It's all so overwhelming that I feel like people intentionally stay removed and uninformed so that they won't have to think about it. Sadly, I think this is where I have been lately.
In your opinion, what charities, if any, are doing a "good" job? And beyond donations, where do you think we could invest "better"?
Such a good question, Leanne, and no clear-cut answers. Without contacts on the ground, it's hard to know who is most effective in delivering aid. International NGOs must portray a positive picture, and the media supports this, so it's hard to bypass the spin.
I like locally based organizations run by people who are locals or ex-pats with long-term engagement. I try to get in contact with people I know who have worked in these areas and find groups that aim to address long-term foundational needs such as education, food production and distribution, and infrastructure projects.
As far as Haiti, one name that has come up on NPR and several blogs is Konbit Pou Ayiti. From the little I can gather, they look to be in a good position for lasting impact.
I am attached to Haiti personally, so I am making time to research some. With most incidences, there is not time or connection, and that's what makes it difficult to respond our of our ignorance.
Beyond donations, investing "better" is again difficult. Individual and church partnerships with people we know personally working in these areas is always good, as they can give more specific feedback on how to help outside of finances. I also think much of this has to happen at the governmental level, so I am in favor of international advocacy efforts like Jubilee or intervention efforts like International Justice Mission.
And of course, investing in prayer is a surefire option.
2 comments:
It's all so overwhelming that I feel like people intentionally stay removed and uninformed so that they won't have to think about it. Sadly, I think this is where I have been lately.
In your opinion, what charities, if any, are doing a "good" job? And beyond donations, where do you think we could invest "better"?
Such a good question, Leanne, and no clear-cut answers. Without contacts on the ground, it's hard to know who is most effective in delivering aid. International NGOs must portray a positive picture, and the media supports this, so it's hard to bypass the spin.
I like locally based organizations run by people who are locals or ex-pats with long-term engagement. I try to get in contact with people I know who have worked in these areas and find groups that aim to address long-term foundational needs such as education, food production and distribution, and infrastructure projects.
As far as Haiti, one name that has come up on NPR and several blogs is Konbit Pou Ayiti. From the little I can gather, they look to be in a good position for lasting impact.
I am attached to Haiti personally, so I am making time to research some. With most incidences, there is not time or connection, and that's what makes it difficult to respond our of our ignorance.
Beyond donations, investing "better" is again difficult. Individual and church partnerships with people we know personally working in these areas is always good, as they can give more specific feedback on how to help outside of finances. I also think much of this has to happen at the governmental level, so I am in favor of international advocacy efforts like Jubilee or intervention efforts like International Justice Mission.
And of course, investing in prayer is a surefire option.
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