“Actually, they frequently wind up alleviating the damage done by money and weapons, or ’seducing’ the ‘underdeveloped’ to the benefits of the world of affluence and achievement.”

The damage which volunteers do willy-nilly is too high a price for the belated insight that they shouldn’t have volunteered in the first place…I am here to suggest that you voluntarily renounce excercising the power which being an American gives you.”

Ivan Illich

This quote suggests that American’s feel they have a debt to underdeveloped countries. As Americans, why might we feel we have a debt to poorer countries and people? How can a “do-gooder” take into account the context of the situation they volunteering within, learn the repercussions of this, and inform future volunteers?

Illich’s speech showed us a perspective of service which we do not normally think about or hear. The questions he raises could help us ensure that our service at the Boys and Girls Club is productive. Another question we could ask is, “Is it necessary to alleviate the damage done?” Also, is it possible to help in one area and do damage in the other? If so, how do we reach a compromise?