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Carry a tissue in your pocket/hand. When you start to see the clipboard brigade approach, make a point of blowing your nose loudly into the tissue (or faking it even if you don't have anything to expel). Seriously--this works for me every time. No one wants someone with a snotty nose or potential cold to be spreading their germs onto their pen/clipboard/general area.

8:14 AM 07/09/2012 | 0 Votes

I don't think anyone is judging you for brushing them off - we've all been harassed by them enough. I ignore them and don't care.

I think of them along the lines of those crazies that shout hate speech at the corner - just with a better message.

8:18 AM 07/09/2012 | 1 Votes

I just tell them "I've already maxed out my donation budget for the year, thank you."

8:22 AM 07/09/2012 | 1 Votes

There are a lot of them by Eastern Market where I live. I just smile and politely tell them I'm busy right now, without slowing down. Whatever you do, don't answer their opening question, e.g. "Do you support gay rights?" -- it's a trap designed to make you feel guilty about not donating, and will make it harder to escape.
Sometimes you do get stuck listening to their pitch, especially if they're going door-to-door. In that case I try to cut them off as early as possible, and tell them that while I probably would support their cause I need to do some more research before comitting to it. It's the truth, anyway, even though it's not what they want to hear. You have to be really firm with these people and will probably have to repeat yourself a few times before they give up.
 

10:04 AM 07/09/2012 | -1 Votes

I usually say something like "You're preaching to the choir!" if it's a cause I support; otherwise, "Sounds like you're the one who needs some enlightenment."  And I just keep going.

10:25 AM 07/09/2012 | 0 Votes

I just smile and say "sorry, can't right now."  I'm sure that as unpleasant as it is for me, all that constant rejection and feeling like you're badgering people is a million times worse for them.  Even if they are doing it for the cause, I doubt they enjoy their job.

10:26 AM 07/09/2012 | 0 Votes

You don't owe anyone your attention out in public--that goes for canvassers, panhandlers and dudes who order you to smile or badger you for your number. Tell them you're already a supporter, and keep moving. And remember they're not out there for shits and giggles. It must suck to do that job. So be nice, but don't get caught up.

11:13 AM 07/09/2012 | 0 Votes

Generally I just ignore the canvassers, unless they're working for an organization I donate to (in which case I tell them I already donate.) 
Although I have to admit, the fact that the canvassers have approached me while I'm carrying several heavy grocery bags home really irks me too.  Isn't it obvious that I wouldn't have a free hand to make a donation, even if I wanted to?

11:31 AM 07/09/2012 | 0 Votes

Simple: "Sorry, I donate online." (Which you should do anyway. It's not unusual for the canvassers to get as much as a 40% cut of what they bring in.)

1:43 PM 07/09/2012 | 0 Votes

I am a Journalist, so I just tell them I am "On the Clock" - and cannot support any causes as such....

2:19 PM 07/10/2012 | 0 Votes

I agree.  A simple "no thank you" is all I do.  I contribute to several charities; I know what's in my heart and I don't feel the need to explain myself to anyone.  Those people don't know you and the only thing they are trying to do is meet their quota.  Go on your merry way and don't let it bother you. 

2:47 PM 07/10/2012 | 1 Votes

I just say, "I can't give any money, sorry," and keep walking.
I always wonder how this fundraising strategy could really be that effective for charities. Having to pay canvassers has to cost more than they actually raise--I've never seen anyone actually make a donation.

2:55 PM 07/10/2012 | 0 Votes

I pretend to be on my phone. Works like a charm.

4:04 PM 07/10/2012 | 0 Votes

I have been approached in a pouring rain by these canvassers -- "Got a minute for the environment?" So annoying. My strategy for street nuisances of all types is to just start muttering darkly to myself and keep walking. Even if you are dressed for work they will suspect you're crazy and leave you alone. Works like a breeze and you don't have to justify or respond to them.
But I totally agree -- it would be nice to live in the city without constantly being aggressively accosted and badgered on the street. Between the panhandlers, sexual harassers, Street Sense vendors and incessant "Got a mintue?" "Got a minute?" canvassers, it becomes a real quality of life issue.
 

9:13 AM 07/11/2012 | 0 Votes

Answer 1: I'm a Republican. Go get a real job hippie.
Answer 2: I work for the White House and ethics and conflict of interest restrictions prevent me from contributing to any organizations. But I'm fighting for your cause from the inside!
Neither of which are remotely true.

9:38 AM 07/11/2012 | 0 Votes

I usually tell them I already donate to whatever organization they're representing. It's (usually) a lie, but I figure maybe it'll give them a little boost of optimism instead of the constant ignorance or rejection they probably get all day!

11:19 AM 07/11/2012 | 0 Votes

As a former canvassar for a public interest group (door-to-door in rural New England, so I was the person interrupting your dinner rather than your walk), I'm thankful for everyone who makes an effort to be nice and polite! It isn't an especially easy job, generally pretty low paying, and even the most passing positive interactions really do make a difference in your day. My own strategy is to donate when I can and otherwise say "no thanks" and wish them luck - they likely need it!

5:00 PM 07/13/2012 | 0 Votes