Toxic Charity #2.5: Problems that can result from helping others:

• Helping agencies that I have worked with have said to me privately that the biggest benefit for both the recipient group and the “helping” group is the cross-cultural interactions among them. The relationships among the groups is helpful for all and gives both groups insights into the humanity of the others. I've seen amazing barriers and prejudices broken down – in both directions. This important need can be lost if:
  
  • If your group is so focused on the project that they push the local people away. There will always be other mission trip groups coming to finish the project. Becoming obsessed with “finishing” the project to the detriment of the relationships is toxic.
    
  • When there are breaks and meals, the two groups fall into two groups with no mixing between them.
    
  • The group's prejudices and cultural insensitivity build walls instead of bridge