Posted October 14, 2009
News on The Edge

If it is clear that we need strong leaders to lead the charge on poverty, it is also crucial to realize that a few of them may think that doing bad, all in the name of poverty alleviation, is occasionally acceptable.

“How social entrepreneurs individually see the fundamental relationship between giver and taker makes all the difference in how they lead,” writes Sara Olsen, Founding Partner of SVT Group, as she wonders how we should hold accountable those individuals who have the moral high ground on poverty.

Join her this week on Social Edge (and next week at Opportunity Collaboration) to build values-driven organizations that go to the heart of poverty alleviation.

Then join other Opportunity Collaboration moderators also on Social Edge this week: Theresa Fay-Bustillos on Poverty, Human Rights, and the Global Society, and Carola Barton on the competing visions of poverty.

Leila Chirayath Janah, who is also on her way to Ixtapa, is launching an iPhone application: “You can now use your mobile phone to support refugees in Kenya –by donating your time, not money.” Speaking of technology, check in with Dr. O who reports on the health of fundraising on social media platforms.

Jonathan C. Lewis reminds us that “every activist understands that social change occurs in concert with the people we know and trust. Whatever the reporting metrics, true accountability is people-to-people.”

Magogodi Makhene agrees: “Nobody makes it alone, much less a humble African girl from a still humbler family. Countless sacrifices have been made in my name.”