That's the problem with social work. Working at the grass-roots is a commendable task that takes balls and grit - something I'd never imagine having, but that's hardly the point here. The fact is, that grass-roots work doesn't go too far. That one family that you work with might benefit, and in your own little World, it gives you a level of satisfaction, for having helped them. You're elated, because you helped further the cause of human rights, or environmentalism, or educational equality. Or at least, that's what you feel.
Let's admit that a lot of this Social work is happening. Each claiming to be more productive at the "grass-roots". What they fail to understand, is that, well, for a change to be meaningful, and more importantly, sustainable, you NEED a critical mass - the kind that these one-off acts of random kindness can't provide.
Add to this the general attitude of The Community's Little Helpers, and we're asking for a disaster. What attitude? Even if we ignore their holier-than-thou persona, the fact remains, that they fool themselves into believing that they are making a LARGE positive change. They thrive on that high of that one smile.
Yes, that's what I'm saying. "Grass-roots" work, is no more than symptomatic - at best.
If you want that critical mass for sustenance, the issue HAS TO BE tackled at the Policy level. By Government. Now it's easy to argue that these NGOs step in because the Government doesn't do it's job efficiently and all of that. But you can't replace the Government. And forgive me for sounding like I live in a Utopian bubble, but you can't deny that the solution is to better the Government - not try and replace it.
I'll end with a simple example. For two decades at least now, the in-the-know's have been ranting about rain-water-harvesting, about needing to refuel the water table, and about, in general, how construction of infrastructure, as a process, needs to turn green. And may be a few hundred people listened - and these folks screamed with joy, saying, that these few hundred are "a significant start", or "making a statement". The NGOs get lost there. They make it their job to create that scene. Not solve the problem.
When the Government stepped in (on the goading of some Organizations that UNDERSTOOD, that work needs to be at the policy level, not the grass-roots), and made it compulsory to implement rain-water-harvesting, and used recycled steel, people started doing it. EVERYONE did it. It made an impact to the environment. Problem mitigated.
Don't get me wrong here. I'm not saying that we should do away with these Social Work Organizations altogether. God knows the State needs a watchdog - but NOT a replacement. All I'm saying, is that they need to change their focus. Public awareness, and "grass-roots" aside, they need to wake up to the fact that a Top-Down approach is what will work in India. Awarenes and activism amongst the policy makers. Not traffic-blocking rallies down MG Road.
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2 Comments:
You are talking probably of two complementary, not contradictory, trends. The long work at the grassroots perhaps helped in forming the critical mass and made the policy makers take notice. More importantly though, the network of interested parties may include forces other than the state and NGOs, such as the suppliers of equipments. Ultimtaley, it boils down to making the more effective kind of alignment of forces. Individual and institutional initiatives make a difference, only when carried to an unavoidable level.
Without a solid understanding of grass root realities, how can one make good policy, except by being swayed by lobbyists! :)
great writing, keep it up
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