I have a personal issue with charity. Don’t get me wrong. I think they serve a great purpose, and I even sit on the board for a wonderful organization (Wonders and Worries). There are many though that have a fundamental challenge they have yet to address, changing the game to affect the issue they are trying to help.
This is very apparent in charities that address poverty. While I support both of the following, I want to highlight these charities as examples of organizations that can do better.
Mobile Loaves and Fishes
One of the most respected and fundamentally good organizations to help provide food for the homeless. With a fleet of trucks, and hundreds of volunteers, MLFs brings food to the people, where they are in local communities. Yet, is this not just continuing the cycle? What incentive is the organization providing to the people it serves to break the cycle, and help them get jobs, income and the ability to purchase their food? With a steady schedule of handouts, and only verbal encouragement to look for opportunity- my $.02-- not much.
What if MLF had the people it served learn tangible and relevant skills in return for the food? Would that not provide a platform where the skills could be applied productively back into the local community and try to break the cycle? Just an idea.
Coats for Kids
Another worthy cause. Helping provide warm clothing for kids who could not otherwise afford. Again though, is this not just a handout? What incentive does this provide to help the families to change their cycle so that they could afford their own warm clothes in subsequent years?
What if CFK could help parents of kids who benefited learn seamstress skills? They could then help repair/fix clothing for extra money, and provide a bit of incremental income to purchase that jacket next year. Maybe not a big difference, but sometimes a small change is all you need.
These are just two examples of charities that could alter their models a bit and create more demonstrable change in the communities they serve. A couple of examples have been highlighted on Tech Crunch today. Check those out.
Can you think of others in your local community? Reach out to them and offer your thoughts and help. Collectively we can make a difference.
7 months ago
2 comments:
Thanks for posting this thought provoking post. I would recommend you take a look at Unitus. They do microfinance in the developing world. They do a great job of teaching people how to fish. It's not pure charity.
Allan. Thanks for sharing Unitus. Had not heard before, and think they are a shining example of social ventures... to your point and the proverb, 'give the man a fish and he eats for a day, teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime.' Let's shoot for the latter.
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