Remembering Why You are There

The other weekend, I went to the Storyteller annual gala.  I've been a big advocate of Storyteller and the importance of early childhood education for years.

But, I must admit between thinking about what I am going to wear, who we are sitting with, chatting with friends, and making sure I don't drink enough to pay the price in the morning, it's easy for me to loose site of why I am there.  Other than the three minutes when an excellent video on a Storyteller family was shown, the rest of the four hours were simply a party for me.

Then I woke up, luckily one drink shy of regret, to New York Times writer Nicholas Kristof's Sunday article.  It is as if he knew the event was the night before.  It was if he knew Paul Tough was coming to speak in SB next month on "Why Kids Succeed."

In Kristof's article, he and Tough discuss that the character strengths that matter so much to success are not innate.  They are rooted in brain chemistry by the environment in which we grow-up.   One study followed 267 children of first-time low-income mothers for nearly four decades. It found that whether a child received supportive parenting in the first few years of life was at least as good a predictor as I.Q. of whether he or she would graduate from high school.

"This means the cycle can be broken, and the implication is that the most cost-effective way to address poverty isn’t necessarily housing vouchers or welfare initiatives or prison-building. Rather, it may be early childhood education and parenting programs." 

TAKEAWAY:

My clarity is back and I am completely reminded why Storyteller continues to be one of the organizations I give my time and money to and in a twisted way, a little piece of me feels my night of celebration helped make a difference.

Is there something you support that you have forgotten why it is so important to you? 

Processing the Greg Mortenson Controversy

I had other ideas on this week's posts, including ideas sent from some of you.  However, I felt compelled to process my feelings about the Greg Mortenson controversy. 


I saw the 60 mins. story Sunday night, read the Outside Online exclusive interview with Greg and am just sitting here heartbroken.  So, I decided to check in with another hero of mine, Kristof to see if he had been writing anything and sure enough he'd written today's column about it.  As expected, Kristof nailed it on so many levels and because I couldn't even begin to capture it as well,  I am posting my favorite parts of his article.

"My inclination is to reserve judgment until we know more, for disorganization may explain more faults than dishonesty."

"He was right about the need for American outreach in the Muslim world. He was right that building schools tends to promote stability more than dropping bombs. He was right about the transformative power of education, especially girls’ education. He was right about the need to listen to local people — yes, over cup after cup after cup of tea — rather than just issue instructions. "

"I worry that scandals like this — or like the disputes about microfinance in India and Bangladesh — will leave Americans disillusioned and cynical. And it’s true that in their struggle to raise money, aid groups sometimes oversell how easy it is to get results. Helping people is more difficult than it seems."

"The furor over Greg’s work breaks my heart. And the greatest loss will be felt not by those of us whose hero is discredited, nor even by Greg himself, but by countless children in Afghanistan who now won’t get an education after all. But let’s not forget that even if all the allegations turn out to be true, Greg has still built more schools and transformed more children’s lives than you or I ever will."

"As we sift the truth of these allegations, let’s not allow this uproar to obscure that larger message of the possibility of change."

TAKEAWAYS:


Don't stop giving, just start asking.

I fear the big loser will be the underserved in the world because people will be scared of giving.  Even if there is a way to prove everything 60 mins said as wrong, and let's face it, some of it is probably true, the damage is done.  Greg inspired people.  He inspired people to be philanthropists regardless of the cause they gave to.  He inspired people to feel they could make a change.

I'm worried people will stop giving out of fear.  There's a gap between the unrealistic expectations we have of nonprofits, the reality of actually implementing help in complicated situations, and the lack of business expertise within nonprofits.

I don't know how to reconcile all of this, but I do know I don't want people to stop giving, but instead start asking more questions so you have a realistic understanding of issues facing the nonprofits you support.  Who knows, by better understanding their challenges, you might find additional ways of supporting them.

Not Good News For Microfinance in India

Last month, I published a post talking about how microfinance was being questioned.  The post includes an article by my favorite international aid/global development hero, Nicholas Kristof discussing how important microfinance, done ethically, is to aid poverty and his support of Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Peace Prize winner and founder of Grameen Bank,
 On Wednesday Kristof published the following on his facebook page:

"Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel Peace Prize winner who helped found microfinance to alleviate poverty around the world, has been fired. Grameen Bank says that the Bangladesh Central Bank has removed Yunus as managing director. I'm disgusted. This is the work of the Bangladesh prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, who is jealous of... Yunus's success -- and she shames herself and her country. The losers are the world's poor."

Bangladesh News Online also strongly states, that while they are using a violation of the retirement law as reasons for his removal, that it is politically motivated.

 
As of Sunday, the Washington Post reports his removal is being protested and the government is deferring the ruling.  Keep an eye out for a final ruling and cross your fingers India does the right thing.

Aid vs. Development

Last week, I heard one of Time's 100 most influential people, speak on "Why Aid is Not Working and How There is a Better Way for Africa."  Dambisa Moyo really hammered home not only why we need to focus on economic infrastructures, but why aid is actually harming efforts to eliminate poverty.

In a pre-event discussion hosted by The Eleos Foundation, Moyo stated that African governments treat aid like an open ended entitlement and the developed world continues to feed into this expectation.  There is no incentive for African governments to build economic infrastructure in their country because they know that aid will come anyway.

The one thing the World Bank can focus on this year, is to make all African countries get a credit rating.  Right now, only 15 of the 50 countries have one.  This credit rating is a signal to the international business community to have confidence in doing business there.  Instead, African countries are showing images of impoverished children to increase aid.  No investor wants to do business with that image. 

In Africa, people who have access to education frequently do not take advantage of it because they know there won't be any jobs so why bother with the effort.  Africa needs to create a place where industry exists and jobs are created other than the industry of aid.

Moyo's criticisms are mostly focused on government aid and less on charity from nonprofits or on emergency aid.  However, she does point out the example of the African mosquito net manufacturer, employing local villagers, who is put out of business by well-intentioned aid agencies doling out free nets.

While the above represents what Moyo discussed, I have to agree that it makes sense.  Here our my take aways:

TAKE AWAY #1:

Consistent with the issue of international aid vs. global development, I also recently read about social aid vs. social change.  In your own giving, whether it's local, national, or international, think about if where you are donating your  money is providing aid or the opportunity for change.  It's up to you where you give, but it's good to understand what you are giving to.

TAKE AWAY #2:

Moyo did show her support for programs like KIVA, which provide micro financing and is pretty well known in the U.S.  This is such an easy way for people like you and me to help support global change.  I am about to give my second girlfriend a birthday gift of a KIVA gift card.  No more candles, note cards, or books from me.


Click HERE for an article by my man Kristof addressing and supporting Moyo's views and a discussion on what type of aid is working the best.

What IS Working in Haiti (and elsewhere)

I am completely overwhelmed, and I feel helpless about the situation in Haiti.  All of the negative media about non-government organization's (NGO's) being ineffective and even hurting Haiti's recovery, like this one, is making me want to be in denial about the whole situation.  So, I want to take a moment to highlight something that IS working to help Haiti, banking via cell phones.

No one is saying immediate basic health, shelter and food issues aren't important, but if you want to look long term at arresting poverty, then you need to understand "why the most powerful idea in microfinance isn’t microloans, but microsavings — helping the poor safely store their money."  Maybe on the surface it doesn't sound that monumental, but I hope after reading the articles below you will be as optimistic as I am about this.

Gates Foundation gives prize for Haiti help - U.S. news - Giving - msnbc.com

Announces the first $2.5 million dollar grant, of a total of $10 million, the foundation plans to give away to the first companies that help Haitians with mobile banking.  Additional links on foundation page explaining importance of this investment:

• Bill Gates: Mobile Phones + Savings: A Powerful Pair
• Mobile money services have arrived in Haiti! - Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
• Create Savings Accounts and Bring Financial Security to the World’s Poorest | Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

 
Can Cell Phones Rescue Haiti? - Huffington Post
"Yet when you ask Haitians what they want most, the overwhelming majority will tell you they need money to support their families. After Haitians get clean water, food, shelter and medicine -- all the trappings of traditional aid packages -- they will still lack basic economic opportunities. That's where the cell phones come in."

I am re-posting these two articles as they further support the vital role cell phones play in aiding poverty.


I've Seen The Future (in Haiti) - New York Times
 Nicholas Kristof on the importance of cell phone technology in aiding poverty areas.  Also see this blog post from Kristof for more input from him.


In Kenya, Huts Far Off the Grid Harness the Sun - New York Times 
Recent article on the impact proving electricity, via solar panels, has on impoverished communities, not the least of which is being able to charge their cell phone, which ties into the importance of cell phones mentioned in the above article by Kristof.

I want to speak more to my feelings of helplessness and denial about Haiti.  Despite the constant negative press about the situation, I continue to read articles about people's refusal to give up. Last week I posted this interview with Thomas Tighe from Direct Relief International who said, "There is no option to quit."
There was also this article:

Why U.S. aid workers refuse to give up - CNN.com

"I don't want America to stop from asking these tough questions, because they have to keep all of us on the ball. I just want them to understand that the option to stop helping Haiti, while we address those questions, is that people will die," Stern said.

CALL TO ACTION:

1) donate used cell phones to Haiti or other poverty stricken countries.  You can google "donate cell phones Haiti" to get a list of organizations that take cell phones for this purpose.

2) Continue to donate to reputable NGO's supporting Haiti like our local Direct Relief International

3) When donating to other relief organization's ask them if they use cell phone technology to disperse their funds to victims.

MY ACTION:
At my next book club, I am going to ask everyone to bring old cell phones to donate.  I know I could say I am going to do a larger collection, but I might not ever get to that.  This is a small enough start that I will follow through with it. 

Giving Charity as a Present

One of my resolutions is to give more charitable gifts as presents this year either in form of a donation or purchasing fair trade items.  Here are some good resources for accomplishing this.


Gift Cards for Charity 
from Washington Post
I like the idea of a charitable gift card because the recipient gets to shop for where the donation actually goes.  The article mentions two good sites that they feel offer well vetted options:

Global Giving
Tis Best


Nicholas Kristoff's Suggestions 
from New York Times
Any suggestions from this well known international aid journalist are bound to be worthy


Causecast
This site tells you what you can get for what dollar amount.  For instance, $14.00 buys you school supplies for a former child slave in Ghana or $25.00 for immunizations for a child in Haiti.  Also, includes lots of options in the U.S.


Change.org
I like how this charity gift giving guide is organized by the recipient's area of interest.



KIVA
I have wanted to give a microloan as a gift for years and have yet to do it.  This is the year!  I like this gift for two reasons.  One, the recipient gets to shop for the loan they want to give.  Secondly, when the loan is paid back, your recipient gets to loan the money again, and again.

Note:  In another post on this blog there are several negative articles regarding microfinancing, but I am standing behind it's value when done ethically and with integrity.


 12 Small Things
To purchase physical gifts from fair trade/socially responsible vendors check out this site.  It was suggested by a friend of mine who is hired by foreign governments to increase the business of fair trade items to benefit their local communities. 


Trade As One
I liked this site because it gives you background on the communities benefiting from your purchase. It not only has a selection of nice gifts, but also alternatives to items you buy for yourself probably not fair trade, like soccer balls.

Global Exchange Fair Trade
You can google "fair trade gifts" and get numerous suggested.  This was one that looked particular good.

Sudan, Haiti, Microfinance Questioned, Solutions

SUDAN - over the years, much has been in the news about the human genocide happening in Darfur.  This election could possibly split the country into two with unknown positive or negative results for its people's welfare.

Jimmy Carter and Nicholas Kristof Answer Readers' Questions About Sudan, Take 1 - NYTimes.com
This is a great link to hearing from Kristoff and former President Carter about the current election situation in Sudan and its impact.

Cameron Sinclair: Southern Sudan: Building a New Nation

 Good comments about what Sudan will need if the country splits.  Points out the role of aid and possible negative impact, "where aid funding undermines economic incentive or a government's ability to develop local systems is dangerous and can lead to further destabilization."

MICROFINANCE UNDER QUESTION - Just like it is hard to see well meaning foreign aid groups under attack, it's frustrating to see microfinance now being questioned.  After reading these articles I am taking the stance that done ethically it is a good program.

In India, Microcredit Has Suffered a Black Eye - NYTimes.com

Article talking about hostility toward micro lenders and the attempt to blame the Nobel prize winner who mainstreamed it in India, Muhammad Yunus.

Suicides in India Revealing How Men Made a Mess of Microcredit - Bloomberg

Important point that many knock off lenders are in it for the profit and to take advantage.  Muhammad Yunus  addresses difference between Grammens Bank and the others.

Is Bangladesh Trying to Take Over Grameen Bank? - NYTimes.com

And from Kristof, "Bangladesh has thrived in recent decades because of the strength of its civil society — especially Grameen and the equally amazing organization BRAC. Government governance has frankly been disappointing, but civil society has helped account for Bangladesh’s enormous gains. If the government is now going to crush the country’s strongest sector, heaven help it."

HAITI - On the one year mark of the earthquake, I have to include something.

Charity Navigator Special Report - Haiti Earthquake: One Year Later - Main

 This is a great resource for getting more on the impact NGO's have had in Haiti especially with all of the bad press they have been getting.

An Unguarded Portrait of Haitian Spirit: Damon Winters Depicts a Disabled Dancer - NYTimes.com

Great story behind how the NYT Haiti cover shot was captured.

One year after the earthquake, Haitians wonder if international aid is keeping their country poor. (2) - By Maura R. O'Connor - Slate Magazine

This is a four part series.  I don't agree with all of it, but I found this second article the most interesting.


Direct Relief International: Emergency Response - Haiti Earthquake
 DRI's recap of the impact they have had this last year in Haiti.  Despite all of the negative press NGO's have been getting, let's not forget the good work that is still done.  You can also see CEO Thomas Tighe interviewed at msnbc.com Video Player.  I like his quote, "There is no option to quit."


SOLUTIONS:  "Fixes" is online only at the New York Times.  It focuses on currently implemented solutions to social problems and why they work.  Always interesting to read.

To Beat Back Poverty, Pay the Poor - NYTimes.com

This article discusses what it refers to as a more successful solution that can be implemented on a larger scale and that is paying the poor.  Current successful examples are included.

A Light in India - NYTimes.com

This article addresses how some of the greatest advances come from taking old ideas or technologies and making them accessible to millions of people who are underserved. In this case, electricity from corn husks.  

And to finish some things up:

Rich Tafel: A Bipartisan Strategy for Sharpening U.S. Foreign Aid

Good article on the the US government aid agency's future. It's direction and what it needs.   Emphasis is on aid that fosters economic development as a solution to poverty which is what I am reading more and more about as the best direction from people like Kristof.

International Aid from Kristof

Nicholas Kristof
Many of you might have known who Nicholas Kristof was for years, but for me, I just discovered him a couple of months ago when I started reading his book, "Half the Sky."
The two time Pulitzer Prize winner and op-ed writer for the New York Times is my new deity. 

Bill Clinton said in September 2009: "There is no one in journalism who has done anything like the work he has done to figure out how poor people are actually living around the world, and what their potential is....So every American citizen who cares about this should be profoundly grateful that someone in our press establishment cares enough about this to haul himself all around the world to figure out what's going on....I am personally in his debt, as are we all."

Below are some recent and not so recent postings of his.

 
What Haiti Needs Most
from New York Times
Nicholas Kristof on what we need most in Haiti is business investors to create jobs.


I've Seen The Future (in Haiti)
from  New York Times
 Nicholas Kristof on the importance of cell phone technology in aiding poverty areas.


In Kenya, Huts Far Off the Grid Harness the Sun 
from New York Times
Not from Kristof, but recent article on the impact proving electricity, via solar panels, has on impoverished communities, not the least of which is being able to charge their cell phone, which ties into the importance of cell phones mentioned in the above article by Kristof.


Women's Crusade 
from New York Times
This is from a special section published in Aug 2009 discussing the experiences leading him to write "Half the Sky."  If you every feel down on your life, reading this book will make you realize how incredibly blessed you are and what amazing things people are doing to make an impact.


A School Bus for Shamsia
from New York Times
From this same section on "Saving the World's Women".  This story gives you not only good insight into just how challenging is it for girls to gain access to education under the Taliban, but the culture issues we face in trying to help them even with money available. It starts, "Even before the men with acid came..."


The Daughter Deficit
from New York Times
A final selection from "Saving the World's Women" and another one that shows western interest in helping is not as simple as it looks.  This article discusses how development seems to have not only failed to help many Indian girls but to have made things worse.


Women Fighting Sex Slavery Names CNN Hero of the Year
from CNN
I was in denial that sex slavery still exists, but Kristof pretty much enlightened me to my ignorance.  This recent award by CNN is only further proof of the still existing issue.