The unseen burden: Community collections gone awry

Chonbemo Patton
A concerned Citizen

In Nagaland's heart, a silent struggle persists amidst social bonding and charitable giving. An unrelenting tide of collections, threatens to engulf us, testing generosity.

Meet Athung, a hardworking father of two, who embodies the spirit of our community. He toils tirelessly to provide for his family, navigating the challenges of daily life. Yet, with each passing month, Athung feels the weight of unrelenting collections bearing down upon his life. 

“September to April, it's wedding season,” Athung laments. “Admission fees for my children's education, church tithes, fund-raisers, union dues, and calendar sales – the list seems endless. I'm not against giving, but frequency and amount are suffocating.”

Athung's plight isn't unique. Many in our community face this unseen burden . The cumulative effect of these collections, rivals if not surpasses, the underground's unabated tax we often condemn.  

The Parallel Economy of Collections
Imagine a parallel economy where organizations, groups, unions, churches, and institutions become mini-government, levying its own taxes. This uncoordinated , unregulated system extracts resources from already - strained households.
- Buffet sales and calendar sales: Perpetual fundraisers
- Membership fees and union dues: Mandatory contributions
- Festival collections and food sales: Seasonal levies
- Church tithes and fund-raisers: Sacred obligations
- Community projects and aid: Well-intentioned, yet unending

These collections have become an entrenched culture , perpetuating a cycle of dependency. We're conditioned to give , often without questioning the purpose of efficacy of these endeavors.

Consequences of Unchecked Collections
  As our community's economic diversity increases , the disparity between haves and have-nots widens . The regressive of these collections punishes lower- and middle-class households , eroding their purchasing power.
1. Financial strain: Households struggle.
2. Reduced savings: Constant outflow stifles growth.
3. Decreased disposable income: Essential expenses sacrificed.
4. Frustration and resentment: Obligation replaces genuine charity.

A Call to Action
 It's time to reassess our charitable landscape. We must streamline collections, prioritising essential causes that would genuinely benefit our community.
1. Consolidate efforts: Merge initiatives.
2. Set clear goals: Define objectives.
3. Ensure transparency: Account for funds.
4. Encourage voluntary giving: Replace coerced contributions.
Let us revive the true spirit of giving, where charity flows from the heart, not from obligations . By doing so, We will:
As Athung says, “Charity should bring joy, not stress. Let's give with generosity and discernment.”

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure , pressed down, shaken together and running over , will be poured into our lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” - Luke 6:38

Will we heed the call to rebalance our charitable endeavors, ensuring giving becomes a blessing, not a burden? The choice is ours.

In conclusion, I offer my sincerest apologies if this article has inadvertently offended any organisation or individual. As a concerned citizen , I share my thoughts to spark constructive dialogue, aiming to promote positive change Within our Community.