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There's absolutely no problem with GiveDirectly, and, if you want the most impact for your dollar, absolutely give to them. My approach has the benefit of being

by pw 8y ago

There's absolutely no problem with GiveDirectly, and, if you want the most impact for your dollar, absolutely give to them. My approach has the benefit of being much more tangible. I'm helping people I've gotten to know and become friends with. I keep saying this, but it's truly an amazing and perspective altering experience. You don't realize just how much we all have in the West compared to even middle-class person in Kenya. And while cellphone penetration in Africa is pretty astounding, the poorest might not have reliable electricity let alone a smartphone. I'm under no illusions that I've reaching the poorest Kenyans. But the people I'm reaching are definitely in need, and I feel good helping them. I'm not saying this is an alternative to GiveDirectly, but I think it's an interesting approach that has some unique benefits.

notemaker 8y ago
While a donation through GD comes with no strings attached for the receiver, would you say that your method does? Is there a chance that they feel an obligation towards you that affects them negatively? Great initiative though, I admire your spirit. If you're not already introduced, givewell.org and 80000 hours would be interesting for you to look up, I think.
- pw 8y ago
  Yes, I’m very familiar with GiveWell.org and 80,000 Hours. They’re great orgs. I attach absolutely no strings to any of my donations, but I think you bring up a great point. There’s a huge inherent power differential, so you really have to make sure the the relationship doesn’t become subtly coercive in some way. I spend a great deal of talking to my receipients and get a lot from it. I think they do too, but I’m sure they also realize I enjoy it and may feel some obligation to indulge me. I try my best to make sure they don’t feel like there’s any quid pro quo, but there’s a chance that they feel like there is, and that obligation, in theory, could affect them negatively. Perhaps I’m gravely misjudging, but the relationships I’ve formed seem very genuine and, in some cases, almost familial. The mere fact of someone half a world away reaching out and opening their wallet for a total stranger really warms people’s hearts and leads to a kind of bonding that seems to be about more than mere self interest. It’s quite amazing, really. And, because of that, I’m donating $1k a month to people who, at the very least, need it more than me. Would the best choice and the morally right choice been to just have donated $1k a month to GiveDirectly? Absolutely, but I don’t think I’d ever have done that.

by pw 8y ago

notemaker 8y ago

While a donation through GD comes with no strings attached for the receiver, would you say that your method does? Is there a chance that they feel an obligation towards you that affects them negatively? Great initiative though, I admire your spirit. If you're not already introduced, givewell.org and 80000 hours would be interesting for you to look up, I think.

pw 8y ago
Yes, I’m very familiar with GiveWell.org and 80,000 Hours. They’re great orgs. I attach absolutely no strings to any of my donations, but I think you bring up a great point. There’s a huge inherent power differential, so you really have to make sure the the relationship doesn’t become subtly coercive in some way. I spend a great deal of talking to my receipients and get a lot from it. I think they do too, but I’m sure they also realize I enjoy it and may feel some obligation to indulge me. I try my best to make sure they don’t feel like there’s any quid pro quo, but there’s a chance that they feel like there is, and that obligation, in theory, could affect them negatively. Perhaps I’m gravely misjudging, but the relationships I’ve formed seem very genuine and, in some cases, almost familial. The mere fact of someone half a world away reaching out and opening their wallet for a total stranger really warms people’s hearts and leads to a kind of bonding that seems to be about more than mere self interest. It’s quite amazing, really. And, because of that, I’m donating $1k a month to people who, at the very least, need it more than me. Would the best choice and the morally right choice been to just have donated $1k a month to GiveDirectly? Absolutely, but I don’t think I’d ever have done that.