When Helping Hurts: Alleviating Poverty Without Hurting The Poor is a powerful book that ought to be read by every non profit in America claiming to "help the poor".
In fact, it ought to be read by every government bureaucrat whose agency "helps the poor" or claims to.
Why? Because well meaning people do things that have unintended consequences. In World War II, American GI's in the Pacific were kind to the native people who, before their arrival, effectively lived in the "Stone Age".
The GI's generosity made them incredibly rich and well off for their circumstances. Until the War ended that is. "Cargo Cults" emerged where these people prayed to the "god" to return - the GI's!
That's the kind of charity that breeds dependence, not independence. Are you trying to help people sustain themselves or do you just want to start a "cult"?
I presume we want to help others become independent - at least that's the kind of charities I wish to support. Maybe charities should have a credential that says "We use practices that foster independence"?
Free resources associated with the book and more background information are available at WhenHelpingHurts.org
Posted via web from kgegeben's posterous