Page 4 | School says “bring lots of cash”

soundsys · 03/05/2023 18:18

Needmorelego · 03/05/2023 17:49

It's amazing really.... PTAs organise events and fundraisers - people moan about it.
The one year they don't for some reason - people moan about it and go on how X school down the road had pony rides and "why doesn't our school do that?".
The PTA can't win whatever they do.

This times a million

OP I'm sure the PTA would be very grateful for your help with their posters

hockerydockerydick · 03/05/2023 18:18

I’m sure you’ll be volunteering to help organise the next school fair to ensure this sort of thing doesn’t happen again, won’t you OP?

YABU

Fiorione · 03/05/2023 18:18

CandlelightGlow · 03/05/2023 17:28

Yes OP, you'll get a bunch of condescending idiots on here pretending there's no way it could possibly be insensitive but, yes, of course it is very tone deaf.

Agree, mostly. But people don't half love a pile on.

I see both sides. It's standard wording for this kind of thing, but given that some families can't feed themselves, some schools/whatever will word things differently.

Our local fete went for something like 'bring what you can afford to spend' because of this very thing.

So yes, despite the standard arsehole replies here, some places are trying to be mindful.

No criticism of the school, however.

HeadbandOverMyEyes · 03/05/2023 18:21

DarrellRiversCriminalBehaviourOrder · 03/05/2023 17:37

Yes, well, not everyone works as a professional communications copywriter. They're volunteers trying to big up a cash-based fundraiser. If you're that offended by how they choose to let you know, don't go.

Show quote history

You don't need to work as a professional communications copywriter to see that "bring bags and lots of cash” might come across to some people as a bit tacky or presumptuous, maybe even grabby or crass, regardless of any cost-of-living crisis or what percentage of families might be struggling. When I see things like this, it usually reads more like:

SPRING MARKET
Come and toast the coronation!
Please join us in raising as much money as we can for the school fund.
Try your luck on the games stands (£2 and up), buy delicious food and drink from a variety of stalls, browse unique items from local makers and our own talented pupils, or find a bargain at Miss Phelps' famous bric-a-brac table.
Don't forget to bring a bag!
Cash only — no card/app payment.

Or basically anything that makes it clear that (a) you're expected to spend money, but also (b) it's for a good cause and appreciated, and (c) it needs to be physical cash (and you won't get a free bag).

I don't think the original phrasing is the crime of the century, but to me the tone is a bit peremptory and also maybe a bit too colloquial — using "cash" can just mean physical money, but it can also read as slang, and could come across like it's trying to minimise the fact they're requesting money, which doesn't exactly convey appreciation. It might not be the best choice of phrasing if there's a risk that people are already feeling a bit oversaturated with frequent school or PTA requests for money, or maybe starting to feel their donations are taken for granted.

SittingNextToIt · 03/05/2023 18:21

Queestuproblema · 03/05/2023 16:55

I’ll start this by saying I understand schools are underfunded and have been doing Christmas markets/summer fayres/wear x colour for £1 days since even I have been at school. It’s not going to stop but the leaflet we’ve been sent this week quotes:

”Spring market
Come and toast the coronation!
Support our school, bring bags and lots of cash”

AIBU to think the wording of bring lots of cash is completely insensitive to how much everyone is struggling right now? I don’t feel that part was necessary. They could’ve made the leaflet without that surely given some children wont even be able to attend with a few pounds.

Que es tu problema op?

(Read your own username back to yourself there)

stayathomer · 03/05/2023 18:22

If it’s a school thing actually I don’t like the word ‘cash’, Something like don’t forget your money is a bit less pushy

TheApplianceofScience · 03/05/2023 18:22

Before you complain, have you tried volunteering ?

WonderingWanda · 03/05/2023 18:23

It's not insensitive fgs. It's just trying to drum up business. The whole thing is literally about money making. Fayres and Fetes always have been and it's never been about providing free fun. If you don't have any money you are going to feel crap about it regardless. I doubt realising you can't afford to go and buy other people's old jumble sale, win a bottle of Lambrini in the tombola or drink watery tea over a butterfly cake at the Spring Market is going to plunge you over the edge.

SchoolShenanigans · 03/05/2023 18:23

YABU and overly sensitive. I think the average adult realises they don't have to go and don't have to take more money than they can afford.

Come on...

DarrellRiversCriminalBehaviourOrder · 03/05/2023 18:23

HeadbandOverMyEyes · 03/05/2023 18:21

You don't need to work as a professional communications copywriter to see that "bring bags and lots of cash” might come across to some people as a bit tacky or presumptuous, maybe even grabby or crass, regardless of any cost-of-living crisis or what percentage of families might be struggling. When I see things like this, it usually reads more like:

SPRING MARKET
Come and toast the coronation!
Please join us in raising as much money as we can for the school fund.
Try your luck on the games stands (£2 and up), buy delicious food and drink from a variety of stalls, browse unique items from local makers and our own talented pupils, or find a bargain at Miss Phelps' famous bric-a-brac table.
Don't forget to bring a bag!
Cash only — no card/app payment.

Or basically anything that makes it clear that (a) you're expected to spend money, but also (b) it's for a good cause and appreciated, and (c) it needs to be physical cash (and you won't get a free bag).

I don't think the original phrasing is the crime of the century, but to me the tone is a bit peremptory and also maybe a bit too colloquial — using "cash" can just mean physical money, but it can also read as slang, and could come across like it's trying to minimise the fact they're requesting money, which doesn't exactly convey appreciation. It might not be the best choice of phrasing if there's a risk that people are already feeling a bit oversaturated with frequent school or PTA requests for money, or maybe starting to feel their donations are taken for granted.

Show quote history

You don't need to work as a professional communications copywriter to see that "bring bags and lots of cash” might come across to some people as a bit tacky or presumptuous, maybe even grabby or crass

No, you just need to be professionally offended and keen to kick a hapless volunteer, who might be from any background, trying to do a good turn for the school in the same difficult environment.

If you're so brilliant at it, I hope you're on the PTA doing that role yourself.

viques · 03/05/2023 18:26

Toottooot · 03/05/2023 17:10

Formal complaint NOW 💁🏻‍♀️

This, additionally you could report them to the MN favourite OFSTEAD. Because OFSTED won’t give a flying one.

Luredbyapomegranate · 03/05/2023 18:27

Sure - they should have just said cash only.

However, this isn't someone's main job - they are just jotting down something quickly, to help a fundraiser, while also doing their actual job.

Most people will understand this fine well, and not go out of their way to be offended.

notangelinajolie · 03/05/2023 18:28

My kids primary used to let the kids loose on the summer fayre posters, flyers, calendars, etc

It could have been written by one of the pupils.

Meepledeep · 03/05/2023 18:28

MaryCrawford · 03/05/2023 18:11

I'm guessing it's a mainly white middle class school, with their rally to celebrate a white king being crowned at a mainly white ceremony, with just a handful of non whites there to kow tow to the great ruler, whose lands he once owned.

If ever there was a case of Check Your Privilege, this is one and I'd be emailing that to them. and not be going, let alone bringing any cash.

Where do you think the money is going? Its for the school ffs.

HelpMeGetThrough · 03/05/2023 18:29

This, additionally you could report them to the MN favourite OFSTEAD. Because OFSTED won’t give a flying one.

OFSTED would downgrade the school and told them they should have written "pots of cash".

Dodgeitornot · 03/05/2023 18:29

@HeadbandOverMyEyes What about being inclusive to all the parents who's first language isn't English? Those who may be illiterate? Your advert is very wordy. Bring lots of cash is much easier to understand.
can you see that you can't please everyone?

Luredbyapomegranate · 03/05/2023 18:29

MaryCrawford · 03/05/2023 18:11

I'm guessing it's a mainly white middle class school, with their rally to celebrate a white king being crowned at a mainly white ceremony, with just a handful of non whites there to kow tow to the great ruler, whose lands he once owned.

If ever there was a case of Check Your Privilege, this is one and I'd be emailing that to them. and not be going, let alone bringing any cash.

That's quite a leap you made there.

Deathbyfluffy · 03/05/2023 18:30

CandlelightGlow · 03/05/2023 17:28

Yes OP, you'll get a bunch of condescending idiots on here pretending there's no way it could possibly be insensitive but, yes, of course it is very tone deaf.

Sadly you’ll also get the ‘offended by anything’ idiots too!

Meepledeep · 03/05/2023 18:30

Fiorione · 03/05/2023 18:18

Agree, mostly. But people don't half love a pile on.

I see both sides. It's standard wording for this kind of thing, but given that some families can't feed themselves, some schools/whatever will word things differently.

Our local fete went for something like 'bring what you can afford to spend' because of this very thing.

So yes, despite the standard arsehole replies here, some places are trying to be mindful.

No criticism of the school, however.

Show quote history

Do people need to be told this though? People who are poor aren't stupid, I can't imagine they're going to assume you need to bring hundreds of pounds.

Poopoolittlekitten · 03/05/2023 18:32

Seems to be just a reminder that they won't have card machines to me... so bring cash. Don;t go if it's that upsetting...

Dodgeitornot · 03/05/2023 18:37

Meepledeep · 03/05/2023 18:30

Do people need to be told this though? People who are poor aren't stupid, I can't imagine they're going to assume you need to bring hundreds of pounds.

Show quote history

As a PP pointed out, it's often the ones that aren't poor that get offended at these things. There's no one that will get offended on behalf of a poor person quite like a rich person will. They will make sure they are as patronising as ever and will expect a pat on their back for their amazing inclusivity. They will never actually volunteer themselves or allow their own precious darling within 5 ft of your council home.

Fiorione · 03/05/2023 18:41

Meepledeep · 03/05/2023 18:30

Do people need to be told this though? People who are poor aren't stupid, I can't imagine they're going to assume you need to bring hundreds of pounds.

Show quote history

No, of course not. It's just acknowledgement, understanding, communication, and so on.

Life is hard for so many people right now, feeling seen and not judged can help.

Fiorione · 03/05/2023 18:43

Dodgeitornot · 03/05/2023 18:37

As a PP pointed out, it's often the ones that aren't poor that get offended at these things. There's no one that will get offended on behalf of a poor person quite like a rich person will. They will make sure they are as patronising as ever and will expect a pat on their back for their amazing inclusivity. They will never actually volunteer themselves or allow their own precious darling within 5 ft of your council home.

Show quote history

This kind of attitude is really depressing. Is there a financial threshold for giving a shit about other people?

drinkeatsmile · 03/05/2023 18:44

OP I think you are being ridiculous - but to ensure it doesn't happen again - why don't you volunteer for the committee next time?

I8toys · 03/05/2023 18:48

Is this a pile on the PTA post? Thankless task. Go, don't go but maybe also take some time to volunteer and help guide correspondence in the future.