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Why Long-Term Partnerships?
Note: This could be a tough read, but would you at least consider Robert's ideas as you seek to serve your community with Christ's love? The ideas in this book have convinced us to stop planning one-time events and instead focus on equipping churches to form long-term partnerships with local schools.
"When we do for those in need what they have the capacity to do for themselves, we disempower them...
"And religiously motivated charity is often the most irresponsible. Our free food and clothing distribution encourages ever-growing handout lines, diminishing the dignity of the poor while increasing their dependency. We converge on inner-city neighborhoods to plant flowers and pick up trash, bruising the pride of residents who have the capacity (and responsibility) to beautify their own environments. We fly off on mission trips to poverty-stricken villages, hearts full of pity and suitcases bulging with giveaway goods, trips that one Nicaraguan leader describes as effective only in 'turning my people into beggars.'
"Giving to those in need what they could be gaining from their own initiative may well be the kindest way to destroy people...
"Our congregations are full of compassionate, creative people with all manner of worthy causes that are close to their hearts... But as we have seen, charity can be either toxic or transformative. To be ultimately redemptive, it must be carefully considered...
"If we want to see substantial change in a troubled neighborhood, we must concentrate energies and resources there over time... The effort must be sustained over time to produce deep and permanent change.
"Authentic relationships with those in need have a way of correcting the we-will-rescue-you mind-set and replacing it with mutual admiration and respect... [T]he poor, no matter how destitute, have enormous untapped capacity; find it, be inspired by it, and build upon it."
How This Applies to Your School Partnership
Build authentic relationships: Ask the staff, students, and families about their goals and dreams. Listen carefully; then brainstorm together about how you can partner in achieving these dreams. Initially, the school may only tell you about opportunities to give resources. This could be a great way to start the partnership and begin building trust. Then as your relationship progresses, ask if there are other opportunities (see below for ideas), and continue to communicate and adjust as necessary.
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