The world of philanthropy is surprisingly complex. I've learned this through my 10 years as a donor to Blue Dragon Children's Foundation, but particularly over the last three years volunteering for Blue Dragon as a fundraiser.
Who donates what, where and why is fascinating. Our donation decisions reflect our value judgements and our views about our responsibility to others. Should I care more about people in my own community or about all people everywhere equally? Should I focus more on political change or on individuals most in need? How do I know that a charity is using my donation to best effect?
These are some of the questions asked by William MacAskill a decade ago when he started the "effective altruism" movement. His book Doing Good Better explores how we can get the most value for a donation dollar.
I'll start by saying I'm not in complete agreement with MacAskill. But I do think the questions he asks and his attempt to be deliberate and disciplined in providing answers, are admirable. I recommend his book Doing Good Better to anyone thinking harder about making a difference.
It's through the lens of "effective altruism" that I've been thinking about Blue Dragon and why I donate my time and money.
And what it boils down to is that for Blue Dragon there are no "or"s. Blue Dragon doesn't make choices between helping individuals "or" changing systems. It doesn't make choices between rescuing trafficking victims "or" protecting those who are vulnerable.
This was particularly clear to me last week as I sat in awe watching one of our program managers hosting a monthly Community Based Case Management meeting. The meeting was in a small village, high in the mountainous remote northwest of Vietnam. Present were the regional head of the government department of social services and representatives of the Women's Unions from surrounding villages. Each woman told a story about a child in their village who needed support. Together, the government social workers, the Women's Union members, and Blue Dragon's staff worked through what resources were needed and how best to support these children. The objective of the meeting was to help kids in need, but also to facilitate collaboration between agencies and build strength in the community.
Blue Dragon acts where it can, responding to opportunities as they arise: rescuing victims of trafficking and providing them with the support they need for as long as they need it; working to understand what made a person vulnerable to trafficking and working in the local community to build strength and resilience to protect others. This is what I admire about Blue Dragon, a genuine desire to make things better and the courage, skills and imagination to find opportunities and make change.
Philanthropy is complex, with so many options and possibilities. But at its core, I think it's simple: look for opportunities to make a difference, and when they arise, take them. As individuals, we can't do everything but we can do something. I think we have a responsibility to read a little, learn a bit, understand what we can and, just like Blue Dragon, act when the opportunities arise.