i feel like beverage ‘type’ might also be a factor.

wine vs tequila, for example.

It’s a glib response, I know, but the point is that shoes treat a symptom. Broader assistance, well targeted, deals with the overall problem.

I’d say it would be helpful for them to learn how to pack their own suitcases, yes. For a lot of teens, high school trips like that are their first travel experiences, so it’s good to know how to pack economically – especially considering the band boosters are often footing much of the bill. Don’t want to deal with extra baggage fees!

Plus, I guarantee many of them will know a lot of the musicians quoted in the book!

However, I think I’ll have to pull the “agree to disagree” card on most of the points you’ve made- I’ve heard them made before but you’ve done it way more respectfully/less attacking than some in the past, so thank you for that! 

 I know organizations who have coerced Ugandans to cry in their promo videos to gain more support/pity, and the Ugandans did so willingly! Why?  They were benefiting from their program of course.  Here we have a- ‘If you let us exploit you, you’ll benefit from our services.’- a very interesting power relationship, huh?   While I am not accusing IC of that (because I have no idea how the Ugandan youth are chosen to come over to the U.S.) I am only stating that exploitative behavior can be more covert than I think we realize.  I’m just as likely to fall into that to help my organization make more money- so I’m not on my high horse about this, just saying it’s something that concerns me and should concern others.  Poverty tourism is relative to the audience being ‘toured’- If Ugandans don’t feel exploited in the process, I’d say awesome, keep on!  BUT I think we forget that most Ugandans know how much it costs for a plane ticket- they know when they see 25 mzungus snapping their photos that it cost them each more than most make in a year to fly over and do so. I’m also not aware of what positive/sustainable impact a visit that short can have on the target population beyond a sort of “tour” of the programs like you mentioned.  It’s just wild that supporters and advocates are awarded with free trips nowadays that around to at least $50,000.  

I also want to say that overall I think IC has done an amazing thing at capturing the attention of the global community, I know my critique overshadows any of my positive opinions of your organization, and I’m sorry that always has to be the case.  I just think it important to wrestle with and talk about the things that need changing, just as we celebrate the really awesome things we are a part of accomplishing.  And who knows, maybe one day you can call me out and question the approach/ program model we are currently implementing for OVC and at-risk families in Uganda.

Again, thanks for responding and offering your insight!
-Kelsey