Well I see both sides of it to some extent. 

If it's a matter of recovering the unavoidable costs for running a seminar
or session - rent, print materials, other supplies -, then I can understand
a fee being applied if there's no money in the kitty otherwise. But I'm with
you with respect to fancy lunches (and for conferences: entertainment, gala
receptions, etc.), although some food, especially fresh fruit and veggies,
is always welcome. It's almost comical the eyes that will enlarge and light
up in our crowd at the mere mention of REAL FOOD.

From the perspective of people on very low income, it can be a barrier even
when fees are offered to be waived. While the offer is appreciated, it can
often be that you just haven't the stamina or emotional energy to go through
the application process or to present yourself, one more time, to someone or
a committee that will assess whether or not your need warrants a pass. I've
had to fight for full subsidy to conferences and this has been exhausting
and such situations make me wonder about the (un)intended message.

I think it's a tough call for people who do work like yours, Sandi. It's
great that  you charge no fee: instant acceptance, no financial barrier. Wow. 

--Ocean.

On Wed, 19 Apr 2006 12:08:22 -0400, Sandi Pniauskas <[log in to unmask]>
wrote:

Having conducted many seminars for patients, I am totally against charging
patients fees for what I consider educational/informational sessions. I have
never charged fees and the seminars have always been well attended because
the people, most often women in my case, come for the information and not
for the $35.00 (or higher) lunches. Often times, however, organizations will
say something similar to: 'fees to attend will be waived for those who need
assistance' or similar verbiage. I also object to this. The latter to me is
a definite barrier - an emotional barrier. Who wants to personally admit
that a particular fee is just beyond one's financial ability? this message
is not getting out.
Do you have some sense or words of wisdom on how to make people understand this?
Sandi

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