At the Dekko Foundation our ways of thinking have been changed by two big books and a little story.

The first book that’s impacted us is Toxic Charity, by Robert Lupton.  It’s a quick read…maybe two hours start to finish. The reason we liked it so much is that a lot of Lupton’s beliefs match up with those of Mr. Dekko, our founder.    Lupton states, “Giving to those in need, what they could be gaining from their own initiative may well be the kindest way to destroy people.”  If you’re in the business of helping people help themselves, you’ll want to pick up Toxic Charity.

The Coming Jobs War is the second book on our minds.  It was written by Jim Clifton, the CEO of Gallop (yes, the poll people).  Clifton’s premise is that a global jobs war is coming.  Leaders of countries and cities, Clifton says, should focus on creating good jobs because as good jobs go, so goes the fate of nations.  Again, there’s a tie-in to our mission of fostering economic freedom through education.  We’re helping people and organizations instill great skills, knowledge and character in young people.   That way they’ll be ready to take on those new jobs and build strong communities.

Finally, there’s a little story that we return to again and again.  We like it because it points out the difference, and the tension, between emotion-based charity and critical social change.  It’s the ancient folktale of Babies in the River.  You heard us…babies in the river!  If you have a few minutes, search for the parable and read it to understand what we’re talking about.

Use our comment section to let us know what’s making YOU think!