Alumni Reflect on GlobeMed’s First Principle

This is part of a storytelling series highlighting GlobeMed’s 8 core principles, which we co-created with our community in 2021. Principles are values in action and GlobeMed’s principles outline the commitments to equity, sustainability, and accountability that underpin who we are and where we’re going.

GlobeMed’s first principle is first for a reason — it articulates the very core of GlobeMed’s mission. The sustainable partnership model is critical to GlobeMed’s understanding of the global health movement and the values we seek to reflect in our work:

We recognize our place in the global health equity movement, and do our part with excellence. We seek out community experts who are already working to solve health and equity problems to work alongside and in partnership when invited.

We asked several alumni to reflect back on their experience seeing this principle in action during their years in GlobeMed. Throughout their years in the GlobeMed community, how did they see long-term, sustainable partnership at work, and how is it important?

“To me, the first [principle] means that when entering a global health space, everyone must acknowledge their privileges, points of view, and expertise. This often means taking a step back and acknowledging that you may not be the foremost expert in the room, especially when the health problem occurs in a country or a community with which you have no ties. Let others with lived experiences and expertise lead the work, and provide a supportive role in whichever manner best suits everyone involved. Work hand in hand with those already solving the health and equity problems on the ground, not against them while trying to ‘re-invent the wheel.’ While these principles were not around when I was a member of GlobeMed, these lessons were instilled in me during my time with the organization and ones that I carry on in my present day work in the global health sphere.” — Mackenzie Burke, GlobeMed at the George Washington University alumna

“GlobeMed encourages students to approach their curiosity about other communities with the lens of power and encourages them to reflect on their positionality before rushing forward with any perceived solutions. It’s also about redefining what we consider to be problems and who we consider to be experts. This combination of self examination and community engagement is a lifelong practice, and I’ve seen that be at the core of many meaningful GlobeMed partnerships.” — Anupa Gewali, GlobeMed at Rochester University alumna

“Efforts to improve global health equity that aren’t steeped in partnership lack the ability to lead to sustainable change. GlobeMed’s continued practice of learning and working with partners has allowed the organization to create lasting impact in various ways over the past 15 years. As an alum I’ve carried these principles with me in my professional experiences as I’ve sought after opportunities that would allow me to center the needs of those who would be the most impacted by change. As the field of global health continues to prioritize community driven initiatives, I’m confident that GlobeMed’s principles will influence students and partners for years to come.” — Gloria Wowolo, GlobeMed at Rutgers University alumna

Common through-lines in Mackenzie, Anupa, and Gloria’s reflections included keeping in mind your positionality and privilege; emphasizing sustainability in both projects and relationships; and celebrating everyone’s contributions, rather than doing things a pre-set way. As we graduate another class of GlobeMedders and continue preparing for this summer’s GROW internships, it’s a great time to reflect on what the first principle means to you. What are the most rewarding aspects of working in partnership — why don’t we just go solo? What are other situations in which we can center those who are most impacted by something? And how do we make projects able to sustain after we’re gone?

Have a reflection on the first principle or any other GlobeMed principles you’d like to share with us? Get in touch!