Comments on: Wendy Smith: GIVE A LITTLE

By: Jane Mukungu

Jane Mukungu — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 02:32:48 +0000

A great message, giving a little to good causes can make such a difference. Sponsoring a child, from what I have seen in the field though, is highly problematic. Creates visible inequality within communities (the sponsored children are the ones with the new books, bags, uniform etc) and exacerbates stigma and discrimination – instead of allowing orgs to help whole communities lift themslves out of poverty, for example by building/doing something that benefits all. People like to think that their money is going directly to that one child though, so arent willing to allow the org to use it in the way they see fit, in some cases orgs have more money than they need to sponsor vulnerable children, while other projects (the ones which train health care providers, or build roads for example) cannot run because they dont have funding. People shouldnt need handwritten thank you letters by 8-year olds to give money responsibly, and from what Smith reports, I dont think it does. Just please be careful of child sponsoring projects! And dont even get me started on World Vision!

By: Wendy Smith

Wendy Smith — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 23:55:33 +0000

Thank you Better World Books for your work! Please consider joining the Give a Little facebook fan page where we’re growing a movement to spread the word that everyday citizens are today’s most important philanthropists!

By: Susan Allen

Susan Allen — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 20:53:53 +0000

This is so true. It is how World Vision works, and many NGOs where you sponsor a child. Also check out http://www.charitywater.org to see another variation of a theme…giving up your “birthday” to have friends and family give a donation to build wells in the developing world.