Donation: charity or justice
A donation system based solely on charity ignores past events that have led communities to experience situations of oppression. Charity may alleviate feelings of guilt and help some people to sleep more easily, but it does not encourage a reflection on the origins of inequality and may even serve to perpetuate it.
A donation system based solely on charity ignores past events that have led communities to experience situations of oppression. Charity may alleviate feelings of guilt and help some people to sleep more easily, but it does not encourage a reflection on the origins of inequality and may even serve to perpetuate it.
The article proposes a fundamental change, changing from a system of charity to one of justice, but in no way claims that the act of giving is anything other than admirable. On the contrary. In order to stop perpetuating inequality, a change is needed in attitudes, beliefs and policies.
The authors put forward seven questions that all philanthropists should ask themselves before making a donation:
- Do you know and value the current leadership of community you are trying to help?
- Do you understand the historical factors underlying the matters you are trying to help resolve?
- What is the value of getting closer to those you would like to help?
- Do you consider the beneficiaries and community leaders to be at the same level as you?
- Would you understand the value of including a range of different people in your own team?
- Do you recognize the value of smaller organizations?
- Could your organization be an agent for change in the system?
In order to change things all those who donate should take time to reflect; charity is commendable but justice is transformational. How do you plan to invest your resources?