it is if they're jealous they're not getting it too.
I am president of our school's PTO and recently had to take over our fall fundraiser. Much to my horror, I discovered that our fundraising chair had been receiving gifts from the fundraising company in exchange for doing the fundraiser. As my "investigation" continued I learned that our pizza night chair gets free pizza for her family, our edukit coordinator gets free edukits for her children, etc. This seems to me to be a clear conflict of interest. How do I handle this? Does anyone have a code of conduct/money handling form that they have volunteers sign before taking a board or committee chair position? I don't know where else to turn and feel this reflects upon the integrity of the entire PTO.
