Being one of the 'Salt Lake lot', as you put it, not only did I not feather my nest, but I sunk quite a bit of money into a mission.
If asked how the relief effort in Africa was going, i would reply very well, thank you. Measles vaccinations and children's nutrition being two examples that spring to mind, not to mention that I spent my spare time for 2 weeks helping put together first aid kits to be sent to Africa. Would have done more, except that I don't live in the States, or anywhere else near one of our welfare centres.

I had absolutely no problems with people not wanting to listen. I would bid them a good day and go elsewhere. If there were any signs that said no canvassing, I wouldn't knock there. However, I saw no reason to be offensive to us when a striaght no would suffice.
My purpose was not to find people to argue with, or to browbeat with my message, bit of a waste of time.