Yesterday NPR published a story highlighting the massive, ineffective fundraising efforts done by the American Red Cross, and what it doesn't mean for Haiti.
Why is Haiti still struggling so? It seems the American Red Cross practices a form of imperialistic charity, using American methodology that is costly, ineffective, and does not work in a country that is vastly different than our own. Not that I could ever say our own policies are most effective when they're drowned in paperwork, management costs, and such. That is a time when you allow an American to deliver the aid, and work with a Haitian team to implement it.
We've all been told to be careful who we give to, and research our charities, especially after it came out last month that 187 million dollars were raised for fake cancer charities. But I don't think Charity Navigator is necessarily the best way to do your research. It can be a useful tool when giving to a large organization.
I think we can do better. Large charities often have more resources, but they can be impeded by policy and internal bureaucracy. Grassroots efforts, on the other hand, often exist in places you may have never heard of, and they have to get creative with their limited resources. Don't be afraid to get involved in your community, and to like the Facebook page of a small effort that does work you care about. Learn about what they do, and if you get a chance, talk to the people who are involved--volunteers, organizers, clients, and even the founders.. The relationships you can develop in charitable involvement, whether it be through fundraising, volunteering, or donations--can tell you a lot about the organization. The synergy of the big charity working with a small grassroots organization, I believe is how we achieve the most useful aid.
I used to be a huge advocate for researching charities on Charity Navigator. I gave to Compassion and I was impressed by their very high ratings. They just happen to be large enough to have those ratings. That is not what made them stand out to me. It was the relationships I had with employees of Compassion, their accountability, and dedication to holistic practice. Relief is not one size fits all--and it has to be done as it works for the community, using the people who know the community as much as possible. This is something the Red Cross has failed to see. Since then, I have increasingly given to smaller and smaller charities. The kind that you have never heard of, that have a few staff members (sometimes unpaid), and they are incredibly dedicated. These are people who dedicate their lives to their work. They're the charities I find out about because they might be involved with volunteer work I do, such as iSanctuary, which helps survivors of trafficking in Mumbai and Orange County. They sell handmade jewellery and accessories in shops all over the county and I have them as my Amazon Smile charity!
I also cannot recommend enough the following three young women and the organizations they founded. They love children more than life, and I trust them with my donations. I have given to them over the past few years, and watched their love only grow. And now they all have real websites!
Narges Ashtari, Prishan Foundation--started an orphanage in Rayagada and a home for blind children in Mukundupur
Megan Boudreax, Respire Haiti--started a school for the most vulnerable children in Gressier, Haiti
Morgan Weinberg, LittleFootprints, Big Steps--provides holistic care and education for Haitian children who have suffered abuse, slavery, or homelessness, with a goal of permanency.
Honestly, I would say that Ms. Weinberg, at 23 years old, has probably done more for Haiti in the past few years than the American Red Cross has with hundreds of millions of dollars. She has changed the lives of the children and families around her, and LFBS employs ONLY Haitian staff, as a commitment to development in Haiti. She believes in permanency and LFBS while the Red Cross, has built only 6 permanent homes.
