Polycentric Model Definition:
A polycentric model fosters interdependent partnerships that enable multiple authority centres to collaborate towards a common purpose while preserving autonomy and diversity.
Building Trust Through Transparency and Collaboration
One of humanity’s more beautiful expressions is our inclination to respond to and help others in need, as confirmed by figures released in the UK Giving Report, which states that, in 2023, people living in the UK gave an estimated £13.9 billion to charitable organisations. Once given, donors entrust it with the expectation that those receiving it will act as good stewards, often without much accountability. With such trust comes great responsibility, and Route 61 takes its role in this very seriously.
Route 61 prioritises transparency, accurate financial reporting, impact updates, and good governance to ensure that we invest all donations effectively and in the intended manner.
—Quote—
“Avoid Paternalism. Do not do things for people that they can do for themselves.”
(When Helping Hurts)
As a nascent international charity, we aim to learn from the previous mistakes of others. History reveals how many, with good intentions, have in their eagerness to help, actually made things worse. (Several books explore this in detail; we recommend [a]When Helping Hurts and [b]Toxic Charity.)
One of the most common traps that has ensnared many in the compassion industry is: Doing things for others instead of working with others. To avoid this pitfall, Route 61 seeks to collaborate with partners in majority world nations to realise a shared mission that empowers others rather than create dependency or exacerbate existing challenges. To achieve this, Route 61 has implemented a polycentric organisational framework.
Our Polycentric Structure
Unlike a centralised, top-down structure that relies on a single headquarters for decision-making, our innovative structure fosters interdependent relationships. It enables multiple authority centres to collaborate towards a joint mission while preserving autonomy and diverse perspectives. This allows for a more tailored and culturally sensitive approach to our programme implementation.
Operational Efficiency and Impact
Respecting autonomy and encouraging local responsibility allows us to respond swiftly and adapt more quickly and efficiently, especially to regional emergencies. For instance, during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, our local partner in Kenya quickly adapted its strategies and continued providing essential assistance to its beneficiaries without interruption.
Challenges and Solutions
Effective communication is critical for the success of every organisation. For those collaborating globally, the added complexities of cultural differences, language barriers, and varying communication styles can amplify misunderstandings. By partnering with indigenous teams that consult with local leaders and experts, Route 61 can better understand the cultural and linguistic nuances of the communities in which we work. Ensuring clear and contextually appropriate communication promotes trust and cooperation with the local communities, making our efforts more effective and sustainable.
Overseas Directors: Derek & Penny Oliver
The deployment of our overseas directors, Derek & Penny Oliver, who have lived in Kenya since 2010, has enhanced communication, built trust, and demonstrated our commitment. Additionally, they oversee the management of funds, providing another layer of accountability and transparency.
Although we aspire to identify and collaborate with partners in several majority-world nations, Kenya and our partnership with The Route Sixty-One Foundation is currently our sole focus.
Since our formation in 2020, Route 61 International has collaborated with The Route Sixty One Foundation in Kenya. An official Partnership Agreement governs our relationship.
Our Current Structure
Shared Mission
Our mission is to embody God’s love by strengthening family ties in underprivileged areas. We empower individuals and families to thrive and overcome poverty through education, mentorship and sustainable community development.
Future Aspirations
Route 61 is committed to realising its vision and extending its influence into new regions by establishing additional hubs or forming strategic partnerships, embracing a polycentric structure, and fostering collaboration.
Notes
a. Corbett, S and Fikkert, B. When Helping Hurts, How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor … and Yourself. Moody Publishers, USA, 2012
b. Lupton, Robert D. Toxic Charity, How the Church Hurts Those They Help and How to Reverse It. HarperOne, 2011