Aid Workers Need Your Aid: Join Me in Supporting Them

Hello again, Steve Dennis here.

Ever thought about what happens with aid workers who get injured on the job? I was one of them after an attack and kidnap that left me lost in my recovery and fighting for justice. Now, I guide injured aid workers through their recovery maze. But here's the catch: the fund that's been a lifeline for many is empty. I'm asking for your help to replenish it and continue this mission. Interested? Keep reading.

Brief Background

In 2002, I chose a career as a humanitarian aid worker, providing critical support in conflict and disaster-stricken regions. However, in 2012, I was attacked, shot, and kidnapped while serving in a Kenyan refugee camp. This incident led me through a complicated healing process—physically, psychologically, and legally. I fought a court battle against organizational negligence and won, sparking important reforms in the humanitarian sector.

"Steve worked with me to identify my concerns, to examine what changes I felt I needed to move on."

The Problem: Gaps in Support

Many aid workers, like me, have faced complex challenges in navigating their recovery from trauma and injuries sustained on the job. Often, these colleagues only seek help when they've reached their emotional and financial limits.

"I tried different groups and lawyers but, as my concerns involved people working on several continents, people said they didn’t know where to start. I was in rough shape."

The Solution: My Mission

Over the past three years, I've shifted my career to full time focus on a mission that's become deeply personal: guiding injured aid workers through their complex recovery processes. I collaborate with them to outline clear recovery goals, mobilize essential resources, and navigate through each pivotal step toward resolution. However, to maintain and expand this vital service, I'm reaching out for your collective support.

"Because of your tenacity, excellent contacts and coordination and mostly your passion I have a much-needed platform and with no compromise on the delivered service."

The Fund: Its Role and Necessity

'The Fund' serves as a critical financial safety net, ensuring that finances aren't an obstacle in an aid worker's road to recovery.

 "In short, I got my life back."

Originating from an initial $39,000USD crowdfund, it has been instrumental in both assisting aid workers and advocating for their rights. Clients often contribute back into The Fund after receiving settlements, enhancing its sustainability. Still, not all recoveries are tied to financial results, and as such, many service expenses are absorbed.

The Fund has had a multi-faceted impact. It has supported initiatives like EISF’s (now GISF's) Duty of Care implementation and helped NGOs formulate staff safe reintegration policies. It has also facilitated immediate access to vital services such as psychotherapy, acting either as collateral until agencies pay, or hiring services directly. To date, 88% of the 36 clients served, including 11 locally hired staff, have benefited from this fund in some way.

While contributions and pro-bono services bolster The Fund, it is a depleting resource in need of replenishment. I am convinced its existence is pivotal for comprehensive recovery support and advocacy of injured aid workers.

Our Immediate Goal

The initial fund is now exhausted after achieving remarkable results. Now, we aim to raise €150,000 to sustain and expand this mission for the next 2 years. This money will go to 1) more case work for injured aid workers, 2) advocacy activities to close gaps in support structures, and 3) clearing obstacles that would otherwise block someone’s recovery progress.

The more money raised = more activities = more people helped

Advocacy and Collaboration

Besides direct support, I advocate for better organizational policies and facilitate trainings for NGOs and other organizations. I also collaborate with professionals like psychotherapists, doctors, and lawyers to provide a holistic recovery approach.

"Steve delivered impactful trainings on field safety to our undergraduates at the University of Birmingham. He quickly engaged students on complex issues and gave them a real sense of life in 'the field.' We've invited him back for further trainings for postgraduates and faculty. I recommend him with every confidence."

“Steve is so well-regarded in his field that the organization I was fighting agreed to pay him on my behalf."

Why Your Donation Matters

Your contribution serves a dual purpose. It not only provides direct financial aid but also signals an important societal acknowledgment: injured aid workers deserve comprehensive support and advocacy. And remember, 'The Fund' is designed to regenerate, amplifying the impact of your donation over time.

“I am donating to this fundraiser because I believe in Steve’s life-changing work and was incredibly fortunate to have my work with Steve covered."

In Closing

Aid workers often face high risks to help others. Your support not only provides financial relief but also sends a message of solidarity, telling those who are injured that they are not alone.

I sincerely ask that you share this story and, if possible, contribute.

Thank you for being part of this important conversation.

Sincerely yours,

Steve Dennis

We Need Additional Support

We are expanding our network of professionals. If you can offer pro-bono work in fields like psychotherapy, medicine, law, insurance navigation as well as individual case work, please contact me. Your expertise will be invaluable.

Do You Need Support? Contact Steve

A traumatic injury can derail both personal and professional lives, sparking fear and uncertainty. Wrong decisions on the path to recovery can halt healing and jeopardize careers. Conversely, the right choices can expedite recovery and maintain team focus and growth. If you or your organization are navigating the complex journey from injury to recovery and unsure what steps to take, feel free to reach out. Contact me here.

Relevant Links:

• Steve Dennis Consulting website
• Steve Dennis BLOG: Victim Blame, Victim Burden or Survivor Centric Support: How do you want your staff to refer to their recovery? - Sept 21, 2021
• Interview with Chris Houston on the activities and The Fund - 2021
• The Voice of War Podcast: On Getting Shot, Kidnapped and the Court Case That Sent Tremors Through the Humanitarian Aid Industry- 2021
• Aid Worker Security Report 2022 - Collateral violence - Aug 2023 "In addition to the 141 aid workers killed, 203 were wounded and 117 kidnapped."

• The Guardian: Steve Dennis and the court case that sent waves through the aid industry - Dec 05, 2015
• The New Humanitarian: NRC kidnap ruling is ‘wake-up’ call for aid industry - Jan 13, 2016 
• GISF: Duty of Care: A review of the Dennis v Norwegian Refugee Council ruling and its implications - Sept 21, 2016
• NRK: Aid worker: - Had to put my life on the line for the Norwegian Refugee Council - Nov 09, 2017
• NRK: The Attack in Dadaab - Dec 06, 2017