These notes draw from Shantum Seth's ideas and echo the ideas of Baba Amte, a respected Indian social activist who championed the power of work over charity's dependency. Amte promoted self-sufficiency among the underprivileged, arguing that handouts erode dignity and the desire for self-improvement. I was fortunate to sit next to him on a long bus ride and pilgrimage through India and distilled his experience into some core ideas. 

1. All of these principles needs to consider their specific situation and context 

2. No one is an expert on what the right thing to do is.

3. When asking people what they need, keep in mind that they may not know. 

4. For groups of people (eg. villages) needs vary from person to person

5. Giving can be done in many forms, be creative (money, time, smile etc...)

6. It is easy to give, but be mindful of intentions as it is difficult to give skillfully

7. Giving unskillfully can create dependency and stunt personal development

8. Monitoring and evaluation of your giving depends on your trust of the recipient

9. Energy to monitor the impact of giving can be high for big organizations 

10. What kind of education is relevant to the people that are reciving it? 

11. Don't underestimate non literate people, oral transmission & apprenticeships 

12. Once you shift someone towards consciousness, people are unlikely revert back

13. Give small amounts to support people doing good work with no strings attached

14. Building community is key and has to be done at an intimate a level as possible

15. If you are in doubt with a decision, think how it will impact the poorest person