tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729554204895943149.post6422011916739655419..comments2010-06-09T13:07:23.608-04:00Comments on Catalyst Foundation: Brave or Foolish?chris wignallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491713841091343479noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729554204895943149.post-68952258007306990772008-04-09T17:18:00.000-04:002008-04-09T17:18:00.000-04:00My principle has always been to rely heavily on my...My principle has always been to rely heavily on my contacts in-country. Several times, I have traveled to areas that are in the news for all the wrong reasons (Liberia, Sierra Leone, Congo...) and generally find that life continues on... Of course, the cameras are always going to be where the rock-throwers and Molotov-cocktail hurlers are. Local people will give you the best idea of how dangerous or unstable things really are. Riots in Haiti are not that remarkable (perhaps more newsworthy right now since Haiti has been going through a period of relative calm). I have been there in the past when there were widespread riots (related to an election) but followed the usual rules (avoid angry mobs, listen to my hosts, go in with weapon drawn and safety off, etc.) and, aside from having to step over some burnt tires and broken glass, did not suffer adverse effects. That being said, you also don’t want to blindly walk into a nasty situation. <BR/> <BR/>Risk is a funny thing. We worry a lot about disease, crime and conflict when traveling to a poor country, but usually don’t think twice before climbing into a car (most likely the riskiest thing you will do anywhere). We urge caution, but there are also risks to being overly risk-averse, if you want to do your job well and really connect with people.<BR/><BR/>I suppose I don’t have any advice other than to listen to people who are living there and know what’s really going on. If they say it’s OK, get on that plane. If they say put it on hold, don’t.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729554204895943149.post-7988110671651057392008-04-09T12:44:00.000-04:002008-04-09T12:44:00.000-04:00Chris, I think it depends upon precisely what you ...Chris, I think it depends upon precisely what you will be doing there. If it is observation then perhaps another timeframe is warranted. If you are going there to speak or lead a group who is dependent upon your presence then you should go. Either way it is a step of faith - to stay or to go.<BR/>My gut is saying that you should wait and postpone.<BR/>Is that helpful? :)<BR/><BR/>ScottAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com