Visionaries

I've had a number of conversations in the last few days about how Americans should best work in Uganda - whether independently or through an organization or through churches; whether as leaders or supporting leaders; whether through grassroots empowerment or policy consultation. All of these are options.

My view on these things is evolving. Right now it can be codified in a single sentence: Find the local visionaries and support them.

The most successful projects that I've seen westerners carry out in various developing countries are those that are done at the request and under the instruction of a local man or woman who has a personal and positive vision for his or her community. They know what is needed, they know how best to get things done, and they will continue the work far after you and I go home to the American suburbs.

So if you really want to change things in a far off country, first you need to find its visionaries.