Providing Tools for Dignity

The words of the flashing mission statement at the beginning of each Acumen film really struck me: "People seek dignity, not dependence, choice, not charity." So often we seem to think of acts of giving and service as an end. The Acumen project, on the other hand, points out that these acts are only means to the end of independence and dignity that all people deserve. The mission statement closes with the words, "which is why we invest in entrepreneurs who are building transformative businesses to serve the poor." And Acumen is seeking to do just that--supporting those who are reaching out to support humanity a step above the mere bestowal of physical goods.

After watching several of the videos about the leadership seminars Acumen has begun to offer and visions for the future, the video that caused me to stop and contemplate the most was the one called "There is a toilet!" in conjunction with Ecotact Limted.

As a business that Acumen has supported, Ecotact is beginning to build toilets and place them in areas where public restrooms often consist of squatting behind bushes in a park or flinging the contents into the alley way in a plastic bag. As Acumen's mission states, Ecotact is seeking to give people a sense of dignity that they have not had before, a lasting dignity evidenced in the physical presence of toilets.

It is rather like Acumen is providing an education and a new way of life, not just, say, a new house. I like to think of it being like a tool service, or even better, a tool borrowing service, where those in need can borrow tools, and then return them to be passed on to others--its sustainable, a growing experience for all involved, and an excellent ministry.