Are you a good grassroots ally? Think twice about it

By Yessenia Soto, Community Engagement Officer on Civil Society Resourcing

We are witnessing a widespread recognition of the importance to shift power to local communities, localise resources and agendas, decolonise aid, make philanthropy more participatory and trust based. But does this mean that we are really becoming better allies of grassroots groups? Maybe not.  

Despite good intentions, pledges, catchy hashtags and progressive initiatives aimed at supporting grassroots activists and communities, their views and needs are still neglected – grassroot activists receive minimal funding and resources, lack acknowledgment for their fundamental role in social change, and struggle to make their visions, voices and agendas resonate loudly in international development circles. 

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