As the leader of a private foundation that over the last 2 decades has learned the hard way that we are often ‘in the way’, your statement that the authors ‘fail to grapple with the consequences of side-lining experts and expertise’ is an endorsement of exactly why so much within development does fail.
We have learnt that unless we engage deeply, listen more carefully without our own lenses, needs or paradigms cluttering up the engagement, we stand to fool ourselves with our (often preconceived out of touch) metrics and evaluation. Systems change happens when we engage and support the right elements – based on the direct insights, feedback and buy-in from those inside each system or initiative.
A perfect example of this approach is The Greenlight Movement (http://www.greenlightmovement.org.za/the-approach/), that engages directly with individuals and families, enabling deeper understanding and context for those being assisted, and those wishing to assist.
COMMENTS
BY Jed Emerson
ON December 9, 2021 12:34 PM
Just a really well written and thoughtful review of what sounds like a provocative read! Many thanks!
BY Gary Shearer
ON December 10, 2021 03:55 AM
As the leader of a private foundation that over the last 2 decades has learned the hard way that we are often ‘in the way’, your statement that the authors ‘fail to grapple with the consequences of side-lining experts and expertise’ is an endorsement of exactly why so much within development does fail.
We have learnt that unless we engage deeply, listen more carefully without our own lenses, needs or paradigms cluttering up the engagement, we stand to fool ourselves with our (often preconceived out of touch) metrics and evaluation. Systems change happens when we engage and support the right elements – based on the direct insights, feedback and buy-in from those inside each system or initiative.
A perfect example of this approach is The Greenlight Movement (http://www.greenlightmovement.org.za/the-approach/), that engages directly with individuals and families, enabling deeper understanding and context for those being assisted, and those wishing to assist.
BY ALEXANDER COUNTS
ON December 10, 2021 11:15 AM
Jed, thanks for your kind words!