DO GOOD WELL: Becoming a Conscious Expat

Welcome to the Do Good Well Guide, designed to help expats and immigrants navigate their roles in local communities with respect, understanding, and positive impact. This guide aims to support you in recognizing and addressing biases, building meaningful relationships, and engaging ethically and sustainably with your host communities. By understanding the nuanced impacts of your presence, you can contribute positively and foster mutual respect and understanding.

You are starting the journey to become a more respectful, aware, and impactful expat, positively contributing to the communities you serve.

What You Will Get from the Guide

1. Cultural Insights: Learn about the rich histories and cultures of African communities through the works of renowned African authors. Understand the legacy of colonialism and its impact on present-day society.

2. Bias Recognition and Overcoming: Identify and address your implicit and explicit biases. Engage in self-reflection and mindfulness practices to ensure respectful and dignified interactions with locals.

3. Building Meaningful Relationships: Foster genuine connections by participating in local workshops, festivals, and community events. Immerse yourself in local traditions and customs for mutual respect and understanding.

4. Ethical Engagement: Understand informed consent and ethical storytelling. Avoid exploitative practices and ensure your actions uplift the community. Support local initiatives and advocate for fair compensation.

5. Avoiding Harmful Practices: Learn the importance of privacy and consent, especially when interacting with children. Understand and avoid contributing to gentrification and economic disparities.
6. Self-Education: Take responsibility for your education on local issues and contexts. Utilize resources from local intellectuals and thought leaders to continuously improve your impact.