I Believe School Fundraisers Reinforce Classism — Here’s Why

In just a few weeks of school, my kids began bringing home fundraising flyers, and I couldn’t help but feel frustrated as they handed them to me. I understand that schools require funds—there’s never enough financial support for education. More funding leads to better resources and higher teacher salaries. However, I’m firmly against my children selling overpriced items like scented candles and cookie dough in exchange for flimsy prizes. This approach is problematic for several reasons.

We are in a position to simply write a check to the school, while many families do not have that luxury. Instead of encouraging children to become miniature salespeople, schools should consider alternative fundraising methods.

Why Traditional Fundraising Methods Can Be Detrimental

Firstly, let’s address why traditional school fundraising methods can be detrimental. I empathize with families who cannot participate in these sales. Growing up in a low-income district, I witnessed classmates arriving at school in worn-out clothes and struggling to find job opportunities. Many parents work minimum wage jobs, which are insufficient to support a family.

Fundraising schemes often include incentives tied to sales goals. Kids are promised prizes for selling certain amounts—usually low-value items like erasers or gift cards. The prizes escalate based on sales, with top-selling classes earning pizza or ice cream parties. This system inherently favors those with more resources, creating a competitive environment that emphasizes class disparities.

To succeed in these fundraisers, students need parents who can supervise and have the time and means to help with sales. If a student’s family isn’t well-off, they are at a disadvantage. Additionally, many people simply don’t have the disposable income to spend on overpriced products for the sake of a child’s fundraising goal.

Inevitably, children from wealthier families will excel, leaving their less fortunate peers feeling inadequate. Once the products arrive, parents must take time and money to distribute them, which reinforces the notion of privilege.

While some fundraisers are online, access is limited to families with devices and reliable internet connections, further widening the gap. I don’t blame schools for needing funds in a system where teachers often buy supplies out of pocket, and many schools lack basic resources.

Improving Fundraising Efforts

So, what can be done to improve fundraising efforts? First, we need to abandon sales pitches altogether. I’ve never been thrilled with any product from a school fundraiser, and it’s time to phase out these incentives based on sales. Instead, schools should be transparent about their financial needs and encourage donations of any amount, ensuring that every contribution is valued.

Some parents argue that children should “earn” their contributions, which is why I appreciate walking events at our schools. Students collect pledges and walk for a cause, with all proceeds going directly to the school rather than a company profiting from cheap merchandise.

Ultimately, children should be allowed to be kids, not salespeople. They can learn valuable lessons about hard work through chores at home, rather than being pushed to sell products. Just because fundraising has been a tradition doesn’t mean it’s the only way forward. We need to explore equitable alternatives that minimize financial shame.

Parents can get involved by joining PTA committees or advocating for change in fundraising strategies. Let’s work together to create a system that doesn’t require children to sell items but instead fosters community support.

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In summary, the current approach to school fundraisers often perpetuates classism and disproportionately impacts lower-income families. By shifting to more equitable fundraising methods that emphasize community support over sales, we can create a more inclusive environment for all students.

Keyphrase: School Fundraisers and Classism

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