Changing My Perception of Charity
90% of American adults are involved in charitable organizations either with their finances or their time (Lupton, p. 2). There are countless ways to be involved in promoting good in the world. Just visit any church website and be overwhelmed by the vast number of mission organizations that they support. Americans, myself included, pride ourselves on living in the best country in the world and we feel a sense of obligation to share our wealth with the less fortunate.
Does this language sound familiar? Best country in the world. Obligation to share our wealth. Less fortunate. Promoting good in the world. The language attached with charity attracts us, persuades us to help others, and in turn makes us feel better about ourselves. VanBuren Cleveland reminds us that we went wrong with aid when we decided it was necessary for aid to be given with the understanding that American objectives would be achieved in the underdeveloped world. Cleveland made this statement in the 50’s, and yet I think it is still relevant today (p. 80). We give aid generously and attempt to impart our beliefs about how societies should function on countries that are struggling to function just as they are.
Well, what if I told you that even after having received $1 trillion in aid, over half of Africa’s population lives on less than $1 a day (Lupton, p. 3). 85% of aid that is sent to Africa never actually reaches it’s intended population (Lupton, p. 5). Before Haiti was hit by the catastrophic hurricane in January of 2010, $8.3 billion had been poured into the tiny island and yet the population is 25% poorer than when the aid began (Lupton, p. 36). Dambisa Moyo shed light on the brutal truth of aid: “The reality is aid has helped make the poor poorer and growth slower. Aid has been, and continues to be, and unmitigated political, economic, and humanitarian disaster for most parts of the developing world (Lupton, p. 37).”
These statistics are not intended to shy us away for being charitable, but rather they should encourage us to examine the way in which we distribute aid. Studies have shown that it’s a struggle to show whether aid is given for selfish or selfless reasons. In most cases however it is a combination of both (Heinrich, p. 433). Robert Lupton suggests however that we not question the motivation that drives us to give, but instead the unintended consequences of our efforts (p. 11). He challenges his audience to wrestle with the idea that those receiving aid need to have ownership and management in the gifts they are receiving (Lupton, p.13). Aid should not be about religious tourism. It should be focused on creating lasting change in communities. Think about this concept like this: if someone were to buy you groceries every week, you would loose motivation to make money to feed your family. Same goes for aid. When we constantly give without expecting anything in return, we create a cycle of give and take and develop dependent communities.
The solution to preventing dependency: partnership. Aid that allows lasting development requires strings attached. When done with longevity in mind, aid should “empower people based on shared responsibility, mutual support, and accountability (Lupton, p. 29).” We have gotten into the habit of doing things for those in need instead of with those in need (Lupton, p.35). With those in need is not always the easy route. It is often messy for when we partner together we get to know the heart of those we are serving.
And thus I leave you with a challenge: to purse diligence. Invest your time and finances in people and organizations that build long-term, trusting relationships.
References:
Cleveland, H. VanBuren. Purposes of International Aid Programs. The Scientific Monthly, Volume 85, Number 2 (August 1957). Page 77–81.
Heinrich, Tobias. When is Foreign Aid Selfish, When is it Selfless? The Journal of Politics, Volume 75. Number 2 (April 9th, 2013). Page 422–435.
Lupton, Robert D. Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help (And How to Reverse It). HarperOne (2011). Page 1–83.
