Semi-Daily Scribbles

‘Tis the season for giving. As I’ve mentioned in prior posts, my husband and I are enthusiastic supporters of the charitable works of Save the Children. They are an effective advocacy agency that puts donations to work in the most needy places around the globe, including right here in the United States. Since my husband and I make regular financial contributions to Save the Children, we are appreciative of the fact that they do not operate under any religious or political agenda. This is one of the reasons why we’ve elected to support the efforts of Save the Children. 

Well, thanks to an employer sponsored team-building event taking place this week, Theresa finds herself in a quandary. The department in which I work will be spending a day volunteering at Christian Community Action in Lewisville, Texas. Although it makes me out to be a kid hatin’ jerk for saying this, I will not be participating. I will come into the office at my regularly appointed time and put in a full days’ work. I have absolutely no problem with that. I also have no problem with those of my colleagues who volunteer time and money to CCA. I do have a problem, though, with a work approved team-building activity held at a religious organization. This goes against my principles of “Separation of Church and My Cubicle.” The choice of venue is made all the more disappointing since Habitat for Humanity was the group volunteer project prior to my being hired. 

I intend to express my opinion to the department head. He should know better, especially since our employer has an international presence that encompasses a diverse range of cultural, political, and spiritual beliefs. Off the clock, I support all the ways in which one chooses to worship. But when religion makes an appearance during my workday, I respectfully say: “Thank you, no.”