"You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do." — Eleanor Roosevelt
In order to contribute to Africa (Waianae), I would have to know myself better and be clearer about my goals. I would have to be ready to take Africa (Waianae) on its own terms, not mine, and to learn my limits and present myself not as a do-gooder with a big heart, but as someone with something to give and gain by being there. Compassion wasn't enough.
The first step in solving any problem is to identify and name it.
My ability to solve the problem did little to help if the women themselves didn't want to implement a solution.
I should have been clearer about having a mandate first and gotten real buy-in, not just a perfunctory agreement, and then brought the right people along throughout the process so there were no surprises. The question was one of leadership, of having the patience and skills to bring people with me— and I had yet to learn that fully.
...how to build accountability into non-profit organizations. Donors could convince themselves to give to nonperforming organizations based on hearing a few good stories. The world needed something better than that.
...it can take years for a new kind of organization to get on its feet and a few years after that for it to walk. The key is to find local leaders who own the dream and will make it happen.
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