United Way is opposed to any type of coercion. Any semblance of pressure, whether real, implied or perceived, is contradictory to the operating standards of United Way. United Way encourages peer solicitation, rather than solicitation of employees by managers. We conduct training programs for our campaign volunteers that stress education and information.

To underscore their conviction to this policy, United Way of Southern Maine Board of Directors reaffirms the following policy statement:

The United Way of Southern Maine Board of Directors believes that the most responsive contributors are those who have the opportunity to become informed and involved. A well-planned campaign with an effective communications program will ensure responsive contributors. While we have always been unalterably opposed to coercion, we do recognize a responsibility to state our beliefs formally. Giving is a personal matter and decision; no form of coercion is acceptable to United Way.