our responsibilities
We do not think that social responsibility is exclustively for corporates, nor do we think that philanthropic organisations, by default of their work, are necessarily engaging in a socially responsible way with the people or causes that they support. We therefore think it is crucial for charities and NGOs to consider their economic, social and environmental impacts in the way they operate - maximising the benefits and minimising harm. Whilst most charities and NGOs are thankfully doing amazing work, many organisations do not recognise the negative and sometimes harmful social impact they introduce through their operations.
We therefore believe that philanthropic organisations should question the need and impact of their activities. Do the activities implemented on the ground reflect perceived or actual needs and circumstances? What language/terms are being used to describe the population being supported? what and whose ideologies do they reflect? What are the social consequences of focusing on a defined population (e.g. AIDS orphans).
Most of the ethical implications of doing development work can be overcome by working with the communities in which the activiteis take place. By this we mean the widows, elderly guardians, school teachers, parents, the children. Listening to local leaders and professionals is not always enough as they are often influenced by the dominant conceptualisations which flourish in the AID industry.
In everything we do, we question ourselves and continually seek to work with our partner communities in a way where the process of our partnership is as beneficial and empowering to them as the actual support they they are provided with. Every day we evaluate the terms and procedures we employ on the ground in our efforts to become more socially responsible.
We therefore believe that philanthropic organisations should question the need and impact of their activities. Do the activities implemented on the ground reflect perceived or actual needs and circumstances? What language/terms are being used to describe the population being supported? what and whose ideologies do they reflect? What are the social consequences of focusing on a defined population (e.g. AIDS orphans).
Most of the ethical implications of doing development work can be overcome by working with the communities in which the activiteis take place. By this we mean the widows, elderly guardians, school teachers, parents, the children. Listening to local leaders and professionals is not always enough as they are often influenced by the dominant conceptualisations which flourish in the AID industry.
In everything we do, we question ourselves and continually seek to work with our partner communities in a way where the process of our partnership is as beneficial and empowering to them as the actual support they they are provided with. Every day we evaluate the terms and procedures we employ on the ground in our efforts to become more socially responsible.
