Hello, I've just got a few corrections to give. I talked to you for a bit down there Sarah Mirk. You mentioned you remembered Mr. King. First, it's spelled Kris Humbird. Michael Schultz and Kris Humbird were not only on the union organizing team, we were on the negotiation team. Two of the four negotiators fired in two weeks. Also, the Fund acts more as a seemingly incestuous contractor for many of the PIRG's and the Environment groups rather than as an umbrella. Thanks for covering this struggle.

It's about time that the Fund gets what's coming to them

I've always been unclear about what any of the PIRGs actually do. I often see them claiming to do a great deal, but a lot of what they take credit for was not their work, or it was toothless shit like the Clean Air Act of 1988. I've always assumed it's a beer money scam.

And yes: former dialer/canvasser right here.

OSPIRG and Environment Oregon do some decent work. However, their is some pretty shady stuff going on with how they treat their workers as expendable assets and the bottom line being the only thing that matters to them. They are kind of like the McDonalds or Walmart of non-profits. Streamlined corporate practices. They chew up "would be" progressive youth at an alarming pace. You have to wonder if the ends justify the means.....

I worked with the fund as a street canvasser this year from June until November, when I missed my quota for the 3rd time in a year. Not back to back mind you, each time only missing it by a minimal amount.

I was a top fund raiser for the group, and was also a field manager training others on how to do the job. As a whole I averaged way more than quota, but they have a cut throat system. It's not just the fund however that practices this cut throat mentality, it is almost all canvassing groups.

I share the frustration of the many of the canvassers that have been in my shoes, and I hope the system changes. The actual funds are needed to do good work, but the outreach and fundraising quotas need to be revised. I hope that the union works, and continues. Go REAL grassroots!!!

anyone who self-identifies as "progressive" is a fucking dipshit

HappySunshine, if it was one person we were talking about your simplistic tactic of not donating would work. However if no one is aware of this issue they will still donate. The picket and articles like this one raise awareness of the problems with the FUND, and put pressure on the management to change policies. Also this is exactly what PEU's need to work on, bolstering the strength and number of unions and union members. I think you need to put down the hatorade you have been chugging.

This is not true. FFPIRG (whatever they now call themselves) is the largest nonprofit employer in the country. Our current president once canvassed for them. They have taken charge of producing the next generation of social change leaders. If they cannot treat their employees with the dignity and respect canvassers deserve, the problem will not start and stop with Portland TOP. This is an issue that affects canvassers nationwide, and the future of the progressive movement. These workers are doing the necessary thing, and taking a stand where others in the past have just quit and moved on, allowing the cycle of abuse to continue. We did the same thing when PIRG closed our office in LA after we unionized in 2005-2006, and I am glad to know others are carrying on this complex and lonely fight, despite ignorant criticisms of others.

I worked for the Fund, I got fired because one of my co-workers flat out lied to our boss, With regards to a non-work related conversation. While I think the Pirgs are trying to do good things I think the way they treat their fundraising employees is appalling. They contribute to human misery in the name of lessening human misery. It's hypocritical at best.