Aid, migration flows, communities

It seems a conversation is to be had on the correlation of foreign aid and immigration. Perhaps more research could be conducted on whether proactive or retrogressive techniques impact on migration flows. The recent movements from some countries towards the Mexico-US border is a case in point. Where support is readily available at conflict areas, or places of substantial discomfort, there would probably be less incentive to disconnect from ties in business, family, homes. It remains to be said the need to also balance protecting sovereignty and collective banding of ‘prospective nations to be affected’ for a somewhat political-economic surgery. The punitive approach to punish, restrict, or threaten to stop assistance may be a double whammy.

Structures that strengthen efforts would invariably curb the suffering till the disasters abate- therefore there is need to revisit collectively and magnanimously the efforts of home States and host communities in solving mainly hunger-prone migration. The perils of the journeys is mind-numbing to read. Nation-States pulling together to send grants after major displacements, or stopping aid for failure to forcefully restrain migrating families fleeing home-grown difficulties, may be avoiding the real conversation, of possible generational instabilities, failing desire and responsibilities to cater for needs. There is need for more research in this area. Neither is it conducive or conclusive that emigration flow is entirely dependent on this criterion of emergency aid support. However, it would seem plausible that communities can be reached where they are before situations escalate, making the enticing and difficult decision to take often unevaluated risks more unlikely and unattractive.

The Giving Pledge: Facilitating Game-changing Gifts for Social Change

The Giving Pledge: Facilitating Game-changing Gifts for Social Change

By Melissa Beck CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire
See this report on philanthropists pulling resources together by means of a pledge… a tool for social change. Beck writes –
“Donors should also know we want to have an upfront conversation about expected results. Because a major gift is an investment in change, you should feel you have made a significant difference. Social change involves people on the receiving end, an understanding has to be reached that results take time. These conversations about evaluating outcomes are necessary, especially in the event of under or over-performance.”
Also- “Most of all, we want philanthropists to remember that their gifts are an investment in change, entrusted to competent people on the receiving end. Trust is the key ingredient to any successful relationship, especially one as significant as this. Game-changing gifts are rare occurrences, and many that could happen, don’t. Let’s continue the conversation about maximizing philanthropy within the social realm and together, make some change.”
Full post was originally featured on www.ocbigs.org/blog
Source: <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/melissa-beck/the-giving-pledge-facilit_b_9385114.html>
[Added references for further research- http://givingpledge.org/;
http://www.pon.harvard.edu/daily/leadership-skills-daily/servant-leadership-and-warren-buffetts-giving-pledge/;
http://africanleadership.co.uk/africas-top-10-richest-charity-donors/]