Equitas

Children on Stage

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 18:41:00 GMT

The following is a guest blog post by one of our trusted implementing partners. Coleen Hedglin currently serves as the Program Consultant for Beyond Borders’ Child Protection Program. I would encourage you to read this post and get involved in supporting this important movement!

-jonathan

Children on Stage

Every time my daughter’s school has one of those assemblies when parents are invited, on some special occasion, to come be audience for all the kids who get up on stage at different times and belt out songs, recite poetry, or perform sketches with total uninhibited abandon, creativity and joy, I cry. Be it the celebration of the death of Jean Jacques Dessalines, the annual Christmas concert, or flag day. Whatever it is. The students go on stage. I cry. No, it doesn’t have to be my daughter. This time it was the closing ceremony of Francophone week, which lasted a beautiful three hours.

Marika goes to one of the American schools here in Port-au-Prince. Founded in 1919 to serve families of US State Department employees, 93 years later, the school continues to provide a good education within the American curriculum. Things are different now, though. Most of the students who attend are not American citizens, but children of Haitian families. Others are international students whose parents have found their way to Haiti via NGO work or diplomacy. The tuition is high. Really high.

It’s a good school. During her five years there, Marika has grown so much, learned so much, been encouraged by teachers and staff, found her creative self, become an avid reader, and mastered her times tables. During the ride home from school, she often excitedly fills me in about what she learned that day. (Oh, God, please let her always do this!) She has had access to a decent library, after-school soccer, music, art, computer lab and, most importantly, a safe, encouraging learning environment. Every year the entire school body plus their families gather for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner together (I usually cry then, too – especially when the kids go up to say into the microphone what they’re thankful for.) It’s a good school.

So why do I cry? Well, it should be said that if my daughter’s an avid reader, then I’m an avid crier. It’s true. I’m a joyful crier, mostly. I’m also a contagious crier. (Don’t get me started.) But to explain why I cry at the school assemblies, I have to go back a few years.

Marika was 4. We had just moved to Port-au-Prince from Jacmel, and I was trying to decide where to place her for Pre-K. At the time I was working within Beyond Borders’ education program, helping our staff to develop programming to help rural communities strengthen education services so that parents can raise their children at home – to not send them into child servitude. That should give you some context for my parallel processes. While trying to find ways to help desperate parents KEEP and RAISE their own children at home, to keep them AWAY FROM SLAVERY, and here I am being choosy about my own child’s education. After much deliberation, I had pretty much made my decision. It was not easy. I had entered this intensely mind-boggling and heart-wrenching process of justifying my choice. “Depriving MY daughter of a quality education is NOT going to help all these Haitian children who don’t have access to ANY education.” “What if we need to move back to the US some day? She’ll need to already be immersed in the American curriculum.” “I can’t help her in the French curriculum. I don’t speak French!” “Even if I’VE chosen to make the sacrifice to live and work in Haiti, I’m not going to sacrifice her chance for a quality education.” The justification worked. I enrolled her. I couldn’t afford it at the time, but with the support of family and friends, we made it happen.

The support of family and friends. And community.

I cry from that deep place of joy that I like to assume every human being knows. The sight of any child or young person finding themselves, reaching deeper and expressing outwardly. The blessed music teacher: standing by and encouraging with the most humbly loving presence, taking in each and every one of those notes sung or played (on key or off), proudly standing by as witness to his work, the daily work in the classroom of giving children safe and encouraging space to find themselves through learning, experimentation and expression. The teachers: sitting with their children. Yes, those children are like their very own for the year they’re with them. Oh, the Haitian studies teachers – their own amazing enthusiasm and pride in their history mirrored in each of their students. That glow can only come from the positive learning experiences they’ve had with those teachers. I can’t forget the parents. The proud smiles. Their presence. I can’t help but to think that some of them are trying to hold back their own tears.

Inevitably, however, the tears transform into tears of anger, tears of deep, deep sadness. What kind of world do I live in, that right across the street from this amazing school there are probably hundreds of children living in slavery, doing their daily chores, NOT learning, NOT being given the chance to find themselves, to express themselves, to find their own creative power, but rather having their spirits beaten down? What kind of a world is this one where, because of some very confusing, screwed-up, global system of haves and have not’s, many, many, many children around the world do not get to go to school and desperate parents make desperate decisions affecting their children negatively every day? How can I NOT look at those kids on stage and see the Anne Rose’s and Rosemaine’s of the world? Because the Rosemaine’s and Anne Rose’s are not so far away. They’re down the street from my house. They’re across from my daughter’s school. They’re walking by with heavy loads on their heads while I drive Marika to school. They’re in the neighborhoods where my amazing colleagues work to raise awareness and to mobilize neighbors to do what they can with what they have to be in solidarity with one another and to protect the children. They’re the reason I wake up every day and go to work, and the reason I stay in front of my computer too long some evenings, while my daughter stands by and says, “Mom, it’s bedtime. Come read to me.”

After the earthquake, Marika spent five months living with her Grandmother in Ohio, going to the school I attended as a child. When the school year was over and it was time for her to come back to Haiti with me, she began her campaign for us to move to the US. It lasted just a few weeks. Each argument became more and more intelligent. She even argued quality dental care at one point. Then came the day I will never forget. Up to that point I had only listened silently, not voicing an opinion one way or another. But that day, I asked her. “Do you know why we live in Haiti, honey?” And she answered. “I know mom. So all those kids in restavèk can be freed. And so that every child in Haiti can have a grown up who loves them and takes care of them.” The campaign stopped there. She then began a new campaign, that very same day. “Mommy, I’m going to pray. I’m going to pray that all these children who don’t have parents find someone. I’m going to pray that people stop making children be slaves. I’m going to pray.” You do that, honey. You do that.

I never feel comfortable asking. It’s not a thing I like to do AT ALL. But this time, I can’t NOT ask. I HAVE to ask. Because this time, it’s coming from a very deep and real place within me. Thanks to our amazing friends at Equitas Group, if we raise $12,000, every dollar given to this program will be matched. This is not just some cause I believe in. These are communities I know. I have friends living there. I know children whose parents have brought them home from restavèk because of these schools. It’s amazing work in a few communities, but it’s making a very real difference in the lives of very real people.

The support of family and friends. And community.

If you already support Beyond Borders’ work, THANK YOU SO MUCH.

If you don’t, please consider this chance to do so.

Love,

Coleen (and Marika)

Why I Support KONY 2012

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 14:04:00 GMT

Note ( 3-17-12): Our thoughts and prayers are with Jason, his family and Invisible Children at this time.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

We grant makers, humanitarians and relief/development workers can be a cynical bunch and rightly so. We’ve seen earnest but naive people and organizations jump into the fray of some issue, splash big and burn out. We’ve seen slick plans and well-marketed campaigns that seem too good to be true because they are. We’ve embraced many issues ourselves thinking we would help to solve a problem or find the lever that creates big social change, only to discover it is much, much more complex than we thought and there are no easy answers or quick solutions. If we’re honest, we might have become a little disillusioned ourselves.

So, when a pop level advocacy campaign comes along that has great emotional appeal and a clear message of how you can help, our noses are already in the air. We’ve learned to be wary. The hunch is that a well-honed social media campaign that goes viral must be simplistic at best or deceptive at worst. There’s probably a lack of substance and the conclusion is that it will do more harm than good.

I wonder perhaps if this was the predisposition of many of the critics of Invisible Children’s KONY 2012. Perhaps if I hadn’t already had a previous granting relationship with them prior to this campaign I too would have fallen prey to my own cynicism. Predisposition based on learned experience can serve as a valuable filter of wisdom, but if not kept in check it can also obscure objectivity.

I have headed two different philanthropic organizations that have done a number of grants with Invisible Children over the years. We haven’t granted in the most recent years because our own geographic focuses have changed. That being said, I continue to receive annual reports, updates and occasional emails from the leadership about how some of the projects we helped seed fund are doing. I’ve also seen their work on the ground in Gulu, Uganda.

Enter KONY 2012. Over the last few days I have read through the myriad of responses, criticisms, critiques, position papers, and counter critiques. Given my “healthy” skeptical predisposition (see above), the critiques and criticisms have caused me to look again at Invisible Children and what I think of their latest effort. The last thing I want to do is support a cause that is essentially doing more harm than good.

And that, I think, is what it comes down to on this one. The stakes are pretty high. This is an advocacy campaign that may actually have the potential to keep pressure on public policy makers to continue to support efforts in Central Africa that may stop one of the worst war criminals on the face of our planet. A man’s whose atrocities are so heinous and so numerable it’s mind-boggling (e.g. abducting thousands of children, often forcing them to kill their parents and worse). So, to join the chorus of critics I would need to decide that Invisible Children’s KONY 2012 social media campaign is so wrongheaded, so distorted, so simplistic that it’s approach to stopping Joseph Kony’s reign of terror is actually more harmful than achieving that goal and should be abandoned or opposed. In other words, in this case, it might be worth shooting the messenger.

After reviewing many points and counter points; and, after running through a mental checklist of potential concerns; let me run through a few of the reasons that I continue to support Invisible Children and KONY 2012.

I have found nothing disturbing about Invisible Children’s financials. This is an issue that has been hinted at but without basis. No matter what article you read that may carelessly allude to it, as of this writing, no one has supplied any tangible information about how Invisible Children has mishandled or misspent any of their funding.

As you would probably assume, the philanthropic organizations that I have led, ask for extensive information including financial reports and audits with every grant proposal we consider. Once approved, we monitor closely how well the grant is spent. Without exception, I have been fully satisfied with the projects of Invisible Children that we have supported in the past, have seen them accomplish good ends and found them to be consistently financially responsible in accomplishing those ends.

One accusation that is getting passed along is that Invisible Children doesn't have an external audit, which is not true. I have their latest independent auditor’s report on my desk and it is a positive assessment (for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2011). I believe the rumor stems from a misinterpreted Charity Navigator rating that gave them credit for having an independent audit but deducted some points within their rating system. Charity Navigator’s website states that they deduct points if "the charity's audited financials were prepared by an independent accountant, but it did not have an audit oversight committee. In this case, we deduct 7 points from the charity's Accountability and Transparency score." Sometimes a non-profit’s board of directors oversees the audit, sometimes it’s a subset “audit oversight committee”, but this does not mean Invisible Children is not being externally audited or held accountable. If they so choose, Invisible Children in the future can gain those “7 points” by ensuring a audit oversight committee, however it should be noted that they are regularly independently audited and their 990s and other financial information are all online for anyone to review.

I have not discovered anything that concerns me with Invisible Children’s programs. Another critique has been that Invisible Children perpetuates the "White Man’s Burden" approach or continues in the vein of colonialism. There's valid dialogue around this and I too believe that colonial approaches to humanitarian efforts need to be avoided. But when it comes to Kony 2012, I believe we are confusing concern about how direct aid and development work are done (helping Africans help themselves) with an advocacy and awareness campaign intended to elicit global (including Western) pressure to stop one of the world's worst war criminals. Joseph Kony is on the top of the list of the International Criminal Court's most wanted fugitives (meaning the ICC has issued a warrant for his arrest). Stopping him is a global priority. Additionally, the ideal approach being advocated by US involvement as well as Invisible Children is a coalition of Central African forces with US military serving as advisors (presently this is admittedly only the Ugandan military, for further reading see Resolve’s report).

And, as far as aid and development go, while the majority of Invisible Children’s work goes toward advocacy, the development that they have been engaged in is good both in its approach and content. I have seen it first hand and continue to endorse it. Even many of those who have some concern with the film, have no major qualms with the approach or quality of their on the ground grassroots programming.

The following is how Invisible Children responds to these concerns:

“Invisible Children's programs in Uganda, DR Congo, and Central African Republic are implemented with continuous input from, and in respect of the knowledge and experience of, local communities and their leaders. In Uganda, we learned very quickly that a top-down, Western approach was not the answer, and that local solutions were needed to fill critical humanitarian gaps. It is for this reason that over 95% of IC's leadership and staff on the ground are Ugandans on the forefront of program design and implementation. In DR Congo, Invisible Children works with the Commission diocesaine justice et paix (CDJP), supporting projects that have been identified as priorities by local partners and that are responsive to local realities and needs. Invisible Children staff members in project areas consistently strive to ensure that they build the capacity of local partners and do not take on duties where local partners can more responsibly and effectively carry these out; the organization meticulously monitors and evaluates the impact of its work on the ground, partnering with Princeton in Africa and employing qualified Monitoring & Evaluation professionals.”

I did not find the message of KONY 2012 to be simplistic or distorting. Some critics have worried that the film didn’t include this fact or that nuance and therefore deem the film as simplistic or worse, distorting. I suppose this sort of critique could go on endlessly debating what was included and what was left out but it seems to me the central concern here would be, “Did the film simplify so much that it distorts to the point of deception or harm?”

I have seen many charities do this and this is anathema to my peers and me. Desperation for donations can lead organizations to quantify the ratio of dollars given to “lives saved” in such ways that are untrue. Likewise sometimes crucial aspects of stories are twisted or exaggerated in such ways that the reality of the situation gets blurred. Distortions such as these do indeed present a problem.

There are perhaps a myriad of opinions that would wish this aspect of history was included or that detail was nuanced better in the Kony 2012 film, but very few, perhaps too few to mention, would be comfortable with charging Invisible Children as distorting reality to the point of deception.

Instead, KONY 2012 seems to give an accurate picture of Joseph Kony, his history, what he has done and, in Invisible Children’s estimation, what needs to be done to stop him. In presenting something like this, there is always the balance between keeping the main thing the main thing, trying to ensure that you address all pertinent issues, but also avoiding getting lost in a quagmire of subset discussions.

After interacting with the charges that KONY 2012 might be too simplistic, I watched it again in light of those concerns. I began writing down ways the video outlined the history and current state of affairs with this issue and the response. I was actually impressed with how many facts, expert opinions, policies, nuances and details were woven into a cohesive understandable story. In my estimation, Jason Russell did a very good job in telling this story within the time frame allotted. It may not be an all encompassing look, but again, in my opinion, a targeted and adequate one. It should be kept in mind that Kony 2012 serves its purpose in the context of a movement that has already been in place, has generated tangible legislation and international support, and that they are now trying to ensure stays in place.

As someone who is geared toward suspicion toward pop level conversations and solutions especially as it pertains to complex social issues, my concerns were heightened when the accusations and critiques began to flow toward KONY 2012. I worried that perhaps I had been duped into not thinking deeply enough about this because of my prior history with this organization. As I have examined more closely criticism after criticism, I’ve been astounded to often discover the lack of evidence in their criticism (not always, but often). Instead it frequently seems to stem from a predisposition that assumes too swiftly that something so viral and popular cannot possibly also be valid and effective.

I’m not saying there is no room for debate on the best way to stop Kony; nor am I claiming there could be room for improvements. What I am saying is that while there maybe some complexities on the ground in the Central African region, no one would deny that Kony's reign of terror has been ongoing, heinously brutal and most would agree that stopping him is a good thing even given the complexities. He has made peace treaties and broken them. He has at times seemingly ceased his atrocities then simply moved his raids to other regions. Even now, however much the LRA has been weakened, the raids, brutality and abductions continue.

Bottom line, we can debate the effectiveness and merits of this latest campaign and dialogue about it. That is fine and it can be a potentially healthy dialogue. I’m open to be persuaded otherwise about this issue, but at this point, after a closer look at the criticisms, I have found the resistance to Kony 2012 is unconvincing. My concern though is that insinuations, allusions and assumptions frequently dominate the debate and create paralysis toward a cause that could very well serve to help end a ruthless warlord’s reign of terror against children.

To conclude, I believe above all else that keeping global attention and pressure on this humanitarian issue is very important. Invisible Children’s KONY 2012 video has a targeted message and specific purpose to inform and raise awareness within a mainstream medium in order to put global attention on Joseph Kony and keep pressure on the international community (including but not limited to the US) to stop him. Until proven otherwise, I believe this to be a worthy cause and KONY 2012 an effective message that continues to garner my support.

*For a research paper supporting the policy position of the KONY 2012 campaign, go here.

*To see how Invisible Children has responded to some of the main criticisms and critiques, visit here and here.

-Lance Robinson, President/Founder, Equitas Group

KONY 2012

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 20:13:00 GMT

Our friends @Invisible want to make Joseph Kony famous. We could't agree more. You'll want to watch this.

Joseph Kony is one of the world's worst war criminals. Go to invisiblechildren.com to learn more about the international effort to arrest him, disarm the LRA and bring the child soldiers home.

National Human Trafficking Awareness Day

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:56:00 GMT

The President of the United States has declared January, National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Even more specifically, today (January 11^th) is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. How about taking 10 minutes of your day to make yourself more aware of this ongoing injustice?

1) Check out this brief presentation to learn more about the signs of human trafficking.

2) And find out how many slaves are working for you.

-jonathan

Kutcher’s comment raises concern for “Real Men Don’t Buy Girls”

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 14:35:00 GMT

Recently Equitas praised the Demi and Ashton Foundation for their advocacy and awareness raising campaign, “Real Men Don’t Buy Girls”. We continue to be grateful for the work of this foundation and it’s dedication to address sex trafficking and the variety of forms it takes.

This is why it is puzzling at best when on a recent David Letterman Show appearance, Ashton Kutcher was asked by Letterman “Do you prefer strippers or porn stars?” Kutcher commented that he has a foundation that fights human trafficking but that neither stripping nor pornography qualify and that he prefers the “live thing” (the dialogue starts at about 9:30).

Shared Hope International subsequently posted this statement on Facebook concerning Ashton’s remarks: “‎Demi and Ashton DNA Foundation, thx for joining the fight against sex trafficking but we're surprised when Letterman asked if Ashton preferred "strippers or porn stars" he said neither of those qualified as human trafficking. Stripping and pornography fuel the commercial sex industry and victims are often used in both. Next time you get a chance to set the record straight on national T.V., we hope you take it rather than perpetuate a myth that fuels slavery.”

Shared Hope also included a link to this article on the Human Goods website entitled “Will the Real Men Out There Please Stand Up?”

We recognize that Kutcher might have been caught of guard by Letterman’s question and it could be understandable that he subsequently fumbled with his answer. But, it also should be recognized that he has had ample time to set the record straight and there have been a number of requests for him to do so. We contacted the DNA Foundation asking for clarification shortly after this piece aired. As of this posting, we have received no response.

-Lance Robinson, President/Founder

Healing Restavek Children: Collaboration between Local and Global Partners

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 21:25:00 GMT

Recently Equitas had the privilege of introducing one of our major global partners, Restavek Freedom Foundation (RFF) with one of our new local partners, Helen Ross McNabb Center (HRMC). The result has been a collaborative effort in which HRMC is partnering with RFF to provide clinical training for the RFF child advocates working with restavek children in Haiti.

"We are thrilled about the partnership with HRMC", notes Joan Conn, Executive Director for Restavek Freedom. "Our goal is to help children find freedom and lead lives filled with hope and joy. In order to do this, our team needs to be fully equipped with additional clinical tools and training to help lead these children beyond their painful histories into new and brighter futures.”

Facilitating collaborations around crucial needs such as this is a high value for Equitas. You can read more about it in the press release here.

Cambodia News Roundup - August 12, 2011

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 20:55:00 GMT

World Bank halts loans to Cambodia?

Empowering the youth of Cambodia

NGO in shock over "arbitrary" suspension

Third draft of NGO law overlooks key concerns

A woman arrested for trafficking men in Cambodia

A Malaysian workers' rights group urges Cambodia to stop supplying housemaids to Malaysia

Thailand agrees to register migrant workers in attempt to crack down on traffickers

Cambodian PM declares "new era" in Cambodian-Thai relations

Cambodia News Roundup - July 29, 2011

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 13:56:00 GMT

Here is the weekly Cambodia News Roundup for July 29. A few articles worth reading:

Investigation into death of Cambodian domestic worker in Malaysia

Cambodian MP wants answers about maid's death
Cambodia's 'orphan tourism' sparks concern

Many Cambodians trafficked to Malaysia: An Interview with Chab Dai's Aimee Brammer

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 13:03:00 GMT

Last month, the United States Department of State released the annual Trafficking in Persons Report highlighting efforts and progress in fight human trafficking around the world. The section on Cambodia emphasizes that one challenge the Cambodian government increasingly faces is the rise in the number of Cambodians migrating to Malaysia. While the opportunity to migrate presents economic opportunity for many, it seems that for some, the actual experience has not worked out so well.

Aimee Brammer of Chab Dai Coalition in Cambodia has been researching and working on this issue for much of the last year and what follows is a brief interview with her conducted through an email exchange.

1. Why are increasing numbers of Cambodians migrating to Malaysia?

After Indonesia put a ban on sending domestic workers to Malaysia in 2009, the rise in Cambodians migrating was drastic. Last year, over 20,000 Cambodian women were sent to Malaysia through legal recruitment companies licensed in Cambodia. However, the Indonesian ban left a huge gap of reportedly 35,000 Malaysian families waiting to hire domestic workers. In response to the high demand, young Cambodian women and even girls are vulnerable to being recruited to fill their demand.

Due to numerous reports of horrible abuses happening within Malaysian homes, as well as significant wages being withheld, the Indonesian government placed a ban on sending their domestic workers. After two years, Indonesia and Malaysia signed a new MOU last month which outlines workers' rights (in theory), including a day off each week and keeping possession of their passport. Access to appropriate complaint mechanisms was on the agenda, but it was unfortunately not clearly addressed. It has yet to be seen clearly how Indonesia's new MOU will affect Cambodia, however, women and girls are still actively being recruited.

2. What are the conditions these migrants face when reaching Malaysia?

This varies from company to company, and within household to household, but at the last forum meeting with Malaysian & Cambodian organizations held in Phnom Penh earlier this month, Malaysian partners said they have seen a recent increase in the number of cases involving sexual abuse (nearly 50%). Before there were trends of physical abuse and withholding wages, but now the conditions reported are getting worse.

Agents in Malaysia encourage employers to keep the passports, for fear of the domestic worker running away. She may also stay in the house the majority of her day, sometimes even locked in, and may only go out with her employer to the market. The system is aligned in a way to protect the employer more than the domestic worker- she is at the mercy of her employer for food, medical help, to renew her work permit, and even for using a phone to call home. Some girls report only calling their parents one time in two years, and others reported the agency in Malaysia searching their personal belongings and confiscating photos and phone numbers.

One report indicates that if the girl attempts to run away from the house, she can face trouble from the agency or employer if they come looking for her. The employer can cancel her work permit (and she will immediately become an undocumented worker), and/or the police or RELA Corps can arrest her for not having her passport and put her in a detention center. Here, she is not treated as a victim, but as a criminal. Even if they attempted to identify her as a trafficking victim, her inability to speak Bahasa Malaysia or English and lack of education on her rights, prevents her from advocating for herself properly.

3. Who are those migrating?

The majority of women are being recruited from very poor families in provincial villages (many rice farmers), who also have a low education background. Many of the women I have met in airports and in Malaysia, told me they had only finished level two or three of primary school, and some said they had never been to school. They are recruited from all over Cambodia, and then taken to Phnom Penh to train in centers for three months or so. On a flight to Malaysia earlier this year, nearly half of the girls and women I met going to Malaysia to work in houses were Cambodian Muslims ("Cham"), and this is a demographic that Chab Dai believes is highly vulnerable because of a shared faith & language with families in Malaysia. Currently we do not have any research on trafficking patterns in Cham communities, which make up about 3% of the Cambodian population, but we are planning to do a preliminary research by the end of this year.

4. How are these people learning of the opportunities that await them in Malaysia?

In Cambodia, the Ministry of Labour has signed an MOU with over 30 companies who are able to legally recruit women throughout the provinces and have provincial offices. Many villagers are approached by local brokers who themselves can make up to $100USD/ for every woman they recruit. I heard once that the process of recruiting can be as quick as 30 minutes! The immediate benefits of signing a work contract are high for families, they can receive around $100USD cash up front, in addition to a bag of rice or a new mobile phone (which is all added up and deducted from their first 6-7 months of pay, including travel & training expenses).

Cambodians who listen to the radio can also hear daily advertisements stating that women can “earn $180USD every month doing easy and safe work in Malaysia.” From informal inquiring with immigration officers, airline staff, and airport guards, they could all quote the commercials and said they saw up to 50 women leave to Malaysia everyday.

5. Why should those interested in the anti-trafficking movement in Cambodia be aware of this issue?

This is a classic definition example of "force, fraud and coercion"- the essence of human trafficking and slavery. If you are an advocate for ending human trafficking you know that it's not only about sex, or that it only happens to children. Men, women, boys, and girls are victims the world over; human trafficking comes in all forms. Moreover, in the case of Cambodian women and girls being recruited to work in strong patriarchal families in Malaysia we see it all - physical abuse, cursing, beating, withholding wages, being locked in training centers & houses, and even sexual abuse.

6. What can be done to alleviate the problems facing Cambodians migrating to Malaysia?

There are people already working hard to alleviate these problems! Stakeholders from over 25 national and international organizations who focus on legal, prevention, and policy, meet monthly to coordinate efforts on this issue of labour trafficking & exploitation, and advocate with the Cambodian government to make migration and recruitment safer. We are also advocating for these countries to ratify the UN Convention on Decent Work for Domestic Workers. In May, we met with organizations helping victims of trafficking in Malaysia, and heard about the challenges they face as well as the services available there. I have hope that together we can now protect and advocate with a stronger voice in both countries! And I have hope in already seeing the first fruits of the meeting- we now have a channel for safe repatriations and referrals across borders.

---
Jeremy Floyd
Project Manager – SE Asia Directive

Weekly Cambodia News Roundup

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 17:33:00 GMT

I'm going to try something new on this blog: on most Friday mornings I'm going to post a weekly news roundup linking to articles I read this week regarding Cambodia and/or SE Asia. Some of the linked articles will have an anti-trafficking focus, but many will be a bit more general in nature, providing a broader view of social, political and financial happenings in Cambodia and/or SE Asia, especially as they pertain to human rights issues. So here's my first stab:

Paula Bronstein/Getty Images

Cambodian Youth Unengaged in Civic Affairs, says UNDP Study

U.S. Anxiety Over Rising China Aired in Cambodia Wikileaks

Beer Girl Exploitation Revealed

Cambodia Factory Faintings Put Big Brands Under Pressure

Cambodia's Moment of Truth (A Photo Essay on the Khmer Rouge Tribunal)

Cambodia's Airports See Growth in 2011

Jeremy Floyd
Project Manager - SE Asia Directive

Imperfect Data No Excuse for Inaction

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 19:32:00 GMT

This morning I pointed to an Asia Foundation study highlighting the difficulty of gaining a completely accurate picture of the problem of human trafficking in Cambodia. This afternoon I was alerted to Maggie Neilson's piece at the Huffington Post where she responds to recent news coverage questioning the extent of child trafficking with the (not-so?) subtle implication that we shouldn't be that concerned about it. In this article Neilson nails it: "For those of us who work on these issues, we don't do so once a problem gets to a certain size. We do it because it's the right thing to do."

Imperfect data is no excuse for inaction.

Jeremy Floyd

Project Manager - SE Asia Directive

What Do We Know About Human Trafficking in Cambodia?

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 15:23:00 GMT

"How many children are caught up in prostitution in Cambodia?"

"What are the main causes of the trafficking of children in Cambodia?"

"What are effective ways to combat trafficking in Cambodia?"

These are three questions I am often asked when discussing the problem of human trafficking and exploitation of children in Cambodia. Numerous research studies and even more articles, blogs and funding appeals offer answers and explanations to these questions and more. While there is no denying that answers to these questions do exist, there are no simple answers. Journalists and aid organizations who are accused of painting an overly simplistic (and perhaps sensationalized) picture of human trafficking may have reasons for doing so, but anyone interested in taking a deeper look into the complexities of human trafficking in Cambodia and what we actually know about it should examine the 2006 Asia Foundation and Center for Advanced Study report entitled, "Review of a Decade of Research on Trafficking in Persons, Cambodia."

Quoting the study, "This report...systematically reviews what the available information can--and cannot--tell us about the patterns, extent and consequences of trafficking in Cambodia." The Review finds that the information on trafficking is patchy, often unsubstantiated and regularly reflecting program or donor interest.

While it is now five years old, the Review is valuable for the following reasons:

The Review lists nearly seventy studies published (1994-2005) on trafficking in persons in Cambodia
The Review chastens those who uncritically tout trafficking numbers and statistics in Cambodia.
The Review provides a skeptical, but helpful, lens for reading trafficking-related research in Cambodia.
The Review produces several helpful charts illustrating the dynamics of trafficking in Cambodia.
The Review highlights gaps in knowledge about trafficking in persons in Cambodia.
The Review offers a number of worthwhile recommendations for future trafficking-related research in Cambodia.

Jeremy Floyd

Project Manager - SE Asia Directive

U.S. State Department Releases 2011 Trafficking in Persons Report

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 17:43:00 GMT

This week the U.S. State Department released its annual Trafficking in Persons Report highlighting efforts and progress in fighting human trafficking around the world. The report scores 184 countries, including the United States with a "Tier Ranking" of 1-3 based on the governments efforts to combat trafficking in persons. Each country's efforts are summarized in the "Country Narratives" section of the report.

On the Homefront...

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 18:13:00 GMT

Equitas began by looking at global issues of justice, specifically child domestic servitude in Haiti and sexual exploitation and trafficking in SE Asia. However, it wasn't long after researching these issues that we started to ask about human trafficking (HT) in our own backyard. Here is a quick update on some of the recent progress that has been made right here in Tennessee...

In most recent news, it looks like the "safe harbor" bill might be materializing for 2012.

Tennessee is really starting to turn itself around in regards to addressing human trafficking. For other evidence of the turnaround, check out these bills (354, HA 523, and 377) that have recently been signed into law by Governer Haslam. For an update on the status of and response to HT in Tennessee, check out TBI's complete report on HT.

-jonathan

Injustice and the Art of Car Repair

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 14:47:00 GMT

A few months ago, I experienced a series of events that caused me to pause and reflect on some of the systems of injustice in our world. It all started early in the morning when I turned the ignition to our '98 Corolla and it failed to start. The short version is that after half of a box of baking soda, 5 cups of water, $6.53 worth of hardware, and an hour and half of my time...

our Corolla was back to fully operational!

My temptation after fixing the car, both quickly and frugally, was to pat myself on the back for some excellent problem solving. However, upon further reflection, I realize that there are many "luxuries" that have afforded me the opportunity for this apparently effortless fix.

I began to contemplate all that went on "behind the scenes" that led to the successful repair of our car. Some of these statements will ring numbingly obvious, but try to ponder everything that took place on that March morning with a fresh set of eyes...

First thing's first, I own a car (less than 13% of the world owns a car ). I needed to use my car because I was heading to work. I have a job (40% of Haitians are unemployed with another 40% informally employed ). I was able to email my boss to tell him I would be late. I have a smart phone with email capability. I have a job with enough flexibility that I can come in late for an emergency without reprimand. So even before we get started with any triumphal solution, it's clear that the privileges that I have are what led to the problem in the beginning.

Back to the situation - the car won't start. What could be wrong with the car? The next step could have simply been to call AAA (another classic example of a societal infrastructure luxury) and have them tow my car to the shop to have it fixed. But instead, let's dig in further to some of the things I had "going my way." I have a friend who is very knowledgeable about fixing cars. I was able to call that friend (on my previously mentioned phone) and ask his advice. It is also important to mention that I was fortunate enough to be brought up in a family environment where I've been encouraged to apply myself, problem solve, etc.

So after a brief assessment, I was able to identify the problem and make a plan for a solution. I needed to buy some hardware to fix my car. Let's keep going..

-I owned a second vehicle, which I was able to drive to the store.

-I had the money (less than $7) to buy the new parts to fix the car. (Half of the world’s population live on less than $2.50 per day )

-I was literate and could read the packaging to find the right hardware to the part that was broken. (Only 62% of Haitians can read/write – and it drops even lower if you are a woman )

-I was physically able to fix the car.

-I had a set of tools.

-I had access to electricity to power a light so that I can work in the dark.

And the list goes on…

As I revisit the full story of everything that happened that morning, I am quickly reminded of two truths: 1) I am rich and 2) I didn’t become rich solely because of my own choices, morality, and work ethic. How about you…

Are you are rich?

I am in no way attempting to minimize any real problems that may be currently facing. But if you have found your way to reading this blog, my guess is that you, like me, are rich. Maybe not in comparison with your next-door neighbors or close friends, but in comparison to the world you are rich. Take some time now to pause and reflect on the resources, means, health, education, employment, and opportunities that you have been given. It is important to maintain a healthy perspective on the reality of your life. It will allow you to be creative to find ways that you can make a difference in the lives of those not so fortunate.

And if so, are you rich solely because of your own choices, morality, and work ethic?

Was success with the car something I had done on my own? Was it because I had worked harder and smarter to succeed than billions of other people? Absolutely not!!!! In his book Generous Justice , Timothy Keller reminds us, “If you have money, power, and status today, it is due to the century and place in which you were born, to your talents and capacities and health, none of which you earned. In short, all your resources are in the end the gift of God.”

As a further testimony to fact that prosperity is not solely within our own control, I would recommend Malcom Gladwell’s book Outliers . Here is a blurb from the dust jacket:

"Why do some people succeed far more than others? There is a story that is usually told about extremely successful people, a story that focuses on intelligence and ambition. In Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell, argues that the story of success is very different, and that if we want to understand how some people thrive, we should spend more time looking around them -- at such things as their family, their birthplace, or even their birth date. The story of success is more complex than it initially appears."

I believe that by taking a hard look in the mirror we can also see that the opposite is true as well. The vast majority of those who are caught in poverty are not there just because of their own doing. Again Tim Keller states, “The three causes of poverty... are oppression, calamity, and personal moral failure... [and], I have concluded that the emphasis is usually on the larger structural factors.”

When we live in light of these two truths, we will become aware of the systems of injustice that keep others from enjoying a similar prosperity.

-jonathan

Forum addresses abuse of Cambodian migrants in Malaysia

Wed, 18 May 2011 12:52:00 GMT

Multiple recruitment agencies have sprung up in Cambodia to facilitate the growing number of Cambodian women who are migrating to Malaysia to find employment as maids and house workers. Amidst this trend are numerous reports of hard labor and abusive situations exemplified in this report.

Last week The Asia Foundation and Chab Dai Coalition co-hosted a forum to address the abuse of Cambodian migrant workers in Malaysia. The meeting brought together key stakeholders and representatives from NGOs in Cambodia and Malaysia.

Helen Sworn, International Director of Chab Dai spoke of the significance of the forum:

“This meeting presents a unique opportunity for us to address this urgent issue through joint learning and collaboration among key stakeholders providing support and services for Cambodian migrant workers. Our hope is to develop a common vision to facilitate a closer referral process between the grass roots organisations in order to ensure better protection for Cambodian migrant workers before departure in Cambodia and after arrival in Malaysia.’’

Read more about this important forum HERE .

Jeremy Floyd

Project Manager - SE Asia Directive

Research Aims to Understand Experiences of Reintegrated Trafficking Survivors

Tue, 17 May 2011 13:43:00 GMT

Entering its second decade of concerted global efforts, the anti-trafficking movement has seen a number of aftercare and recovery shelters developed to assist victims of human trafficking. Unfortunately, many organizations lack the resources to maintain contact with these survivors once they have been reintegrated back into their communities.

As anti-trafficking advocates seek to raise the standard of care for trafficking victims it is crucial that we have good information from quality research to demonstrate what methods in aftercare and reintegration programs are working and which ones are not. Equitas is excited to be one of several organizations sponsoring Chab Dai's Butterfly Longitudinal Research Project which seeks to study the lifecycle of survivors of sexual exploitation and trafficking over a ten year period.

This study will take great steps to ensuring that caregivers will have access to a body of knowledge that contributes to more effective support for trafficking survivors. The results from this study will provide a wealth of information and will shape future reintegration programs to better ensure the success of reintegrating trafficking survivors into normal Cambodian life.

To learn more about this research including the research's first year progress report click HERE .

Jeremy Floyd

Project Manager - SE Asia Directive

"Real Men Don’t Buy Girls" - Much ado about nothing?

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 02:15:00 GMT

Hats off to the Demi & Ashton Foundation for their just launched creative advocacy campaign “Real Men Don’t Buy Girls.” One would think that raising awareness around commercial sex trafficking and exploitation is a no-brainer, but there are detractors. While most everyone would agree that the involvement of minors is wrong, there are those who would see campaigns such as this one as going to far in condemning the “commercial sex industry” as a whole.

Here are two common approaches to defending prostitution as a valid institution:

“It’s the World’s Oldest Profession.” I would call this the romanticized view of prostitution. It views the prostitution of women as simply a necessary way the world works, a role that sultry women are destined to fulfill so that boys can be boys. In this view, prostitution is to be winked at and those who oppose are merely opposing a valid profession to fit their Victorian era ends. When one thinks of prostituted women in this way, one thinks of the naughty-but-happy saloon girl who’s partial to the “good guy” in a Western movie.

But the reality is far from romantic. The reasons the vast majority of women end up in prostitution are exploitative, demeaning and oppressive. Naming an oppressive institution simply the “World’s Oldest Profession” dignifies that which robs people of dignity. Slavery and misogynic practices can also be traced to the beginning of human culture. Would we want to defend those as simply “the way things are”? Some words hide the truth rather than reveal it.

“It’s just Free Enterprise at work.” Recently, Lawrence Taylor defended his practice of soliciting prostituted women as, “It’s all clean, you know. I don’t have to worry about your feelings… It’s all clean.” I’m not simply picking on Taylor (and I’m not just saying that because he could crush me). His reasoning unfortunately represents the attitude of many men: “Hey, I’m just a customer. This is a free market exchange. I don’t get entangled in relational and emotional demands, you get your money and it’s all good.” But is this a true portrayal of what’s really going on?

I have some friends that run a “John school,” which is a program for men who are arrested for soliciting a prostituted woman. In exchange for reduced sentencing, these men can choose to attend a Saturday session at the John school. It is there that these men learn the real world of the women they solicit and the transaction they often think of as a “clean exchange.”

To quote from the Renaissance Male Project Inc:

“Many men view prostitution as a “victimless crime.” But it is not. For example, women who are involved in prostitution are at a greater risk to be murdered than women in the general population (Potterat, 2004). Research trafficking. Men can educate themselves about the issues also shows that women involved in prostitution suffer tremendous physical and mental trauma associated with a significant amount of time

Viewing prostitution as a victimless crime or something that women “choose” allows men to ignore the fact that the average age of entry into prostitution in the United States is 13 years old (emphasis mine), and that the vast majority of women engaged in prostitution would like to get out but feel trapped. Men should stop viewing prostitution as a victimless crime and acknowledge the tremendous harm and suffering that their participation in prostitution causes.”

Stories upon stories of tragedy as well as a conglomerate of statistics could be added here. We are at work partnering with others both domestically and internationally to address the commercial sexual exploitation of women and children and have seen these stories first hand. No doubt, the exceptional to the rule can be found and “success” stories of women who choose to participate in industry and then choose to walk away without major harm can be found. But for the vast majority of women and children, lives of abuse, exploitation and oppression at the hands of pimps, traffickers and Johns is the real world for them. Yes, Demi and Ashton, you are correct, real men don’t buy girls.

[Warning: Content may not be suitable for children.]

Lance Robinson

President/Founder

Equitas Group

Delta Airlines fights Child Trafficking

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 19:05:00 GMT

Last month, Delta Airlines became the first major airline to sign ECPAT's Tourism Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism was developed by ECPAT to set an ethical standard for responsible business practices that contribute to a significant reduction in incidences of child sexual exploitation.

The press release declares that by becoming a signatory to The Code, Delta will "implement policies that condemn child trafficking and provide training to help their employees identify and report trafficking activities. Delta will also raise awareness among customers by including information about ECPAT and the Code in its Sky magazine and delta.com website."

Carol Smolenski, Executive Director of ECPAT-USA addressed the importance of companies like Delta signing The Code:

“All travel companies could unwittingly be facilitating the sex trafficking of children. If they do nothing to raise awareness or to prevent child trafficking, they risk becoming an indirect and unintentional conduit for the abuse that takes places,” said Smolenski. “We applaud Delta Air Lines for taking the first step toward helping fight the sex trafficking of children that has become a global epidemic.”

“It continues to be a challenge to reach U.S. companies; a lot of companies struggle with the fear that associating their company name with the tragic reality of child sex tourism will hurt their corporate brands or public images,” said Smolenski. “We are thrilled to have a company like Delta pioneering the way for other U.S. airlines and businesses to join this fight.”

As frequent customers of Delta, we applaud their effort to combat child sexual exploitation.

Read the complete press release here.

Jeremy Floyd

Project Manager - SE Asia Directive

*Image from dlta_airlines on flickr.

A Different Take on Funding Nonprofit Overhead

Sat, 05 Mar 2011 03:11:00 GMT

"I'll take 'Evaluation of Nonprofit Organizations for 400', Alex."

"Answer is, 'The overhead costs on this grant are too low, we should give them more than they are asking for.'"

"What are, 'Words you never thought you'd hear from the staff or board of a philanthropic organization!'"

Several years ago, I had a major paradigm shift in my thinking about overhead costs. A colleague recommended that I read a series of briefs published by Indiana University's Center on Philanthropy and Urban Institute's Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy titled "Nonprofit Overhead Cost Project". These papers challenged my position (and what I would venture to guess is the commonly held position among many foundations) that the lower the overhead cost of a nonprofit organization the better. As funders, trying to squeeze the most good out of every dollar, the push to minimize overhead cost is very logical. We want as much money as possible to go straight to the ground. The motives and intentions here are great, but we all know that the best motives and intentions (and 79 cents) will only get us a cup of non-fair-trade coffee! I would actually argue that if you restrict overhead costs too much, you could potentially impair organizations from operating at their peak.

Could there be something more important than the ratio of overhead and fundraising costs?

Here's what the 3rd brief "GETTING WHAT WE PAY FOR: LOW OVERHEAD LIMITS NONPROFIT EFFECTIVENESS" offers...

"Of particular concern to us is the use of overhead cost and fundraising cost ratios as stand-ins for measures of program effectiveness. No organization in our study was an extravagant spender on fundraising or administration. Yet contrary to the popular idea that spending less in these areas is a virtue, our cases suggest that nonprofits that spend too little on infrastructure have more limited effectiveness than those that spend more reasonably. Thus, in addition to the ceilings on these cost ratios that many watchdogs set, floors should perhaps be introduced as well. Although our study does not specify where those floors should be set, it is an issue the sector needs to reflect on and address."

By demanding lower overhead costs we can actually participate in perpetuating a vicious cycle within the nonprofit community. Upon trying to meet these demands, organizations may implement negative changes such as underreporting, or even pay cuts which can severely hamper effectiveness. Again from the briefing...

“When funders provide restricted funding, they tell the recipient organization what the money can be spent on, and often severely limit the portion that can be spent on overhead. To deal with the inadequate funding for administration, organizations resort to the strategies of low pay, make do, and do without that diminish organizational effectiveness.”

So, what should we do as donors?

"Among our cases, large grants for program services, whether from the public sector or foundations, tended not [emphasis mine] to include their fair share of the organization’s administrative costs. Organizations that relied on this source of income, particularly small organizations, were less effective as a result. Funders who appreciate the link between the impact they seek and the organizational effectiveness of grantees may wish to reconsider their policies and practices with respect to funding overhead costs on project grants or providing operating support. [emphasis mine] Private sector funders may wish to consider funding advocacy efforts aimed at changing public sector practices for funding overhead."

A real life example:
Recently we began a relationship with a great organization which focuses primarily on education in Haiti. They were seeking funding from us for a new project that would establish a graduate scholars program slated to ramp up over the next four years. Eventually, the project would become sustainable through a scholarship sponsorship system. However, in the first year there wouldn't be enough students to cover the true cost of the project. After further conversations, we suggested that they increase how much they asked of us (by just over 11%) to cover the total cost. On the surface, it may sound odd for us to ask them to ask us for more, but in reality it only makes sense to add an additional 11% to a grant that significantly increases the chance of success of this new program.

As donors, we need to move past the notion that with overhead, less is always more. Instead, we need to focus on impact and effectiveness of grantee organizations. More on impact and effectiveness to come...

-jonathan

"I Thought it Could Never Happen to Boys"

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 15:51:00 GMT

When you think of a human trafficking victim what images come to mind? Recently, I searched "human trafficking victim" on Google Images and of the first ten pages where a 'victim' was portrayed, only four or five pictures were male (excluding numerous pictures of Ashton Kutcher!). The vast majority of the images depicted a young female. The international anti-trafficking movement is understandably focused on the trafficking of women and children, and while the international community is beginning to recognize that men are often trafficked for labor, we must also ask if counter-trafficking efforts are failing to address the sexual exploitation and trafficking of boys.

In 2008, a partnership between Social Services Cambodia, Hagar Cambodia and World Vision led to publication of a first-of-its-kind research project looking into the sexual abuse and exploitation of boys in Cambodia. Titled, "I Thought it Could Never Happen to Boys" the research gave an opportunity for forty boys and young men who have experienced sexual abuse and exploitation to share their stories. Additionally the research interacted with over 100 staff from NGOs and service providers in an effort to understand their views of sexual abuse of boys in Cambodia. With no prior research in Cambodia on this issue, the study revealed the following:

1. A significant number of Cambodian boys and young men have been sexually abused by not only by foreigners, but also Cambodian men, other children and even some women.
2. Influential cultural beliefs among the population minimize the seriousness of the abuse.
3. Poverty, domestic abuse, family instability and bullying are prominent risk factors.
4. Those who have experienced abuse have general opinions on the services they both need and do not need.
5. The failure of NGOs and service provides to acknowledge the seriousness of the issue has resulted in an alarming lack of services to meet the needs of the abused and exploited.
6. To properly care for male victims of sexual abuse, exploitation or trafficking, it is crucial to build the capacity of carers and service providers.

Equitas has partnered with two organizations who have determined to address the lack of service provisions for abused and exploited males in Cambodia.

First Step was born out of the research when several members of the research team came together to develop a specialist training curriculum and counseling service that was launched in April 2010. First Step provides community based social work and support services to boys, young men and families affected by sexual abuse, as well as providing a range of unique training, development and support initiatives aimed at practitioners within social work and community settings, including health and criminal justice fields.

In the spring of 2009, Hagar Cambodia took in their first boys who were victims of severe sexual exploitation and trafficking. They offer specialized care in an effort to help these boys experience physical, emotional and psychological healing.This includes assisting the boys with education and health as well as providing the boys with positive mentors and role models. Importantly, Hagar recognizes the aim of their efforts is to see these boys successfully reintegrated into their communities and are working diligently to achieve that goal.

Confronting the problem of human trafficking and exploitation requires a multi-pronged approach. The sexual abuse of boys is a very serious problem, not only in Cambodia, but globally as well, and we must be willing to address it. Those of us working in Cambodia to prevent and alleviate trafficking and exploitation must not overlook the importance of working in partnership to promote an atmosphere where not only females, but also male victims of sexual abuse, exploitation and trafficking can thrive with hope and dignity.

If you desire to learn more about childhood sexual abuse of boys for Cambodia visit First Step Cambodia or generally visit 1in6.org.

Jeremy Floyd
Project Manager - SE Asia Directive

Avoid Doing More Harm than Good: 4 Questions to Ask

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 19:00:00 GMT

For those of us involved in humanitarian efforts and seeking good social change in this world, there is perhaps nothing more frustrating or even devastating than to realize a project we initiated, a grant we enabled or even a mission trip in which we participated did more harm than good. I believe that author, speaker, and Equitas board member, Andy Crouch speaks to this when in a recent interview he challenged leaders with the thought that, “We either contemplate or we exploit.”

These are crucial words for those of us who are attempting to affect social change. Sometimes we are so enthralled with possibilities, potential “successes” or meeting our own objectives that we do not always think through the possible inadvertent consequences and exploitation. There are perhaps few things worse than unintentionally exploiting the poor, vulnerable and oppressed as a means to accomplish our good intentioned but malformed ends.

In reflecting on this, four questions emerged as I thought through how we attempt to minimize “doing more harm than good” when considering a project. My field is philanthropy, but I believe these questions are transferable to a variety of humanitarian efforts, including church mission trips. While these certainly are not the only questions that need to be asked before engaging a potential project or task, here are four questions you might want to consider for starters:

1. Is this even wanted or needed? How many “good” projects turn out to be unhelpful because a true assessment was not honestly performed? The worse case scenario is when the community did not want the intended “good thing” and the “good thing” in hindsight brought no real value. Unfortunately the third world is littered with such projects. One helpful tool in thinking through needs assessment is Tearfund’s Project Management Cycle manual found here .

2. What motives are involved? This includes my motives as well as the motives of others who are involved. Perhaps one of the most difficult things to assess is one’s own motives but this is vital. I may be wanting success in addressing an issue so badly that without checking my motives, I’m willing to fall for the pitch or grab a hold of flashy effort that makes me feel good but really does little tangible good. I also may want to be able to say I participated in “x” knowing it’s getting a lot of attention. It’s far too easy to listen to a few who will tell you what you want to hear than to truly survey the context and reflect on whether or not this will truly bring good social change or benefit.

Additionally, I must ask about the motives of others involved in the effort. Examples here are numerous, all the way from the pure at heart to the quintessential con artist. Most difficult to assess are those who are neither. Recently, a colleague and I spent a few hours in a third world country trying to reason with a pretty good guy who had a really bad idea and whose motives were mixed. He wanted to both help a certain segment of vulnerable people and make a decent living at it. It was actually hard to tell which was the greater priority. It seemed though that his mixed motivations were blurring his ability to honestly assess the bad idea.

3. Am I listening to enough voices? Obviously those proposing the project or inviting you to come are for it but do you have a good understanding of context through learning from multiple voices? Often times our work can have the unintended consequences of displacing or disempowering indigenous leaders or stakeholders when we don’t ask this question. Even worse we might even empower the wrong group or persons. I think here of a medical missions organization that unintentionally linked to a very fundamentalist group to distribute their supplies in country. This resulted in hegemony for the group as gatekeepers and a grossly inadequate distribution of supplies. In time they heard from enough “voices” on the ground that helped them correct the problem. Rarely does a project make sense when there are no indigenous grassroots voices involved. Conversely, the greater the amount of trusted voices, the less likely the odds of doing more harm than good.

4. Am I thinking far enough? Those in my field are notorious for falling short on this one and I worry that I have fallen short here from time to time as well. We demand measured outcomes and want to see them materialize yesterday. We prefer to fund projects that can produce an immediate or short-range bang for the buck. The danger in this is that if we aren’t careful, we can have the cumulative effect of producing short-term “good” at the expense of long-term harm. Social change for the good is most often slow and needs long range vision. It most often requires committed partnerships that through mutually beneficial relationships will labor together for a cause or change in which all are passionate. Participating this way checks our motives and our vision. It’s easy to fly in, do something that seems good in the moment, and fly out without ever assessing, “Does it truly make a difference in the long run?” It is much more difficult to ask the questions, build true partnerships, commit to causes and truly seek after long term good. I suppose then, it depends on what we want…back to our motives.

Lance Robinson

President/Founder

Equitas Group

Remember the Forgotten

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 21:22:00 GMT

Do these headlines look familiar?

"OAS experts challenge Haiti election result"
"'Baby Doc' return to Haiti surprises many"
"Fears Of Cholera Hit Port-Au-Prince"
"Haiti: Who's got your billion$ ?"
"A year later, Haiti's recovery gridlocked"

The media coverage on Haiti reached fever pitch last January, following the devastating earthquake. Since then, the flow of media attention has not stopped. "Elections", "Duvalier returns", etc. Before last January, I had to explain to most people the basics of this country in which I work. Now, everyone has a story about Haiti. However, there is one issue that continues to remain strangely absent from all the chatter: child domestic servitude (restavek).

Now, granted, there have been specials, and Anderson Cooper snippets, and other such coverage. Far better than anything before the quake! For that, I am hopeful. But, the fact still remains that the world has not yet become aware of the plight of the Haitian slave child.

A Biblical proverb reminds us to “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute (Proverbs 31: 8)." Part of our mission at Equitas is to raise awareness about the injustice of the restavek system. One way we can do that is by educating people about this issue. Why not take 10 minutes, and educate yourself on this marginalized and extremely vulnerable population? Here's a good set of videos to start.

Check out resources and our featured partners for even more information and how you can help.

-jonathan

Welcome to our new site

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 20:56:00 GMT

Thanks so much for taking the time to stop in on our new website. By being here we know you probably have a heart for the vulnerable and oppressed and are looking to learn more about how others are addressing injustices in this world. Our hope is that this site is a place that is helpful not only to learn about Equitas, but even more importantly for you to be able to gain knowledge and perhaps even become engaged with the issues to which we are involved.

As you take some time to look around, you will find books, articles, and other links on our “Resources” page that are meant to inform you and invite you to learn more.

Be sure to check out our “Featured Partners” page and see the many great organizations with whom we are privileged to partner.

Our “Stories” page features short stories meant to give you a tangible snapshot into the arenas in which we work.

On our blog you can expect a new post at least weekly from one of our staff engaged in the field. There are a few blog posts already in queue that you may want to read as well.

We hope you like the new site and would love to hear your feedback. Don’t forget you can also follow us on facebook and twitter. Thanks again for stopping by.

–Lance Robinson, President/Founder

Reflections on Isaac’s Life

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 19:18:00 GMT

In the aftermath of Haiti’s devastating earthquake, I spent three and half weeks in both Haiti and the Dominican Republic involved in the relief efforts. This was, needless to say, a life-changing experience in which I encountered countless stories of both tragedy and resilience, and my own participation took an unexpected twist from a small role in the food distribution and medical relief of thousands to an effort to save one child.

While delivering food to an orphanage in a small community outside of Port-au-Prince, our team came across a sick infant. Six-week-old Isaac was malnourished and dehydrated, and he grabbed my heart. A nurse practitioner who was with us decided that he needed immediate medical attention. With the blessing of the orphanage director, Isaac was swiftly transported to a medical clinic and I became his custodian in helping him receive medical care. At that point, my journey became exclusively, albeit briefly, intertwined with his.

After a good fight and despite the best efforts of many caring people, Isaac passed away on February 6, 2010. For years I have been working in various parts of the world with children-at-risk and related issues, and many children and their stories have affected me. However, the intensity of attempting to save Isaac’s short life, within the larger framework of the untold sufferings of Haiti, has had a profound impact on me, my family, and, as I continue to discover, many others as well.

I feel I was almost thrown into Isaac’s saga, so the lessons that follow are less about what I was able to do and more about what was confirmed in me as I moved through this time with Isaac. At the very least, Isaac’s story is a reminder that the claims of justice and love mean very little unless they affect someone tangibly.

It also reminds us that often times the best efforts at love and justice are small and focused. His life has been a beautiful illustration that whether we are fighting for the justice of thousands or fighting for the life of one, it’s worth it.

I wrote the following reflection while in a Dominican hospital about halfway through my time with Isaac. His story, one of an orphan suffering in the third world from lack of adequate health care, malnutrition, and basic needs, is one of a million such stories. May Isaac move you to consider what you can do on behalf of these orphaned and vulnerable children worldwide.

Wednesday Morning Reflections, January 27, 2010:

As I just rubbed Isaac’s back, he jolted and reflexively I said, “It’s okay bud. Someone’s here with you.”

I’ve been trying to figure out my role with him. Dad? Maybe. Lots of unknowns still with this. Custodian through this medical crisis? Yes. I am here to make sure that he’s properly cared for.

But what if the worst happens and he never pulls out of this? Then why all this? Why drive him wildly across the dusty countryside of Haiti to a disaster response medical clinic? Why have him cared for by experienced doctors who have converged here from all over the world? Why hop on a military chopper with him and rush him to the best hospital we could find in Santo Domingo? Why do blood work, hook him up to monitors, and pump powerful antibiotics into him? Why?

The thought came after I touched Isaac and said that someone’s here for him that in a profound sense every single human being has value; and everyone of us, just like Isaac, needs someone “there” for us whether we realize it or not.

Perhaps to give this to someone even when you are not sure what good it is or role you are playing is precisely the way God wants us to love. Perhaps I will only be here for Isaac for a short part of the journey or if his journey is short. Perhaps it’s for the long haul. Perhaps I’m supposed to be this for Isaac, and perhaps he’s teaching me something about love.

The frustrating part of this is the finitude of the human perspective. We don’t always know our role in the story. I certainly don’t understand the massive amounts of suffering and “aloneness” that has been going on all over Haiti, and it angers me. It makes me question God, or wonder if he’s the being we think he is, or even wonder if he’s really there at all.

At the same time I find myself praying—praying that somehow in some way those who were trapped or continuing to suffer will at least be given a touch from God and somehow experience that they are not alone. This is my prayer, but the realist in me recognizes that this is often not the case. People suffer and die alone all the time. Then I find hope calling me to believe this for them in eternity, and love calls me (and all who say they follow Jesus) to incarnate this love to those that come into my journey. Love also calls us all to stand for justice for the vulnerable and oppressed.

I truly wish that I could resolve the mysterious tension of not understanding the sufferings of this world and the anger and cynicism that they bring alongside the simultaneous life-giving and joyful narratives of love, justice, hope and compassion, beauty, truth and grace. The latter spurs me to want to challenge this present order of things through trying to live out these life-giving stories with presence, hope, grace, justice and love.

I want Isaac to sense someone is there for him and at this stage of life that is perhaps all that it is for him—a “sensing”. But for the value of his life, and for as long as our paths cross, I can be that for him.

I think that’s what we all need, from God and from others: to know or believe someone is there for us however long our lives are and whatever twist and turns they take.

This is to me the message of the incarnation: to show us a God who is loving and present amidst the often times dismal, inexplicable chaos around us; to give us a hope that someday this will all be made right; and to love, value and be present with us for who we are, no matter who we are—especially little Haitian orphans.

Today I choose to believe someone is here for you, Isaac, and for me as well. Despite the “whys” I choose love.

- Lance Robinson

In Defense of Philanthropy

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 19:56:00 GMT

Recently, I have been a part of several conversations that were genuinely wrestling with the question, “Is philanthropy actually a distraction from what is truly needed in our world and therefore harmful?” The argument goes something like this: “In order to lift people out of poverty, it would be better for those with wealth to exclusively invest their wealth back into capitalist pursuits therefore providing jobs and economic growth for the targeted population. Economic growth lifts people out of poverty, brings social good with it and therefore should replace philanthropy.”

I do believe there is truth in this argument. Far too often economic development and job creation in poverty stricken areas take a back seat while philanthropically fueled sincere but misguided pursuits create dependency rather than empowerment. I am all for correcting this.

A recent rise of books, articles and blogs has begun to shine a light on the many faux pas of modern philanthropy and aid in general. These voices are certainly a helpful corrective; however, there are some who as a result are beginning to question the very idea of philanthropy. They as a result propose that creating a robust market is almost exclusively what is needed to address society’s problems. There is a need to swing the pendulum, but to continue with the colloquialisms, let’s not throw the baby out with the bathwater.

While balance is needed, I would argue that it is not so much the idea of philanthropy that is the issue but how we do philanthropy, with whom, for whom and to what end. There are obvious problems with the idea of throwing out philanthropy. Here are a few reminders, (not an exhaustive list), of what philanthropy can best do:

1. Provide relief. Disasters, famines, wars, disease and other humanitarian crises are an ever-present reality in our world and are not going away.

2. Advocate for and stand with exploited, vulnerable and/or voiceless populations (such as orphaned and vulnerable children).

3. Encourage development where infrastructure has collapsed or is corrupt. The suggestion to do away with philanthropy assumes that all markets are at least minimally viable and somewhat attractive for the amount of economic investment that is needed to prime the pump out of poverty. In many third world situations there are severe limitations on infrastructure and complications that are not easily remedied (regardless of where you stand on Sachs vs. Easterly divide). In the meantime, grinding poverty takes it’s toll.

4. Protect, nurture and guide the next generation. One assumption that must be made according to the above scenario is that creating jobs and wealth solves societies ills. Unfortunately the commercially exploited children of Cambodia or the restavek child servants of Haiti for whom my organization advocates would beg to differ.

5. Concentrate and/or convene the necessary resources to problem solve and bring solutions to humanitarian and/or environmental issues.

6. Fund pursuits that are intrinsically but not directly economically valuable such as faith and the arts.

- Lance Robinson