WORD OF THE YEAR
Happy New Year!
Wow! Thank you so much for all your kind words and financial investments given to Haiti Outreach in 2023! Thank you supporters, donors, investors, advocates, champions, and community of incredible humans who want to see Haiti be known for the beautiful place, culture, and people that it is.
I am blown away by the generosity of this community and how many of you continue to stand with Haitians as they work for access to clean water, economic security, health, and peace. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I am not one for resolutions but I do love claiming intention with a word or a phrase to guide our goals and work for the year. My word for Haiti Outreach in 2024 is Integrity. Haiti is a challenging place to live and work right now. The Executive Director of Unicef recently said, "to put the situation in perspective, humanitarian needs in Haiti are greater now than they were in the aftermath of the devastating January 2010 earthquake.”
Yet, our team in Haiti continues to persevere with integrity. Something we have done for 26 years and are known for across the country. Their passion and commitment to show up with the principles and values of development, not relief, is inspiring, especially when this is not the norm. Integrity is what sets us apart.
As I travelled in Haiti this fall, I heard time and time again from community members that Haiti Outreach had integrity, which is why our coaches have been able to have so much impact! When our team does what they say they are going to do - trust, growth, and transformation happens! We coach all of our communities and leaders to have Integrity, so we must be willing to be the example and be accountable. Without it, our model does not work. Integrity will guide us through 2024.
At a time when many NGOs are not fulfilling promises or closing their doors due to the current circumstances in Haiti, we at Haiti Outreach continue to maintain our purpose and commitment. We are committed to developing Haiti with integrity in spite of the difficulties that exist. This takes commitment on our part, so here is our commitment to you, our supporters, in 2024. Our team and I commit to:
Listening and coaching communities and leaders with honesty, dignity, integrity, and kindness to the best of our ability.
Championing Haitians to see and build their own future!
Guiding community-led development, not relief. Our programs are created by Haitians, for Haitians and always will be.
Being transparent about our work through communication and data.
Working at the forefront of climate change discussions and finding solutions that are good for the environment and the Haitian people.
Working for the future of Haiti, even when it is hard to see the vision through the challenges and watching others give up.
Using funds wisely and strategically for moving the mission forward to scale our program to reach more individuals, families, and communities. This includes paying our staff a livable, equitable wage.
Working for access to clean water, for health, for infrastructure, for peace.
Working with a growth mindset, seeking the best solutions. Never assuming we know anything without trying.
Keep showing up. Not giving up. We are here for the long haul as long it is safe for our staff to do so.
What is your word or phrase of the year? I would love to hear!
Whether your are a resolutions person or not, perhaps you are wanting to get intentional this year with your giving and are still looking for ways to make a purposeful and positive impact on the world in 2024, setting up a monthly recurring donation is a great way to be intentional about your influence on the world this year! You can set this up here. Or committing a gift to Haiti Outreach in your estate planning is another way to leave a mark. Please reach out for more info!
On behalf of all of us at Haiti Outreach, and all those who will be profoundly affected by access to clean water and a changed nation, thank you!
Cheers to a great start to 2024!
Working together for Haiti,
Ceallaigh Smart, Executive Director
PS. If you would like to talk further about our impact in Haiti and our methodology, I would love to chat. My email csmart@haitioutreach.org is always open. Looking forward to hearing from you!
