LIFE discusses one of its greatest strengths, diversity.
The world is not a level playing field. Different groups of people have faced and continue to face more barriers than others. Countless groups of people facing strife today are in that state because of the inequality they have been subjected to over time.
With a deeper look at the history of a group of people, we can see that the dynamics at play are vast.
When it comes to the humanitarian aid sector, there are a few common mistakes that act as a hindrance to developing nations instead of the assistance that is intended. These can include but are not limited to, an organization’s inability to address local people's needs, unwillingness to raise locals to positions of power where they can have a seat at the table and expecting regional staff members to adapt to international norms instead of using local knowledge to their benefit.
Each group of people requires a unique set of elements to thrive and bloom into their own prosperity. This can mean differing combinations of humanitarian aid and development.
Political scientists today have sought to find an answer to how we, as a global community, can change the humanitarian aid system to better benefit the people it serves. Many agree that understanding culture, identity, values, and social order are essential. As well as having clear communication and coordination between international organizations and locals, and diverse leadership at the top of an organization are some of the first steps in revolutionizing the humanitarian aid sector.
Life for Relief and Development had incorporated many of these elements long before it was trendy. It was and is written in Life for Relief and Development's mission statement that LIFE is dedicated to providing humanitarian aid to people regardless of race, gender, religion, and cultural background. That statement is embedded in the history and in the work the organization does daily.
LIFE was started by Arab American professionals concerned about the strict UN sanctions imposed on Iraq after the first Gulf War. They saw that the sanctions were negatively impacting Iraqis, and this led them to start LIFE, a humanitarian aid and development organization for everyone.
LIFE sought to give inclusion to countries not given the same priority as others in terms of humanitarian relief. This may be attributed to the diverse leadership that LIFE was founded on.
The organization grew wings as it garnered support from people worldwide with its unique approach to incorporating local supply chains, workers, and leaders. With offices all over the world, LIFE honors, values, and uploads the strengths of every community that it does work in.
This is really what sets LIFE apart from other organizations, the revolution of inclusion and choosing equity over just equality alone. Equity is achieved by implementing specialized projects to suit the needs of the people it serves and, as a result, produce the greatest benefit for the greatest amount of people.
LIFE continues its work with many people and organizations of different backgrounds. Everyone brings their best individual qualities giving LIFE more creativity, innovation, and adaptation.
Diversity is a strength that enables many ways of being to exist simultaneously; it honors individuality that ultimately feeds a peaceful collective. That is why LIFE sees diversity as one of its greatest strengths.
