Purposed Intention

When working in the field of international development it becomes difficult at times to resist assigning the needs of a community as a deficit on the people who call these places their homes. As development professional we are trained to rapidly assess the level of need, potential for intervention and probability of long term sustainability of projects. The work of an International NGO is match communities in need with the philanthropic giving of organizational donors. There is a lot that goes into that process so I recognize this oversimplification, but it will serve to guide my thoughts today. I often find myself lost in the methodical nature of the work and forget to lean into my social work training as well as following my own human nature and simply take time to connect with people.

For this blog post I simple want to share with you one Purposed Intention. A reminder to myself that is helping to guide my interactions.

"The wealth of a community lies within the resource of its people"

For the remainder of my stay here in Ethiopia, I will have a Language Partner (translator) accompanying me on all field visits. For the past week I have been more of a quiet observer, soaking in what I see and checking assumptions with the local NGO partner team. I am looking forward to this opportunity and freedom to communicate not only in program meetings but with community members as I walk through their villages. 

I don't want to be the white man hiding behind the camera or just another NGO representative participating in "philanthropic tourism or poverty voyeurism". I don't know if those are actual things but i hope it paints for you the complexity of international aid. I will also state I do not assign these motivations to anyone else I am simply struggling myself with how I process my own experiences. For me, it is important to remember that the community voice is the most critical part of this process and striving to have authentic connections is a personal imperative.

People are survivors. They adjust to their surroundings and find solutions to problems in their lives. Even the toughest challenges seem to be addressed when a community comes together to share it the situational burden. It is amazing just how innovative and resilient humanity can be when under the most extreme of circumstances. This adventure in observation and conversation is where I want to be. Collaborating with people to realize the vision they have for their communities.

I reflect on my first international trip, outside of Mexico border work, to India in February, 2007. I had no concept of what I was about to see but I was very intent on that trip to see the people met for who they were, within the context of where they were and with high respect to the dynamics of their culture. This mindset has served me well on my continued in my travels. My first week is complete and the intensity of adjustment has passed. Moving forward I have set my Purposed Intention, and I will continue to remember this and draw it to my center along my path.

The challenges in the field of international aid and the social discourse over the implications therein will continue. I own my part of the story by trying to remember to honor the people I meet and respect and elevate their voice in the work we do. For now, this is my role. 

Our work is a source of passion, purpose and meaning to me. I provide you with a glimpse into the the treasures I have seen on my journey. As you have now met the people I've met, consider the perspective of a quote shared by Glimmer founder, Donna Berber, this week with our staff that beautifully paints this reciprocal experience. 

“If you've come here to help me, you're wasting your time. But if you've come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.”

 ― Australian Aboriginal Elder Lilla Watson