Development, as a field, is complicated. Historically, and even now, many people still see development, incorrectly, as being largely synonymous with some of the worst aspects of history – including racism, colonialism, and religious imposition of one’s belief systems on someone else. Good development is none of those. This section outlines both how to do things well, as well as what to avoid in terms of organizations or projects to support.

What is Development?

Definitions vary, but many tend to revolve around the idea of helping people find/build autonomy and agency in their own lives.

What not to do?

There are many people still working on projects, or going on trips that are doing more harm than good. Here are a few resources to get started with undoing some of the most negative assumptions that are used to support projects which are hurtful.

Failed Missionary

FAILED MISSIONARY’ PODCAST IS A CHEEKY DECONSTRUCTION OF THE WHITE SAVIOR COMPLEX – Sojourners and Failed Missionary

Podcast here – 3 parts. Well worth listening to!

Part 1 “On this episode, Corey and Emily Worrall of Barbie Savior sit down with Ugandan friends to talk about their experience with the White Savior Complex. Corey and Emily reflect on ways they were the White Savior and talk about their journey of shifting perspectives.”

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“Called, Not Qualified“

3 Part Podcast Here

The question of “Called, not qualified” is one that is particularly relevant to discussions of what development is, and how we can, collectively, move towards a more positive future.

Starting from a (flawed) premise that some parts of the world are fundamentally flawed or weak or damaged, it is an easy leap to think that, no matter how unqualified we are, any time we “offer” to involve ourselves in others’ lives, we are automatically helping. However, if you are not a trained teacher in North America, for example, and you have not been hired through proper channels to teach at a school somewhere else, you are most likely imposing yourself somewhere where you should not be. Likewise, if you are untrained and going to do a building project (eg building a school or a well), your flight money would be much better spent in other ways.

In any other job that we do with integrity, we need to be both called and qualified. Development is no different.

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Want some motivation to keep working towards positive change, even when it feels impossible? This is a great musical, and a fun way to remind ourselves to keep working to change the system . 🙂