a lot is happening

So a lot is happening with work and things here. It's very frustrating, because while I love the heart of what I do, the bureaucracy is completely messing with things (doesn't it always?). My organization, which has set itself apart in the international education industry as a service-learning and international development organization focusing on sustainability, is completely abandoning everything that makes it good in order to make money. Which sucks.

I understand we need to make money, and especially now, with the economy as bad as it is, some sacrifices may have to be made. It's just sad that they are willing to sacrifice the integrity of our projects.

We have always prided ourselves on the fact that our projects are sustainable - that we are onsite year round to work with our host communities, become a part of our host communities, to collaborate to come up with innovative and culturally-appropriate solutions to issues and really promote true grassroots development. It's been a huge learning experience for me and a great intro to development.

Now that we've teamed up with this generic study abroad company (which shall remain nameless, but it's pretty much the anti-us in every way), our integrity is going out the window. I was recently working on the design of some of our new promotional materials, and noticed that in addition to our seven regular host countries, they wanted me to add on about 10 more countries for our group opportunities - countries which we have never had projects in, where we don't have staff, etc., etc. I asked my boss today about this, and he said that the execs feel that we have strong enough relationships with other organizations that we'll be able to offer "quality" programs, despite the fact that we are not planning on opening offices in any of these countries.

It's just hard for me to believe that this goes along with our mission of "sustainable development." We have always said that we are not like Cross Cultural Solutions or Projects Abroad or those other organizations because of our program model - we don't just come into a community with a group of students for 10 days and then leave; we are there 365 days a year, working with these communities, gaining their trust and respect, and because of it, creating some great projects. We are highly respected by our host communities and countries - the Pan American Health Organization funds our projects in Latin America; the Belizean Prime Minister came out to applaud our efforts to improve education in the Cayo District; National Geographic named us in the Top 10 Best Adventure Travel Organizations on Earth based on our sustainability model; the Environmental Protection Agency recognized our work to reduce carbon emissions in Peru. When I wear my gear around in Mexico or Peru, or I mention where I work, people know who we are. Community leaders come to our office, asking to work with us. How can we say that we're going to deliver the same "quality" projects and programs in countries where we are doing the type of "development" that we have shunned for the past 11 years?

Again, maybe I don't know what I'm talking about and the execs, I'm sure, know what they're doing, but it just seems hypocritical and sad that this is the direction that we're moving towards. I really hope that it's not, but if it is...well, I'm not sure how I feel about that. Sigh...

Ok, I'm done with my rant. Off to a wine and cheese party. Hopefully that will lift my spirits a bit.

Peace.