Hello, I was directed to this post by Universal Hub. I have no idea about the legality of the charity solicitors, but I agree that it is unpleasant to be accosted while walking around in my neighborhood. No matter how ardently I support the particular charity, I will never donate directly to the canvasser because I don't want to encourage charities to use this method of raising funds. It's a terrible, soul-killing job for a young person to do, and it's annoying for the people who just want to enjoy a day outside.

 

I am like you. I only make a limited amount each year. So at the beginning of the year, I decide who I want to give money to and how much. I don't ever give money or information out on the street. But I try to be nice to those kids because I use to canvas for Massequality.

As far as the legality, I assume they have a first amendment right to be there. JP has gotten particularly bad lately...

 

I also came here from Universal Hub. I agree with you 100%. What irks me the most about these canvassers is that they'll say, "Do you have a minute to save the environment?" I want to point out to them that they are not asking for a minute of my time, they are asking for my money, and since I never donate to canvassers (like you, I research and donate online), there is no point in me stopping and listening to their spiel.

 

Here in Northampton MA it's the "do you have a dollar?" gauntlet. "Got any spare change?" etc.

OK, all well and good for people truly in need. If I've got something to spare, I'll toss a couple bucks to the homeless vets. But a lot of these are kids with hip haircuts and hundred-dollar sneakers on the lam from some granite-topped kitchen on Crescent Street. It gets old.

 

Boston City Council Ordinance Against Aggressive Solicitation

The ordinance defines aggressive solicitation as "approaching or following pedestrians, repetitive soliciting despite refusals, threatening or intimidating behavior, unwanted physical contact or the intentional blocking of pedestrian and vehicular traffic."

Furthermore, the ordinance restricts any solicitation within ten feet of any ATMs or bank entrances or exits, on the grounds that solicitations in these areas are "especially troublesome because of the enhanced fear of crime in those confined environments."

Penalties for violation of the ordinance include a $50 fine for the first offense and a $100 fine for subsequent offenses, or court-determined community service hours.

via http://www.thecrimson.com/article/1998/1/28/aggressive-panhandling-outlawed-by-boston-city/