Doing Good . . . Says Who?

How to do well when you’re doing good: inspiring and provocative experiences of do gooders

“Compelling stories teach all who seek to improve the lives of the poor that lasting gains can only be achieved by respecting, learning from and working with those in need.”
—Richard Schmalensee, Dean Emeritus, MIT Sloan School of Management

“When wisdom speaks, we would do well to listen. Sixty years of combined on-the-ground experience in a poverty culture gives this book authenticity and authority that are rare in the hyped-up world of contemporary missions.”
—Bob Lupton, urban ministry veteran and author of Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help, And How To Reverse It

“Doing good is often harder than it seems. Required reading for anyone with a compassionate heart and an inquiring mind.”
—Tori Hogan, author of Beyond Good Intentions: A Journey Into the Reality of International Aid

Doing Good. . . Says Who? explores the impact of good intentions from the inside. The authors conducted over 400 interviews and synthesized the lessons learned. The end result is that you are on the ground with volunteers, nonprofits, donors, and—most uniquely—the intended beneficiaries of good will. Through story telling, humor, analysis, practical advice and a discussion guide, five key concepts emerge:

1. Respect and value people
2. Build trust through relationships
3. Do “with” rather than “for”
4. Ensure feedback and accountability
5. Evaluate every step of the way

These principles will help you evaluate your motivations, question assumptions, and turn good intentions into positive outcomes.

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Based on over 400 interviews Doing Good . . . Says Who? puts the reader on the ground with volunteers, NGO staff, donors, and…uniquely…with the Guatemalan beneficiaries of their good will as cultures intersect.  

By featuring Guatemalan voices, readers can better understand some of the surprising ways their good intentions play out. Through story telling, humor, analysis, and practical advice, we highlight five key principles for guiding good intentions into shared productive outcomes. A discussion guide is included. 

Connie Newton and Fran Early have spent their lifetimes committed to service, as board members, donors and everyday volunteers at home and abroad. They’ve worked in intercultural education, community organizing, corporate service, sociology research and human rights, and have spent the last seven years researching this book. Continue the conversation at www.doinggoodsayswho.com.