International development was built on supremacy culture. It’s time for a change.
After 30+ years working in international development, I decided to no longer accept systems of “aid” that undermine the dignity of individuals and communities. Oftentimes, well-meaning projects actually interfere with people’s abilities to sustainably identify and meet their own needs. So now I am working with an organization and a movement that does the opposite — starts with people and dignity, listening and partnerships — and produces truly meaningful change.
The state of international development writ large is not surprising. Many aspects of international development are built on broken systems — ones created to enable colonial extraction of assets, to politicize aid for geopolitical gain, and more recently, to increase capitalist profits with little regard for the well-being of people and the environment. And, although many have pointed out the problems with these structures (see pieces in The Guardian and Devex), within the aid sector there has been a lack of true action or change.
As many have pointed out, the first step to fixing a problem is admitting you have it.
In 2001, Kenneth Jones and Tema Okun of ChangeWork outlined some of the hallmarks and characteristics of white supremacy culture within an organization. From a mindset of perfectionism, where there is a “tendency to identify what is wrong and little ability to identify, name, and appreciate what is right;” to a focus exclusively on producing measurable goals, international development organizations tend to have most, if not all, of these characteristics engrained in their organization culture and project design.
When I look back at my career in development, starting as a Peace Corps volunteer in Botswana, well… I can point to many times that I participated in and advanced white supremacy culture (as much as it makes me sick to say).
What if we eliminated supremacy culture from international development? What might replace “experts” and “target populations” and “beneficiaries”? What if we did away with phrases like “developing” countries? And with linear change models that don’t recognize complex settings? What if we stopped launching pre-designed projects, and preset work plans that can only be changed with permission from people who are far away, unaffected by the intervention?
Thankfully there are international development models that promote a culture based on partnership, dignity, respect, and mutuality.
Reimagining International Development: A Model Driven By and For Communities.
My increasing discomfort with supremacy practices led me to a place where I know my work is contributing to a sustainable, positive difference in the world: The Movement for Community-led Development.
We are building a world where everyone, including women, youth, people with different abilities, LGBTI people, and other marginalized groups have dignity, voice, and agency. Through the community-led development model, people are able to decide on their own priorities and are empowered to make them happen. They learn how to access government services and to advocate for better service delivery. They develop diverse livelihoods, learn how to provide their families with healthy food, clean water, good education. They are safe. Children are nurtured. And so much more.
As part of the Movement, we are working to establish national chapters, which have blossomed into a haven for civil society organizations driven by passionate, ethical, and committed people determined to make a difference in their country. They have a deep understanding of what needs to change in their communities, and are excited to learn from one another and from those of us who have supported similar changes in other countries.
There is so much latent brilliance and energy out there, people eager to make progress — but supremacy culture is suppressing it.
Let’s dismantle and rebuild international development — from the “community up” this time.
