Inspired by some great talks at Tedx at Macquarie university in October, I have started to explore options for helping people without getting in their way. The focus of this for me is doing things that empower people to make their own decisions, rather than being disempowered. Related to this is an idea that I'm embarrased to say i only hear about earlier in the year: seeing the person in need as the person who is an expert in what they need. This idea of recognizing the experience of those we want to help is actually something we talk about a lot in therapies. Most modern therapies acknowledge that the client is actually a wealth of important information about how to help themselves; the therapist is often seen as a facilitator or guide who can help you discover new tools, but itsn't necessarily there to be the expert. I'm always surprised how many people start their first session thinking that the therapist will be the main speaker during sessions, that the therapists knowledge will rule supreme. When I explain to people that I consider them important experts, the reactions on their faces are mostly relief, surprise, and often, pride. So I probably should have thought of this approach long before the speakers at Tedx MacU helped me see the light. My adventures in this area are new, but here are my initial discoveries. these ideas have made it onto my christams shopping list for my family! KIVA.COM http://www.kiva.org/about Microfinancing to help individuals in developing regions (you loan a small amount of $ to a person who wants to start their own business or venture but who doesn't have the capital to see start up themselves. They pay it back to you in managable installments once their venture is off the ground. PROJECT FUTUTRES INTERNATIONAL AND AUSTRALIA http://projectfutures.com/ Project futures, in partnership with the Somlay Mam Foundation, sell products to support the rescue of children and women from sex trafficking. The silk beads are my favorite and they are made by some of the women themselves! Somlay Mam makes sure that women are given business classes and sewing/ craft classes so that they have viable occupational opportunities to support themselves. What do you think? Who else is doing good work? I haven't done all my Christmas shopping, so I'd love to hear your ideas.
