Being right...

Ever since the arrest of the church group from Idaho, caught taking children illegally from Haiti, the question of doing what’s ‘right’ has been discussed through a vast array of perceptions. Even if I assume, and I do, ( simply because I want to) that the zealous Americans thought they were ‘saving’ the children, doing the ‘right’ thing by providing a better life for them,they were still dead wrong! This does not appear to be Civil Disobedience for a higher cause, but failure to respect and adhere to law and practice, in place to protect the rights of children. That kind of ill-equipped fervor almost always ends badly. Their folly makes it more difficult for others to make a positive impact.

As the founder and exec. director of CHLOE, Inc/Chloe’s Place the responsibility to act wisely, within the boundaries of law and best practice, weighs heavy on me. It has pushed me to spend hours scrolling through legal mandates and wade through research that I must stretch to understand. I have read books on topics I had never considered before this work began. My quest continues; one new insight spurs me on to investigate another… and so it goes.

I am always surprised and a bit perplexed when I hear of new not- for- profits launching programs, soliciting support, and celebrating success while the ink is still wet on their business plan. “Do they have a business plan,” I wonder? It is not that I don’t wish them success, I just wonder how they do it! I hope their haste does not precipitate new laws that make serving vulnerable people even harder than it is now! Or... discourage generous people from supporting other worthwhile efforts.

In all things there is need for balance. My folly may be that ‘doing it right’ gets in the way of ‘doing it’. I hope not. Each brick we have laid in the foundation of our organization is intended to make it strong and sustainable for the long haul… long after I have a say in the matter!

Next month, we will start our GED pilot project. To the best of my knowledge and ability we have a good foundation laid for a successful outcome. If not, I am pretty sure someone will bring it to my attention!