Think they don't read those "contact us" emails? Think again!
Today I picked five companies off the sponsor list because I use their products, and sent my opinion via the email contact form. My email was short, and the first sentence always referenced my relationship with their product or store. Here's one:
As a Nordstrom store fan (Santa Anita Mall, Glendale Galleria) I would like to bring up the issue of corporate giving. I, like many, have regarded the Susan G. Komen Foundation with respect, and respected your company for its support of women's health. Unfortunately, my respect ended in the past few days with their announcement they will no longer fund breast cancer screenings for poor women because they are provided by Planned Parenthood. I can't but regard this as SGK choosing politics over the health of women.
I urge you to join me and thousands (if not hundreds of thousands) others and redirect your sponsorship dollars to an organization that puts health above politics.
I was surprised at how fast I got this response:
Dear (4fx),
I understand your concern and I will certainly pass it on to our corporate contributions team that evaluates our giving annually. Each year we reassess every organization we choose to support before making an additional commitment. We will take your feedback into consideration and we appreciate you taking the time to share it with us.
Thank you and have a great day!
This tells me that they are listening. I suspect Nordstroms may well redirect their contributions next year, and choose a less controversial recipient. Mainstream businesses do not want to be associated with a charity that is controversial, has negative press, and generates negative feelings in their customers. Your letters or emails can have an effect - keep sending them!