Building Something Better

Let’s face it: in a world obsessed with hourly news cycles that primarily highlight the worst of humanity, we could all use a few better, brighter stories.?

Over the past 25 years, I’ve had the opportunity of working for a number of incredible nonprofits and witnessed first-hand the benefit (and harm) nonprofit work can have at home and aboard.?

In my current role as Business Development Manager at Signature Solar , I have the opportunity to interact daily with nonprofits of all sizes that are committed to providing empowering, comprehensive, and culturally-sensitive support to communities around the world. This weekly newsletter is an opportunity to platform their amazing work while providing busy professionals stories that rekindle their hope.?

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eMi

Eight years ago I saw a documentary that dramatically changed the way I view nonprofit work, especially in the developing world. Poverty Inc is a film that challenges the traditional global aid model by shining a light on the ways many NGOs (intentionally or unintentionally) keep donor funds flowing while creating and sustaining systems that keep those they serve dependent upon the organization's perpetual existence.?

The colloquial term for this dynamic is “toxic charity”.?

Here’s the question Poverty Inc. left me wondering:?

When an NGO is formed to address a particular problem, and a model is created to solve that problem, shouldn’t the end-game be for the nonprofit to ultimately report back to its donors: “Welp, guess what? We accomplished what we set out to do. Problem solved! Thanks for your sacrificial investment…have a great life!”

Of course, many of the problems NGOs exist to address are far more complicated than this. And there are often systemic challenges underlying the presenting issues, which require layers (and years) of hard work. But, in my opinion, every nonprofit ought to have an exit strategy, even if the strategy is moving to a new community that lacks the specific kind of support the nonprofit can offer.?

Last fall I had the opportunity to participate in the Engineering Ministries International’s (eMi) Faith + Work event in Dallas. EMi’s mission is:

To develop people, design structures, and construct facilities which serve communities and the Church–facilities like hospitals, schools, water systems, and more.

The entire weekend was packed with powerful stories from engineers and architects who have found a deeper sense of purpose through serving with eMi, as well as from nonprofit leaders whose organizations have benefitted from eMi’s work.?

But the most compelling part of the weekend was learning about eMi’s deep commitment to identifying, developing, and empowering local talent. EMi values this aspect of their work to such an extent that they’ve established physical offices throughout the developing world including: Nicaragua, Senegal, South Africa, Uganda, and Cambodia.?

Because here’s the thing:

It’s wonderful for a nonprofit to see a need and successfully meet it. But unless there’s a commitment to providing concrete opportunities for those who are served to eventually become stakeholders in the organization, a massive opportunity is missed.?

It’s the difference between providing a handout and a hand-up.?

One of keynote speakers at eMi’s Faith + Work event was a young Cambodian architect who talked about his progression from being a timid and uncertain new-hire to leading the architectural design of a beautiful school in the heart of Phnom Penh. I couldn’t help but wonder whether, when he got hired at eMi, he had imagined traveling to the US to teach a bunch of Americans about excellence in design and commitment to Christ.?

Since attending the Faith + Work event, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with a number of eMi staff including Andy Engebretson and Kent Jones . Through my conversations with them, it has become clear that eMi is laser-focused on doing incredible work, and doing it the right way.?

Let's Work Together

There are, of course, many incredible organizations serving in challenging (yet beautiful) places. I’ve been blessed to have seen many first-hand; however, eMi is unique in its commitment to local-sourcing, local recruitment and development, and conducting their work as a ministry, not a transaction. To learn more about eMi and how you can support their faith-filled work, visit: https://emiworld.org/??

At Signature Solar, we believe that solar is for everyone. We’re leveraging our success as a DIY solar distribution company to partner with nonprofit organizations around the world (like eMi).?

Our partnership model involves providing at-cost solar panels, inverters, batteries, and other equipment to qualified nonprofits. We also leverage our values-driven network of satisfied customers to highlight the work of our partners–driving awareness and support.??

If your nonprofit is interested in learning more about how Signature Solar can help power your mission through the limitless energy of the sun, please reach out: [email protected]?