Term Proposed Language (Non-industry jargon – able to be understood by anyone!)
Word to refer to the type of groups we work with Locally-led Organizations (LLOs)
Word to refer to the type of work we do Locally-led development and advocacy for ethical development practices. We use the word “Capacity strengthening” to refer to the service we offer partners. We use the term “impact investing” to refer to the income-generating projects we support social entrepreneurs set up. We use the term “invest” to refer to the partnerships we establish with locally-led organizations. 

Do not use: Empowerment, help, give, donate, enable, charity etc
Word to refer to our partners and people we work with: We use the term “Locally-Led Partners, Local Leaders, Proximate Leaders, and Social Entrepreneurs” to refer to our partners and people we work with. 

Do not use: Grantee Partners, Recipient, Beneficiaries
Word to refer to the people whose lives our work is impacting: Stakeholders/Participants for broad scale numbers. Specified descriptions for individual programs, e.g. if the work has impacted 200 school students, say that.

Do not use Beneficiaries, vulnerable people, underserved etc. Also, avoid using single-story labels like ‘Orphan’, ‘widow’
Word to refer to different economic categories of the country High, low, middle

Do not use: Developing/developed, global north, global south, first world, third world, Sub-saharan Africa
Word to refer to people who give money to us and our partners Donors, investors, funders, strategic partners 

Do not use: Well-wishers
Word to refer to the money that we send Funds, Investments 
Word to refer to what we are doing when we send money Investing, sharing resources, systems strengthening

Do not use: helping, giving

Note: We provide a return on impact. The word invest is more in line with our ‘change, not charity messaging’ and imparts some accountability on the donor and our team.
Word to refer to the sector we work in Global Development

Do not use: International Development

Note: International Development has connotations of ‘the other.’ Our partners are not working internationally but they are contributing to global development.
WORDS TO USE CAREFULLY AND CONTEXTUALLY
Local Okay from a “locally-rooted solutions” or a “locally-generated income” perspective but not to be used to refer to people
Support It should be used only when referencing the specific actions offered to our partners through the LDA program.

Better to use: Work with
Ethical Development Terms and Concepts
Eye Level Partnerships We acknowledge the expertise and decision-making powers that proximate leaders have in developing their community solutions. We meet partners where they’re at and invest in relationship building. 
“Staying for Tea” We sit with proximate leaders, listen to them, and develop collaborative strategies that shape a common destiny. We get to know partners on a personal level investing in relationships allows us to better work with our partners. 
Representation  We believe that proximate leaders deserve a seat at the table, where their voices are amplified and are actively included in any decision-making step.  At MAMA HOPE we see the value of representation in our team and Board of Directors to ensure there is a deep understanding of the community we serve. 
Language  We believe that language is a powerful tool that can either credit or discredit someone. We are always constantly reminding ourselves to be mindful when talking about our work and that of our partners. 
Proximity  We acknowledge the power held by those close to the problems in their communities, and their ability to come up with solutions.
Culture  We believe in the beauty of our differences and we recognise the power it holds. in solving global problems. We also recognize that with different cultures come different working styles and we come to the table with openness and understanding.
Listening  We value the importance of listening to proximate leaders, understanding their challenges, and being a sounding board in amplifying their work. 

Last updated: November, 2023