OXFAM-AMERICA INC
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May 2, 2012
I thought I should write this after I read the Oxfam review below by mcelmmp (or here: http://greatnonprofits.org/users/reviews/144113). The issue raised - should Oxfam join in making an advertisement about the Dodd-Frank Act - is very important, but this action really does help poor people.
You can help people in two ways: give them direct assistance, or help them help themselves.
Mining industries have huge environmental and social impact on the people living around the mine, and yet the local people very seldom benefit. Often, there is a negative impact on them, in terms of the loss of land, pollution and ground water contamination.
Mining creates huge flows of money, but these go into the coffers of the corporations and the governments. Unfortunately, it also can cause much corruption, because there is no accountability.
The purpose of the Dodd-Frank Act on this subject is only to ensure disclosure. This will reduce corruption and allow the local people to ask for their fair share of the mining profits. I’m sure you will agree disclosure is a good thing, so the question is whether Oxfam is right to support the advertisement. I believe it is, because it is acting as an advocate for the poorest and weakest people in the world.
So, think of it as a choice: how would you like your donation to be spent? Should it be spent directly on grants to repair the damage caused by the mining? Obviously, that is a great thing to do, but how could Oxfam ever afford to repair the impact of even one mine?
Or should that same donation be spent on establishing a disclosure program that can empower the local people to hold the mining company accountable for the damage they do, and to know what funds are available to reduce the impact?
There is a huge multiplier here. $1 on relief is $1. $1 on empowering the local people will generate $100s from the mining operations, who really ought to take the responsibility for the local impact, not you and me as donors. I share mcelmmp’s discomfort, but, in the end, isn’t that smart relief work by Oxfam? It really does help the poorest people. I’m just hoping mcelmmp could reconsider.
And the great thing about Oxfam is that because they do so much work on the ground, with the poorest people, that they can talk knowledgably about what is happens when mining comes to the village.
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When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
1 person found this review helpful
February 17, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
I stopped giving money when OxFam America did this (2/14/12), as this is political activity, not helping others: A group of non-profits, led by Oxfam America, took out a full-page color advertisement on page A10 in the Washington, D.C.-area edition of Tuesday’s Wall Street Journal calling for the SEC to implement final rules governing a mandatory disclosure program created under the Dodd-Frank Act for oil, gas and mining companies to reveal payments they make to foreign governments.
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Was your donation impactful?
Unsure
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
No
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
No
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
2 people found this review helpful
September 10, 2011
2 people found this review helpful
I first heard of Oxfam America in a gift-giving guide. I purchased a gift for someone in need in my father-in-law's name. Specifically, I bought school uniforms for a girl in Africa, who cannot attend school without them. I saw it as a great way to use my money and recognize his birthday. After that, I continued to receive emails from them, most of which I just deleted. After a while, though, I really began to read into their organization. What impressed me is their views on helping people overcome poverty and live with dignity. They embrace the proverb, "give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime." They continue to update me on their progress toward their mission. I've read about women in Vietnam whose rice crops yield more because of a simple change in how they plant their crops. They focus on reasonable, simple changes that improve quality of life for millions.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Oxfam sends me newsletters with updates on where my money is going and the difference my dollars are making, which is something I hold a lot of value in.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I wish it had a record-retention policy -- according to this website, it does not, which was the only thing it was flagged for!
More feedback...
Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
What would you tell others about this organization?
I tell others about Oxfam all the time. I just say that Oxfam helps others help themselves, which creates a much more lasting impact.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
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