Comments on: The worst NGO on the planet? http://chrisblattman.com/2009/03/30/the-worst-ngo-on-the-planet/ International development, politics, economics, and policy Wed, 16 May 2012 05:18:53 +0000 hourly 1 By: eliahttp://chrisblattman.com/2009/03/30/the-worst-ngo-on-the-planet/#comment-5126 elia Sun, 24 May 2009 03:38:07 +0000 http://dev.chrisblattman.com/2009/03/30/the-worst-ngo-on-the-planet/#comment-5126 And another contender: http://www.flipflopsforfamilies.org/ And another contender: http://www.flipflopsforfamilies.org/

]]> By: amstravelshttp://chrisblattman.com/2009/03/30/the-worst-ngo-on-the-planet/#comment-5102 amstravels Tue, 19 May 2009 09:09:00 +0000 http://dev.chrisblattman.com/2009/03/30/the-worst-ngo-on-the-planet/#comment-5102 This made me laugh: http://www.operationsockmonkey.com/<br /><br />Sock monkeys for Clowns without Borders :-/ This made me laugh: http://www.operationsockmonkey.com/

Sock monkeys for Clowns without Borders :-/

]]> By: eliahttp://chrisblattman.com/2009/03/30/the-worst-ngo-on-the-planet/#comment-4886 elia Thu, 16 Apr 2009 22:52:00 +0000 http://dev.chrisblattman.com/2009/03/30/the-worst-ngo-on-the-planet/#comment-4886 Chocolate Sherpa is a very interesting concept too: http://chocolate-sherpa.blogspot.com/2009/01/chocolate-sherpa-expedition_16.html Chocolate Sherpa is a very interesting concept too: http://chocolate-sherpa.blogspot.com/2009/01/chocolate-sherpa-expedition_16.html

]]> By: Meghanhttp://chrisblattman.com/2009/03/30/the-worst-ngo-on-the-planet/#comment-4883 Meghan Wed, 15 Apr 2009 04:37:00 +0000 http://dev.chrisblattman.com/2009/03/30/the-worst-ngo-on-the-planet/#comment-4883 I think the people involved in these organizations are just taking your advice Mr. Blattman. In a post you authored in 2007, How to Get a PhD *and* Save the World, you advised people to:<br /><br />7. Do what you love. You can try to game the system and do something that’s hot, conventional, or orthodox. But if you don’t love your topic and your research, it is probably not going to be interesting to anyone, let alone you. Plus you’ll be miserable. Did you really work this hard and come this far to be mediocre and unhappy?<br /><br />3. Take chances. The second best piece of advice I ever received came from my dissertation chair, shortly after my oral examinations committee told me that my prospectus was poorly thought out, uneconomic, and overly risky. They were 100% right, and I benefitted from hearing it (although at the time I was miserable). Where I think they were wrong is that they told me to abandon my plans for risky and expensive field work. They favored the less risky route that could get me to a completed dissertation faster. My chair's response: “Hey, if you really want to do this, why not? Give it a shot. If it doesn’t pan out after three months, then come back and work on something else. Worst case scenario: you lose a few thousand dollars and a summer, but you have a great experience.” I plan to give the same advice to my students.<br /><br />Granted, you were offering your wisdom concerning dissertation research, but I think the overarching principles of your guidance can be applied to the people running these organizations. They are out there, interacting with community members, making a positive impact in peoples’ lives and engaging in something they are passionate about. Why should anyone sitting in front of their personal computers spending time reading smart peoples’ blogs feel empowered to attack their efforts?<br /><br />Just because we may not be passionate about entertaining or surfing ourselves does not mean that community members in developing countries will not benefit from these organizations. On the contrary, in my experience overseas, it is typically these smaller boutique outfits that make the lasting impact that development workers theorize about. <br /><br />Has anyone actually spent time on either of these organizations websites? Do you know their mission, vision and goals? Are you familiar with their budgets and financial plan? Have you spoken to community members in the places that these organizations are active to measure any sort of impact? My guess is that the majority of the readers here would answer no to most/all of these questions. Why then, do we judge? Why are we compelled to hold them up to some great standard, confined to our definitions of successful organizations? With what basis do some of you feel obligated to make such a rude distinction (worst NGO in the world) toward groups of people who are at least trying? Is there not a better use for our intelligence and creativity than to sit and nit-pick? I guess those would be my questions for you, fellow bloggers, to answer… I think the people involved in these organizations are just taking your advice Mr. Blattman. In a post you authored in 2007, How to Get a PhD *and* Save the World, you advised people to:

7. Do what you love. You can try to game the system and do something that’s hot, conventional, or orthodox. But if you don’t love your topic and your research, it is probably not going to be interesting to anyone, let alone you. Plus you’ll be miserable. Did you really work this hard and come this far to be mediocre and unhappy?

3. Take chances. The second best piece of advice I ever received came from my dissertation chair, shortly after my oral examinations committee told me that my prospectus was poorly thought out, uneconomic, and overly risky. They were 100% right, and I benefitted from hearing it (although at the time I was miserable). Where I think they were wrong is that they told me to abandon my plans for risky and expensive field work. They favored the less risky route that could get me to a completed dissertation faster. My chair’s response: “Hey, if you really want to do this, why not? Give it a shot. If it doesn’t pan out after three months, then come back and work on something else. Worst case scenario: you lose a few thousand dollars and a summer, but you have a great experience.” I plan to give the same advice to my students.

Granted, you were offering your wisdom concerning dissertation research, but I think the overarching principles of your guidance can be applied to the people running these organizations. They are out there, interacting with community members, making a positive impact in peoples’ lives and engaging in something they are passionate about. Why should anyone sitting in front of their personal computers spending time reading smart peoples’ blogs feel empowered to attack their efforts?

Just because we may not be passionate about entertaining or surfing ourselves does not mean that community members in developing countries will not benefit from these organizations. On the contrary, in my experience overseas, it is typically these smaller boutique outfits that make the lasting impact that development workers theorize about.

Has anyone actually spent time on either of these organizations websites? Do you know their mission, vision and goals? Are you familiar with their budgets and financial plan? Have you spoken to community members in the places that these organizations are active to measure any sort of impact? My guess is that the majority of the readers here would answer no to most/all of these questions. Why then, do we judge? Why are we compelled to hold them up to some great standard, confined to our definitions of successful organizations? With what basis do some of you feel obligated to make such a rude distinction (worst NGO in the world) toward groups of people who are at least trying? Is there not a better use for our intelligence and creativity than to sit and nit-pick? I guess those would be my questions for you, fellow bloggers, to answer…

]]> By: Benhttp://chrisblattman.com/2009/03/30/the-worst-ngo-on-the-planet/#comment-4879 Ben Tue, 14 Apr 2009 22:18:00 +0000 http://dev.chrisblattman.com/2009/03/30/the-worst-ngo-on-the-planet/#comment-4879 How great is the Uganda school fee project you plug in your sidebar? The clown thing is humane and harmless. How great is the Uganda school fee project you plug in your sidebar? The clown thing is humane and harmless.

]]> By: makewealthhistory.orghttp://chrisblattman.com/2009/03/30/the-worst-ngo-on-the-planet/#comment-4842 makewealthhistory.org Mon, 06 Apr 2009 15:18:00 +0000 http://dev.chrisblattman.com/2009/03/30/the-worst-ngo-on-the-planet/#comment-4842 When I was in Kenya I had the misfortune of witnessing a group of American teenagers give a 'show' that included cheerleading, line dancing, and comedy skits to a bemused local audience.<br/><br/>I have no idea who they were or what they were doing, but it would give a bunch of Spanish clowns a run for their money. When I was in Kenya I had the misfortune of witnessing a group of American teenagers give a ‘show’ that included cheerleading, line dancing, and comedy skits to a bemused local audience.

I have no idea who they were or what they were doing, but it would give a bunch of Spanish clowns a run for their money.

]]> By: Anonymoushttp://chrisblattman.com/2009/03/30/the-worst-ngo-on-the-planet/#comment-4802 Anonymous Wed, 01 Apr 2009 21:09:00 +0000 http://dev.chrisblattman.com/2009/03/30/the-worst-ngo-on-the-planet/#comment-4802 SAVE DARFUR COALITION. See Mamdani's SAVIORS AND SURVIVORS, Foley's THE THIN BLUE LINE, and SDC wiki entry (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Save_Darfur_Coalition) for supporting details. SAVE DARFUR COALITION. See Mamdani’s SAVIORS AND SURVIVORS, Foley’s THE THIN BLUE LINE, and SDC wiki entry (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Save_Darfur_Coalition) for supporting details.

]]> By: Anonymoushttp://chrisblattman.com/2009/03/30/the-worst-ngo-on-the-planet/#comment-4792 Anonymous Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:12:00 +0000 http://dev.chrisblattman.com/2009/03/30/the-worst-ngo-on-the-planet/#comment-4792 Why are we so quick to judge the efforts of others? Perhaps the worse NGO is the one that is mishandling funds or even worse, the people who are criticizing and aren't doing a thing. Come on people! At least they are making an effort. Whether or not we agree about the approach or the impact, its still an effort. Would you rather them not do anything at all? Don't knock the person thats trying...everyone has value. Why are we so quick to judge the efforts of others? Perhaps the worse NGO is the one that is mishandling funds or even worse, the people who are criticizing and aren’t doing a thing. Come on people! At least they are making an effort. Whether or not we agree about the approach or the impact, its still an effort. Would you rather them not do anything at all? Don’t knock the person thats trying…everyone has value.

]]> By: Conorhttp://chrisblattman.com/2009/03/30/the-worst-ngo-on-the-planet/#comment-4791 Conor Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:28:00 +0000 http://dev.chrisblattman.com/2009/03/30/the-worst-ngo-on-the-planet/#comment-4791 There is also a German organisation training Afghans how to become waiters in Kabul. The service was fairly terrible the last time I was there. There is also a German organisation training Afghans how to become waiters in Kabul. The service was fairly terrible the last time I was there.

]]> By: Miguelhttp://chrisblattman.com/2009/03/30/the-worst-ngo-on-the-planet/#comment-4790 Miguel Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:20:00 +0000 http://dev.chrisblattman.com/2009/03/30/the-worst-ngo-on-the-planet/#comment-4790 And what about this other spanish NGO teaching a bunch of congoleese kids the anthem of the soccer team from the city the NGO originated, back in Spain? It was the tv and youtube sensation during last christmas time<br/><br/>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pC_b8RhqDlA And what about this other spanish NGO teaching a bunch of congoleese kids the anthem of the soccer team from the city the NGO originated, back in Spain? It was the tv and youtube sensation during last christmas time

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pC_b8RhqDlA

]]> By: Anonymoushttp://chrisblattman.com/2009/03/30/the-worst-ngo-on-the-planet/#comment-4789 Anonymous Wed, 01 Apr 2009 13:43:00 +0000 http://dev.chrisblattman.com/2009/03/30/the-worst-ngo-on-the-planet/#comment-4789 I'm with the commenters who disagree with this post. There are far, far, far worse NGOs out there. Even if you don't think this one helps much (debatable, I guess) it sure doesn't do much harm. Come on. There's so many NGOs out there that do such harm. I’m with the commenters who disagree with this post. There are far, far, far worse NGOs out there. Even if you don’t think this one helps much (debatable, I guess) it sure doesn’t do much harm. Come on. There’s so many NGOs out there that do such harm.

]]> By: Anonymoushttp://chrisblattman.com/2009/03/30/the-worst-ngo-on-the-planet/#comment-4788 Anonymous Wed, 01 Apr 2009 13:33:00 +0000 http://dev.chrisblattman.com/2009/03/30/the-worst-ngo-on-the-planet/#comment-4788 I know of a similar group that visited kids in East Timor (albeit with doctors). As others have said, I don't really see what the big deal is here. I think such NGOs are sweet. Obviously not in place of food, shelter and education, but let's not forget that children enjoy silly entertainment regardless of where they live. I know of a similar group that visited kids in East Timor (albeit with doctors). As others have said, I don’t really see what the big deal is here. I think such NGOs are sweet. Obviously not in place of food, shelter and education, but let’s not forget that children enjoy silly entertainment regardless of where they live.

]]> By: Ana Palaohttp://chrisblattman.com/2009/03/30/the-worst-ngo-on-the-planet/#comment-4787 Ana Palao Wed, 01 Apr 2009 12:33:00 +0000 http://dev.chrisblattman.com/2009/03/30/the-worst-ngo-on-the-planet/#comment-4787 ¨Payasos Sin Fronteras¨ came to visit when I was working in the only refugee camp in Mozambique. They entertained the kids -who usually receive little attention or stimulus- for an entire morning and asked for nothing in return. In addition, some of the clowns have their jobs back in Spain and dedicate their vacations to do this very difficult task -have you tried to make dozens of refugee children laugh?<br/>Your post was pretty unfair, I think. ¨Payasos Sin Fronteras¨ came to visit when I was working in the only refugee camp in Mozambique. They entertained the kids -who usually receive little attention or stimulus- for an entire morning and asked for nothing in return. In addition, some of the clowns have their jobs back in Spain and dedicate their vacations to do this very difficult task -have you tried to make dozens of refugee children laugh?
Your post was pretty unfair, I think.

]]> By: Paul Chttp://chrisblattman.com/2009/03/30/the-worst-ngo-on-the-planet/#comment-4786 Paul C Wed, 01 Apr 2009 10:32:00 +0000 http://dev.chrisblattman.com/2009/03/30/the-worst-ngo-on-the-planet/#comment-4786 Clowns - if they're doing their job right - provide a huge amount of relief for people affected by disasters, especially those stuck in IDP or refugee camps. Being a clown doesn't necessarily mean dressing up in a fright wig - that might be the source of the terror. Having seen the effects at first hand, I'm inclined to give them the benefit of the doubt.<br/><br/>Waves for Development - who doesn't love surfing? My most terrifying NGO was one that appeared in Kosovo called "Operation Light Force" - I would google for a link, but I suspect I wouldn't enjoy the results.<br/><br/>Conor - ho ho ho ho ho. Clowns – if they’re doing their job right – provide a huge amount of relief for people affected by disasters, especially those stuck in IDP or refugee camps. Being a clown doesn’t necessarily mean dressing up in a fright wig – that might be the source of the terror. Having seen the effects at first hand, I’m inclined to give them the benefit of the doubt.

Waves for Development – who doesn’t love surfing? My most terrifying NGO was one that appeared in Kosovo called “Operation Light Force” – I would google for a link, but I suspect I wouldn’t enjoy the results.

Conor – ho ho ho ho ho.

]]> By: dbhttp://chrisblattman.com/2009/03/30/the-worst-ngo-on-the-planet/#comment-4785 db Wed, 01 Apr 2009 09:40:00 +0000 http://dev.chrisblattman.com/2009/03/30/the-worst-ngo-on-the-planet/#comment-4785 May be a case of misplaced enthusiasm, providing something that a lot of people don't like, and a bit of a resource drain, but I think there are worse NGOs than these, or even the Waves for Development. At the very least they aren't adding to the problem.<br/><br/>Unless this was an early April Fool's day special. May be a case of misplaced enthusiasm, providing something that a lot of people don’t like, and a bit of a resource drain, but I think there are worse NGOs than these, or even the Waves for Development. At the very least they aren’t adding to the problem.

Unless this was an early April Fool’s day special.

]]> By: Jordihttp://chrisblattman.com/2009/03/30/the-worst-ngo-on-the-planet/#comment-4784 Jordi Wed, 01 Apr 2009 09:21:00 +0000 http://dev.chrisblattman.com/2009/03/30/the-worst-ngo-on-the-planet/#comment-4784 Honestly, I definitely don't get what's wrong with providing some fun time to kids in a refugee camp. What's the problem? is it that smiles are for free? is it that you don't need 1000s of K dollars from the IMF or WB on a fancy project to get some smiles? Chris, I'd be grateful to you If you could explain me why these guys are the worst NGO in the world... because I totally miss the point here. Honestly, I definitely don’t get what’s wrong with providing some fun time to kids in a refugee camp. What’s the problem? is it that smiles are for free? is it that you don’t need 1000s of K dollars from the IMF or WB on a fancy project to get some smiles? Chris, I’d be grateful to you If you could explain me why these guys are the worst NGO in the world… because I totally miss the point here.

]]> By: Ajihttp://chrisblattman.com/2009/03/30/the-worst-ngo-on-the-planet/#comment-4783 Aji Wed, 01 Apr 2009 08:17:00 +0000 http://dev.chrisblattman.com/2009/03/30/the-worst-ngo-on-the-planet/#comment-4783 I recently came accross your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I dont know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.<br/><br/><br/>Kaylee<br/><br/><a HREF="http://www.craigslistsimplified.info" REL="nofollow">http://www.craigslistsimplified.info</a> I recently came accross your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I dont know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

Kaylee

http://www.craigslistsimplified.info

]]> By: tuckerhttp://chrisblattman.com/2009/03/30/the-worst-ngo-on-the-planet/#comment-4782 tucker Wed, 01 Apr 2009 03:36:00 +0000 http://dev.chrisblattman.com/2009/03/30/the-worst-ngo-on-the-planet/#comment-4782 Isn't there probably some NGO doing physical harm? Like some group promoting the autism vaccine link in Latin America or something? Isn’t there probably some NGO doing physical harm? Like some group promoting the autism vaccine link in Latin America or something?

]]> By: Anonymoushttp://chrisblattman.com/2009/03/30/the-worst-ngo-on-the-planet/#comment-4781 Anonymous Wed, 01 Apr 2009 02:57:00 +0000 http://dev.chrisblattman.com/2009/03/30/the-worst-ngo-on-the-planet/#comment-4781 Come on...they may not be as funny as you economists. But they are trying. Come on…they may not be as funny as you economists. But they are trying.

]]> By: Timhttp://chrisblattman.com/2009/03/30/the-worst-ngo-on-the-planet/#comment-4780 Tim Wed, 01 Apr 2009 01:46:00 +0000 http://dev.chrisblattman.com/2009/03/30/the-worst-ngo-on-the-planet/#comment-4780 I don't think there is any doubt that Accupuncturists Without Borders blows Clowns Without Borders away.<br/><br/>I'm not making this up: AWB advocates for using accupuncture to "heal the wounds" in Darfur and provide the basis for a lasting peace. <br/><br/>Seriously. I don’t think there is any doubt that Accupuncturists Without Borders blows Clowns Without Borders away.

I’m not making this up: AWB advocates for using accupuncture to “heal the wounds” in Darfur and provide the basis for a lasting peace.

Seriously.

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