The world doesn’t need another new non-profit | Kirk Bowman | TEDxPeachtree

Political scientist and global development champion Kirk Bowman offers an alternative approach to international development projects and philanthropy.


Bowman's academic work has received support from the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, and the Ford Foundation, among others. He received the University System of Georgia Excellence of Teaching in 2007, and was named Georgia’s Carnegie-Case Professor of the Year in 2008.

He earned his Ph.D. at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and has authored numerous books on Latin American politics.

[ruthdavis]

This is spot on; local leaders, not outsiders, MUST be the main directors of development in their communities.

[associacaomiratusdebadmint]

Excellent TED talk, Kirk !! And very interesting reflection.
"We make a living by what we get but we make a life by what we give." Winston Churchill

[hannahtodd]

Rise Up is redefining the charity model. Love it! I can't wait to see the full documentaries!

[taylorp]

What an amazing talk and hopefully the beginning of a fruitful conversation about the development and successes of non-profits.

[pennybun]

This is an important and bold argument from an authority in international development. It's a blueprint for making the world a better place through local non-profit projects by applying rigorous investment metrics that value and sustain local innovation, local success, and the expertise of local leadership. Really compelling and inspiring examples of the practical wisdom of this approach.

[jonwilcox]

Excellent talk! We all should be able to agree on not wanting to waste our charity dollars. Looking forward to seeing the films!

[christinenguyen]

Such a thought provoking talk Kirk! I wish more organizations would attempt your practices!

[lizsoos]

A beautiful story and example of the potential local communities have within themselves

[dylanalvarez]

i'm totally impressed. your speech is gold. It's really the good example to people who work as the same career as you. excited for the documentaries

[mrf]

A very insightful talk! I like the emphasis you place on supporting local leaders and organizations - definitely an idea that should be more widespread!

[kolebowman]

I can't wait to watch all of the documentaries!

[BarryTheBoss]

This is really amazing and inspiring. I can't wait for the documentaries. I feel so honored to know you.

[jameswilcox]

Extremely informative and really well done. you can tell that the charity Rise Up and Care has a model that works! Good luck!!!!

[hannahmusall]

Eye-opening perspective! Everyone should see this!

[mogcreators]

all the old organizations were once a startup

[christina]

Thank you for this enlightening TED Talk! Love the concept of Identifying, Investing, and Inspiring!

[TheDonnians]

Katie Krantz -
I compartinho with you the same thought . Happy birthday!!! Inverting the traditional model of non profit charities is so powerful! Allowing the autonomy of creating positive change to be placed back into the hands of local leaders will surely lead to long-lasting and effective impacts for developing communities.

[anonymousaccount]

Amazing talk! Definitely gave me a new perspective to think about.

[christymoore]

Kirk, I couldn't agree with you more. if those working in international development could take a step back and care a little less about who gets the credit, I think 99.999% of the time, we'd find that the solution to whatever problem we want to solve already exists locally. there's so much talk in the development world about "buy in from local stakeholders" and "culturally appropriate programs." your inversion model shows just how backwards that thinking is and how much we still have to learn. thank you for sharing!

[keyawondwossen]

Super informative. Thank you for all the work you do!