Where did it all go wrong? And how can we make it better?

I am excited to announce my first guest expert on the Vulnerable Humanitarian Circle of Practice, Tracy Johnson. On the back of the US executive orders and mass funding cuts to the sector, we will address these questions: Where did it all go wrong? And how can we make it better? Join the conversation on 12 March, 1pm UTC.

Perhaps these words are ringing in your head now. Or maybe they have been for many years, before this latest upheaval in humanitarian and development work.

One thing I feel sure about: the possibly imminent collapse of our sector is not down to President Trump and his band of merry men alone. Another way to look at it is: No one is to blame, but everyone has contributed.

The aid sector has been criticised by many, internally and externally, for years: from the women whistleblowers in the #AidToo movement, to the South-South civil society and funding networks, to taxpayers in the U.S.and Europe. All these people, and hundreds more, have been arguing that the development and humanitarian system as it stands is losing its legitimacy and credibility.

For many of us who understand the problems of white saviourism and paternalism that underpin this structure, we know – even if we haven’t fully come to terms with it – that we are working ourselves out of a job if we really believe in shifting power to the Global South.

And so, what now? If you remain dedicated to being part of the solution and not the problem in oppression, marginalisation and inequality in the world, what new role can you envisage for yourself?

The next Circle of Practice on 12 March will be a space to explore these questions. It will be a judgement-free, blame-free space. Because I believe that we cannot reflect on this fully, or clarify our vision for the future, when all we feel is guilt and shame.

My guest on the Circle of Practice, Tracy Johnson, agrees. With an approach steeped in the wisdom of behavioural science, Tracy supports changemakers to build radical empathy into their work: from how they communicate with their colleagues and communities they support, to how they advocate for change. Her method supports greater connection and understanding across the divide.

In our session we will explore how and where we have failed in communicating our ‘mission’ (perhaps in itself a word to deconstruct?!) leading to the existential crisis we are now facing.

What or who have we judged harshly, ignored or sidelined in our quest? How might radical empathy help us in building stronger relationships of mutual support and of solidarity? How might it support you, right now, in approaching this crisis with greater compassion for yourself and others?

Not only is radical empathy vital right now, I also believe it is the key to us overcoming the burnout, exhaustion and disillusionment that is so pervasive in the sector.

And so I am thrilled to welcome Tracy into the Circle as my first guest expert! This will continue to be an interactive, participatory and inclusive space with plenty of time for sharing struggles, doubts, dreams and visions. Come and join us at 1pm UTC, 12 March.*

*From now on, the Circle of Practice will only run on the second Wednesday of each month, 1pm-2.30pm UTC.