Wounded Warrior Project donation policies/firearms

[LabRat]

Well, I looked and couldnt find any threads on this story coming out today. Apparently, WWP refused an invite to go on Gun Talk Radio and pitch their wares.

Here is the transcipt of the email exchange and the marketing director of WWP





Wounded Warrior Project Email Exchange.


by Gun Talk on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at 10:56am ·
.



After Sunday's show, we've gotten many emails about Tom's remarks after WWP declined an interview request on Gun Talk Radio because it's a firearms-related show. We've also seen the forums that are suggesting many things that are not true. So, I'm going to lay it all out right here.

We thought it would be great to book the WWP on the Veteran's Day show to promote the organization, so I contacted them. I was flabbergasted when their PR contact, Leslie, sent me an email saying they could not participate because our show dealt with firearms. Knowing that WWP has a booth at SHOT show and various gun shows across the US, takes wounded warriors on hunts and range days, raffles guns and accessories as fundraisers, etc., their policy didn't make much sense. I forwarded the email on to Tom to get his take.

-Sarah



The following is the complete email exchange:

====================

Hello, Leslie:

Sarah forwarded me your email after I asked her to invite the Wounded Warriors Project to join me on "Tom Gresham's Gun Talk" radio show.



I'm stunned at your email saying that the WWP doesn't participate in an interview or activity related to firearms. Inasmuch as there are 90 million gun owners and most of them support wounded veterans, I think they would be shocked to hear that they are, by way of their hobbies, somehow not worthy of helping with the Wounded Warriors Project.



Does your policy apply also to police agencies and the military, since they are "related to firearms?"



I'm hoping that we have misunderstood your email. Can you confirm that it is, in fact, an official policy of the Wounded Warriors Project to not do interviews with or participate in any activity related to firearms?



Thank you.

Tom Gresham



============



Good afternoon --



While we appreciate your interest in Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) you are correct that we decline the media opportunity.



Please note the following notice that appears on our website which also applies to WWP public awareness policy and inquiries from media outlets:

http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/additional-opportunities.aspx



WWP does not co-brand, create cause marketing campaigns or receive a percentage or a portion of proceeds from companies in which the product or message is sexual, political or religious in nature, or from alcohol or firearms companies.



Thank you for your inquiry.



LESLIE A. COLEMAN

public relations director



O: 904.405.1433

M: 904.654.8138

F: 904.296.7347



Wounded Warrior Project

4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300

Jacksonville, Florida 32256



====================

Thanks for confirming that, Leslie. It was a simple opportunity to promote the WWP on a national program in an effort to send donations your way.

I'll pass along the info that you don't want or need the help of America's gun owners.



Best regards,

Tom Gresham



=====================



Good morning --

This policy is not a judgment on those who own and use firearms – clearly every member of our armed forces has been trained in the use of firearms and then called on to use them in the course of their service to this country.



Our position regarding firearms and alcohol is in response to the struggles that many injured service members face with substance abuse and suicide and the roles those items often play in those issues.



Thank you.

LESLIE A. COLEMAN

public relations director



=============================



Hello, Leslie:



Thank you for that explanation.



I do think -- and I'm being as kind as possible -- that it's the nuttiest thing I've heard in years. Suicides are not linked to firearms. Japan has a much higher rate of suicide than does the U.S., and they have essentially no firearms. Suicide is a serious issue irrespective of the methodology used.



This explanation doesn't pass even the most simple "does this make sense" test.



Your policy does, in fact, brand firearms and the companies which make them as undesirables, and by association, you are saying that those who own and use firearms for recreation, hunting, self protection, and other safe and legal uses are to be avoided.



It's certainly your option to ostracize the firearms industry, the 90 million gun owners in America, and the media which support firearms safety training.



At this point, I feel an obligation to make sure the millions who listen to my radio show and watch my two national television series know about your policy.



I cannot fully express how much I feel you are doing a disservice to our wounded veterans, and how disappointed I am to discover this bias at the Wounded Warriors Project.



Sincerely,

Tom Gresham

.

 

[LabRat]

LINK

http://www.facebook.com/notes/gun-talk/wounded-warrior-project-email-exchange/10151354082553313

 

[mcinfantry]

Oh noes!
tl:dr

 

[Vanilla Gorilla]

Is Wounded Warrior not allowed to decide internal policy? I know letsakr a huge deal about it and hurt
Their fund raising that will show em!!!!! WWP has real flaws. BT keep in mind who tht money goes to and the MASSIVE amount of good they do.

 

[LabRat]

From what I have been reading, they have one of the highest administrative costs of all the charities for this cause.

 

[SeventhSon]

From what I have been reading, they have one of the highest administrative costs of all the charities for this cause.

This is what I was able to find:

http://www.bbb.org/charity-reviews/...d-warrior-project-in-jacksonville-fl-3806/all

Programs: 83% Fund Raising: 13% Administrative: 4%

Total income $123,869,345
Program expenses $89,466,336
Fund raising expenses 13,883,984
Administrative expenses 4,727,106

Total expenses $108,077,426
Income in Excess of Expenses 15,791,919
Beginning net assets 14,565,525

Ending net assets 30,357,444
Total liabilities 6,035,145
Total assets $36,392,589

 

[Vanilla Gorilla]

From what I have been reading, they have one of the highest administrative costs of all the charities for this cause.

I believe that's accurate but they also have the deepest pockets and widest reach.

 

[Walrus]

4.4% Admin
12.8% Fund Raising
82.8% Programs

http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/mission/financials.aspx

 

[SeventhSon]

I believe that's accurate but they also have the deepest pockets and widest reach.

Having administrative expenses of almost $5 mil seems like a lot until you figure they are dropping about $90 mil on program expenses. So yeah, those are pretty deep pockets right there.

 

[LabRat]

Still sounds strange to have a charity that wont take money from a church!

"WWP does not co-brand, create cause marketing campaigns or receive a percentage or a portion of proceeds from companies in which the product or message is sexual, political or religious in nature, or from alcohol or firearms companies."

What is a conceivable reason for this?

 

[Jack]

You notice Tom was being an ******* from the first message? His issue stems from his bruised ego, not WWP actions.

Labrat, I'm sure that is to avoid anyone making associations that aren't true.

 

[LabRat]

http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=12842

CEO make $320k

 

[SeventhSon]

You notice Tom was being an ******* from the first message? His issue stems from his bruised ego, not WWP actions.

Labrat, I'm sure that is to avoid anyone making associations that aren't true.

I dont necessarily agree with their stance but I'm sure there is a reason for it. Think of how much additional money they could raise if they went on a firearm related show like Toms or took donations from religious organizations. Again, I'm sure they have a reason for not doing it and that's there prerogative. It certainly doesnt look like they are hurting for donations.

http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=12842

CEO make $320k

I really dont have an issue with that personally . My BIL is a project manager for Microsoft and makes about $240,000 a year and he has no where near the responsibility or accountability of a CEO of a charity.

 

[LabRat]

You notice Tom was being an ******* from the first message? His issue stems from his bruised ego, not WWP actions.

Labrat, I'm sure that is to avoid anyone making associations that aren't true.

No doubt that was the catalyst to how it got started, but IMO it doesn't explain the absurdness of the policy

 

[LabRat]

I dont necessarily agree with their stance but I'm sure there is a reason for it. Think of how much additional money they could raise if they went on a firearm related show like Toms or took donations from religious organizations. Again, I'm sure they have a reason for not doing it and that's there prerogative. It certainly doesnt look like they are hurting for donations.

From the firestorm I see brewing on Facebook and their website, I dont think anyone had a clue to the policy. Also, apparently they took $50k from Kahr Arms????

 

[Jack]

No doubt that was the catalyst to how it got started, but IMO it doesn't explain the absurdness of the policy

My brother shot himself, as someone with experience, seeing a charity with one of its main goals being suicide prevention being sponsored by ruger, I would be very put off.

Tom's comment relating to the police and military was leading and shows me this conversation was never ment to be private. Their policy relates to sellers and advertisers of firearms, clearly not those who unfortunately are called to use them. I know their policy may be extreme, but I'm sure they are designed to stop any perceptions, and are there to protect the WWP so they can continue to do good works.

 

[Vanilla Gorilla]

They don't want to appear on GunTalk. They are a Private Entity and it's their prerogative. Rather than make an issue out of it Gresham could have found dozens of other related charities that would have been happy for the air time. What's Gresham's motivation?

 

[Kcabear]

I can respect their policy even though I may not like it. They do a lot of good helping out our heros whether its a physical or mental injuries. I am happy I'm in a position to be able to donate to them as we'll as Fisher House.

 

[LabRat]

My brother shot himself, as someone with experience, seeing a charity with one of its main goals being suicide prevention being sponsored by ruger, I would be very put off.

Tom's comment relating to the police and military was leading and shows me this conversation was never ment to be private. Their policy relates to sellers and advertisers of firearms, clearly not those who unfortunately are called to use them. I know their policy may be extreme, but I'm sure they are designed to stop any perceptions, and are there to protect the WWP so they can continue to do good works.

I certainly see your point, but I still dont understand the excess of the policy. Religion?

 

[Pacioli]

Tom's opening salvo was...well it was a salvo. He escalated from the get-go. Still, the WWP policy does seem to be making a value judgement concerning guns and gun companies and, by extension, gun people. And I agree with Tom that the WWP representative alluding to suicide as a basis for the policy is specious. Yes they have the right to make policy. I have the right to not like it and find an alternate way to support the cause. I'm not butt hurt or anything, I'm just going to channel my money on a different path.