I have always wanted to change the world, but it seemed like I didn’t know how and I didn’t know many people who presented huge socio-economic need.

Oh, I had some experiences as a pastor working with drug addicts and we helped people in our little down-and-outer congregation in a multitude of ways… food and furniture donations, paying utility bills, transportation to therapy and drug rehab sessions.  We even did several random acts of kindness and washed cars for free, gave away bottles of water and cans of soda at events, held neighborhood dinners, and even stood at a toll way exit ramp to pay people’s tolls.

The house church that I am part of has developed a relationship with a family that is entangled in a web of medical, developmental, mental, physical, and monetary needs.  We try to do something for them as it presents itself, like cleaning, putting on a new roof, transportation to doctor’s appointments and follow-up medical assistance.

However, like most white, suburban, followers of Christ, I am not very up close and personal with really obviously disadvantaged people.

Now, I have begun a new chapter in my life by studying nonprofit management, a profession that I have chosen as my career. My studies and interaction with practitioners from around the world have opened my eyes to see what a high level of leadership and creativity is needed for a nonprofit organization to be truly successful in improving outcomes for their clients.  I am beginning to work with a local nonprofit organization by providing some help in strategic planning.  So, reaching out effectively to disadvantaged people is on my mind.  I have a lot of questions and few convictions are beginning to form.

Things We Have Tried (Observations)

Another way to look at these measures, is by considering them to be an initial, rather than long term responses to needs.  They may be necessary and good, but something more is needed.

Blessing. It is good to be just bless people, I mean, to do something like buy lunch for a panhandler and talk to him or to take time to treat the most disenfranchised and despised person with profound respect.  It won’t change the world, but it might bring a little sunshine to one life, which it very cool.

Money. Money alone won’t fix anything other than the immediate crisis. It might be a good thing to do, it will run out or the situation that created the crisis will arise again.

Quickies. Your can’t fix much in an hour or in a once-a-year Sharefest.  Again, you can bring a little sunshine to someone for a little while.  You can make volunteers feel better.  You can be a good (though brief) demonstration of the gospel, but probably not much that is long term will result.

Charity. Giving things away won’t solve long term issues.  It might be the right thing to do, especially, if we have too much and someone else does not have enough, but its effects will be limited, if the root causes are not addressed.

Programs in which people give things away have some unwanted effects.

1. People will try to circumvent the rules. (If you have a “two bags of groceries per family” rule at your food pantry, someone will say, my cousin and his wife moved in with us, can I have two more bags?)
2. The service providers will turn into the charity police, making sure that people are not taking advantage of the system by putting more rules into effect.
3. Most everybody will have some “challenges” with their attitude over time.

Things That Need Trying (Principles)

These principles are ideas for more of a long term response.

Oportunity. People do not have an equal opportunity.  I argue this point with people frequently.  Some people are disadvantaged.  Some need an advocate.  Some need inspiration.  Some need information.  Some just need to know that they don’t have to continue in the same conditions.

Dignity. People need to be treated with dignity and respect, no matter what.  That means not treating them like personal projects or pawns in a program.

Relationships. People need the trust and comfort that comes through long term, honest and loving relationships. That involves a commitment to get to know a person, rather than a hit-and-run approach.

Giving Back. People need the opportunity to give something back.  It is part of respecting them and treating them with dignity, but, it’s hard to design avenues for them to give back.  It is easier and quicker to just give them something.

Long Term. People giving back, is the hope of lifting them and their community out of their negative situations.  It’s the idea behind food pantries becoming cooperatives that offer low cost food and jobs for people in the neighborhood. The clothing closet becomes a thrift store.  The charity becomes a business with a purpose.

This is an oversimplification. Certainly, there are disadvantaged people who need us to get them in touch with services that will meet pressing needs.

What I have written about is also complex and takes a high level leadership, creativity, and the expertise of people with diverse skills.

These thought are just me beginning to sort out my thoughts, but the needs are real.  The long term solutions are challenging.  It will take us way out of our comfort zones.  But what a worthy challenge!

I would love to hear your thoughts.