On cognitive dissonance: Local ownership & constant learning
Jonathan Favini's WhyDev post on cognitive dissonance asked some good questions about working in the development industry - and now we're back with a series of responses from some experienced aid...
View ArticleAccepting flaws and doing good: Some thoughts on cognitive dissonance
How do aid workers sleep at night? Erol Yayboke responds to our recent post on cognitive dissonance and offers advice on dealing with flaws in the aid industry - and how we should think about...
View ArticleCognitive dissonance in aid: A job like any other
Concerned development workers can get wrapped up in the flaws of the aid industry, and rightfully so. But J. reminds us that this job - and this industry - aren't so different from any other. The post...
View ArticleThe reality (and absurdity) of the aid sector
Can the private sector help NGOs do their job better? Through some personal anecdotes, Michael Keller shares the absurdity of bureaucracy and innovation in the aid sector - and introduces a new company...
View ArticleJaden and Willow Smith’s Guide to Global Development
In recent years, there have been tremors around the edges of celebrity activism and involvement in global development. The focus has been on the usual suspects, but Brendan Rigby thinks we've missed...
View ArticleThe poor within our ranks
With Ivy League degrees and self-funded internships, International aid has long been an industry for the privileged. Michael Keller discusses the missing perspective of aid workers from disadvantaged...
View ArticleThe 1st Annual Primetime Devie Awards!
WhyDev is proud to support The 1st Annual Primetime Devie Awards! A way to formally recognise the development practitioners who are doing development right. The post The 1st Annual Primetime Devie...
View ArticleWhat do Facebook reviews tell us (if anything) about NGOs?
On some NGOs' Facebook pages, users can rate and comment on the organisation. WhyDev Director Brendan Rigby looks into what these reviews actually tell us. The post What do Facebook reviews tell us (if...
View Article“Give one”: What happens after you buy a pair of TOMS?
We're all familiar with TOMS Shoes' buy-one-give-one model. But how does the "give one" part actually work? A former Kenya Red Cross volunteer recounts his experience with a TOMS distribution. The post...
View ArticleWant to help in Nepal (or any crisis)? Here’s how.
People around the world want to help those affected by the Nepal earthquake. But too many past humanitarian crises have seen good intentions result in more harm than good. Our Editor-in-Chief Jennifer...
View ArticleWe need you to mentor the next generation of development practitioners
In partnership with Monash University, we're about to launch our mentoring program for students studying global development. But we need you! Apply now to serve as a mentor, and pass on your...
View ArticleFive types of tools to make your non-profit more effective
Does your organisation prioritise learning? Is it as effective as it can be? Alison Carlson shares 5 types of tools to help non-profits improve. The post Five types of tools to make your non-profit...
View ArticleWhere did everyone’s borders go?
"Without Borders" has become a commonplace formula for an NGO name, but are these organisations any different from others? Mike Levin examines some of the problems that plague aid organisations,...
View ArticleA local approach to volunteering
Volunteers are often foreign, but Caitlin Kelley has a different idea: matching local people with volunteer positions in their community. The post A local approach to volunteering appeared first on...
View ArticleAre Theories of Change living up to their potential?
Theories of change can be a useful tool in development, but they're not always used effectively. Our Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Ambrose looks at two ways to improve your organisation's approach to them....
View ArticleWhat secular academics can learn from the faith-based development community
Secular academics and faith-based practitioners often have different motivations, but they share many of the same goals. Bruce Wydick explains how they can learn from each other. The post What secular...
View ArticleStop teaching people to fish – and send them cash
What's the most promising way to help people? Michael Buckler doesn't think it's giving people fish OR teaching them to fish. The post Stop teaching people to fish – and send them cash appeared first...
View ArticleMultidimensional empathy: A half-serious analytical framework
Empathy's a good thing, but it can easily be misapplied. Dave Algoso presents his framework for efficiency in empathy. The post Multidimensional empathy: A half-serious analytical framework appeared...
View ArticleInnovation, leapfrogging & risk aversion: Reflections on the ACFID conference
Missed the ACFID conference last week? Caitlin Barrett reflects on some of the key themes, including innovation, leapfrogging and risk aversion. The post Innovation, leapfrogging & risk aversion:...
View ArticleDevelopment lessons from “Book of Mormon”
Thought "Book of Mormon" was just an offensive play about a religious minority? Our Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Ambrose uncovers its true messages on how to improve international development. The post...
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