Following on from her first blog, giving an insight into life in Oxfam Supporter Relations, Beth Knowles, talks about what motivates her to work at Oxfam.
In Oxfam whether you’re a member of staff, a volunteer, or an intern, something fuels your dedication to the Oxfam cause. We all get out of bed, occasionally pull our hair out, and run around stairwells and disaster zones for other people, our fellow humankind.
No, we are not selfless beings on a path to enlightenment, but each and every one of us is ultimately working towards helping people to help themselves out of poverty. And this gives us our fuel - passion.
In Supporter Relations we are on the front line in a different sense to our humanitarian colleagues. We deal with people challenging our campaigning on climate change; our humanitarian work in Gaza, and our development work in East Africa. Sometimes, this is exactly what we need; to be able to justify the need for these programmes requires you to have a passion for Oxfam’s work. This seeps into everything we do.
Every email I write in explanation of our campaign to lift the blockade on Gaza, I draw strength in knowing that Oxfam are doing the right thing.
This week, one of my colleagues had to defend the need for humanitarian assistance in conflict zones. He spent several hours writing a letter to one supporter, making sure his case was perfect. He wasn’t doing this for any personal reasons, only to ensure that this one person continues their donations to Oxfam and funds our, literally life saving, work.
This inevitably brings you closer to the fact that every person we talk to, has the potential to raise a home above flood level, or provide sanitation facilities for people whose lives have been torn apart by conflict. Hopefully, one day there will be no need for Oxfam, but for now I can’t think of a more rewarding way to spend my 9-5. What a way to make a living.
This week supporter relations are busy dealing with the response to the Pakistan floods: Donate now.
Behind the scenes: The meaning of Oxfam life
Tags: Beth knowles, climate change, gaza, Supporter Relations
Great blog Beth. Really uplifting.
August 6th, 2010 at 8.21 amLike this blog! Even though I work at Oxfam HQ too - this has enlightened me on what your team does Beth. thank you!
August 6th, 2010 at 10.49 amThanks Beth I really enjoyed reading this- you guys do an amazing job!
August 6th, 2010 at 11.38 amEvery person we talk to has potential to help someone…
really enjoyed your blog Beth.
I was struck by your colleague’s careful response to a supporter about why Oxfam works in conflict areas - and the sense of your team being on the front-line of 1:1 communications. Keep up the great work - it would be great to see/hear more about some of your considered responses to our supporters.
August 9th, 2010 at 10.48 amHi Beth,
Thanks for this simple yet poignant reminder of why we do what we do, even when it seems our daily roles may be far from the front line, humanitarian work, it helps to remember why we are here and that we are all contributing to helping overcome poverty and suffering.
Especially enjoyed the Dolly Parton reference too
August 9th, 2010 at 5.22 pmThank you very much for all of your encouraging comments. There will be a blog about life in Supporter Relations every two weeks, so please keep reading! Thanks again everyone
August 12th, 2010 at 11.20 am