Big Non-Profits Mean Big Business
21 September 2009
by Anai Rhoads
AnaiRhoads.org -- Over the last two decades, walking down main street is like window shopping in a ghost town. Bigger and more powerful companies like Wal-Mart have swept up community-based mom & pop shops at an alarming rate.
Many of my readers are already knowledgeable on this topic. But have you considered that this also happens with non-profits? Sure, you've heard that some not-for-profit organisations are guilty of misappropriating donations. Even the Red Cross has been blame worthy of this in the past. But what if I were to tell you that the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) - is really a corporation?
Gasp! Surely you jest - they spend all of your donations on saving animals. They are upstanding and compassionate. However, they are not. Despite PETA's campaigns against animal cruelty, this corporation has quietly murdered countless animals and even set their sights on primates.
A prime example of PETA running other organisations to the ground is the case of a sanctuary in Texas. Primarily Primates (PPI) were fighting this powerhouse for years, forced to shell out thousands of dollars in frivolous lawsuits brought on by PETA. PPI, who is currently supported by Friends of Animals (FoA), have had two lawsuits filed by PETA that were dismissed in court, and a third lawsuit was filed just this year.
The money spent in these battles stripped away funds that were intended for animals. Consider that PETA's co-founder, Ingrid Newkirk, has not a single companion animal to her name and the company doesn't offer a sanctuary, rescue or shelter of any kind. So, what is their goal?
Much like Wal-Mart, companies such as PETA have rolled over smaller organisations in order to monopolise the market. Yes, PETA, systematically destroys smaller grassroots groups. Smaller organisations simply cannot compete with the huge money-making and marketing machine.
It is unfortunate that those working in the non-profit sector are left with no choice but to join companies like PETA as their organisations are dismantled for lack of exposure or funds. The battle to compete with PETA results in a boomerang effect, where workers are forced into working for these types of monopoly corporations.
Businesses only follow their bottom line. While they may appear homey and family friendly, the opposite rings true. Companies like Wal-Mart use slave labour to get the products you have in your home. They rape the poorest of workers in order to get what they want. Meanwhile, in the U.S., people are swarming to these stores like flies on fresh manure - why? Because they are not aware what these companies are doing. As an animal rights supporter, you may not be aware of what PETA may be doing, either.
Exposure - Sex Still Sells
Just like a mom & pop, not every organisation has the funds to promote itself. Most resort to a gimmick or word-of-mouth to get their businesses going. PETA has used these gimmicks too, of course, by using what society deems as attractive young men and women in protests. Wearing next to nothing, they are pimped out like a common runaway.
The difference is that PETA is a $30 million dollar powerhouse. Imagine the advertising they can do - that smaller and more meaningful non-profits such as Forgotten Cats of Delaware and Pennsylvania and others cannot.
Much like a business, PETA shreds its competition through intense advertising. Using sensitive topics from obesity to the Holocaust, PETA's aim has always been to offend, disturb and push the envelope of common decency in order to gain donations and publicity - not gain respect from their peers.
Big deal, you may say. So what if PETA has millions - they are great! Some people think the same way about Wal-Mart. However, both corporations want the same naive consumer. They draw in the youngest and most willing participants to join their cause, with only one goal in mind - making money. PETA and companies like Wal-Mart pay their workers meager wages, offer substandard benefits and treat their employees so poorly that the turnover rate is staggering.
When we give money to an organisation, we expect the money to be used wisely. However, when you give your time and money to PETA, you are essentially shopping at Wal-Mart.
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