The birds, the bees and charity

The discussion of sex and charity ads over on Philanthropy.com raises the question of what constitutes an appropriate and effective integration of sex into cause marketing.

One that's been getting a bit of mixed attention is the "Declare Yourself" campaign, which features Jessica Alba in bondage.

The promoters call this "provocative." Critics call it "creepy." Me, I'm trying to figure out how, if Alba silenced herself, she managed to wrap that tape with her hands bound behind her back.

The NYC Sexbloggers Calendar is an example of a fundraising medium that aligns with the values of the multiple communities it serves--the sexbloggers who created it, the sexually themed blogosphere to whom it is targeted and the sex work charity that it benefits.

This eBay auction for the ASPCA raises several interesting questions, not least of which is whether the chosen beneficiary welcomes publicity from the sale of a dinner with a porn star. If the ASPCA is opposed to this, the use of the ASPCA logo provides a hook for taking it down.

But should the ASPCA protest? While some may find the association with a porn star unsavory, the fact is that porn stars, strippers and others in the biz are people too. They pay taxes, raise children, have hopes and dreams like everyone else. Is it more charitable to stigmatize people or to encourage them to join in a greater cause?

Finally for now, here's one aimed at promoting safe sex among teens. The message: condoms stop global warming, because by preventing babies from being born they reduce the number of folks hurting the environment.

Of course, you could use the same argument to promote abstinence or becoming a priest, let alone other forms of birth control that aren't as effective in preventing disease. But hey, the site is by kids for kids, so A-for-effort and all that!