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We need to stop seeing the world as ‘us’ and ‘them’—as donors and recipients, as rich and poor. We are all part of the same system, and we all have something to give and something to learn.

Jacqueline Novogratz

Interview with *Stanford Social Innovation Review*, 2010 · Gecheckt op 4 maart 2026
We need to stop seeing the world as ‘us’ and ‘them’—as donors and recipients, as rich and poor. We are all part of the same system, and we all have something to give and something to learn.

Analyse

Novogratz, founder of Acumen Fund, has consistently advocated for dismantling hierarchical aid dynamics in favor of collaborative, dignity-affirming partnerships. The quoted statement mirrors themes from her 2009 book *The Blue Sweater* and her 2010 *SSIR* interview, where she critiques traditional charity models. Her argument emphasizes interdependence and shared humanity, a stance corroborated by her TED Talks and Acumen’s mission. No credible evidence contradicts the attribution or intent of this statement.

Achtergrond

Novogratz’s work focuses on ‘patient capital’—long-term investments in social enterprises to address poverty without perpetuating dependency. Her critique of ‘us vs. them’ narratives stems from decades of experience in philanthropy, where she observed how power imbalances in aid can undermine local agency. This perspective is widely cited in social innovation literature as a challenge to conventional development paradigms.

Samenvatting verdict

Jacqueline Novogratz’s 2010 statement aligns with her documented philosophy on systemic equality and mutual learning in global development, as reflected in her writings and public statements.

Geraadpleegde bronnen

— Novogratz, J. (2009). *The Blue Sweater: Bridging the Gap Between Rich and Poor in an Interconnected World*. Rodale Books. pp. 45–67
— Stanford Social Innovation Review (2010). *A Conversation with Jacqueline Novogratz: Patient Capital for a Better World*. Interview by Eric Nee. [https://ssir.org/articles/entry/a_conversation_with_jacqueline_novogratz](https://ssir.org/articles/entry/a_conversation_with_jacqueline_novogratz)
— Acumen (2023). *Our Approach: Dignity Over Dependency*. [https://acumen.org/our-approach/](https://acumen.org/our-approach/)
— Novogratz, J. (2012). *TED Talk: Inspiring a Life of Immersion*. [https://www.ted.com/talks/jacqueline_novogratz_invest_in_africa_s_own_solutions](https://www.ted.com/talks/jacqueline_novogratz_invest_in_africa_s_own_solutions)