Are you familiar with Non-Governmental-Organizations (NGO’s) operating abroad in developing countries? Have you always thought that their work was totally selfless and represented charitable work at its highest? Who have you given to, and why…and how do you know that your gift was received, and, for that matter, by the people or places that they were designed to benefit?
The West has positioned itself as the protagonist of the development narrative. Much good has been done. However, there are times when the results have been mixed, and in some cases even catastrophic, prompting many developing world leaders to become increasingly vocal in calling for change in how aid is given, received and used. Drawing on perspectives gathered from over 150 interviews shot over 4 years in 20 countries, the documentary Poverty, Inc. explores the hidden side of doing good. From disaster relief to adoptions and agricultural subsidies, Poverty, Inc. follows the butterfly effect of our most well-intentioned efforts, and pulls back the curtain on the poverty industrial complex – the multi-billion dollar market of NGOs, multilateral agencies, and for-profit aid contractors. This begs another important question: are we catalyzing positive development in these communities or are we propagating a system in which the poor stay poor while the rich get hipper?
Ketchum medical missionaries Gary and Connie Hoffman, as well as Idaho State Senator Michelle Stennett, will discuss these very issues using clips from the film as their central text. The audience will also be encouraged to participate in this important discussion.
