Hi, Leigh – thanks for a very thoughtful and useful post.

First, I am not planning to literally climb any mountains. Just wanted that out in front …

That said, I found much to appreciate in your analysis of how to plan to help others. While every step you highlight is important in its own right, I especially like “Pick A Specific Need To Focus On”.

The issue of focus always seems to dog us in these cases. Sometimes, we actually try to meet all needs and only succeed in thinning our resources to the point where few, if any needs are actually being meant. I think those of us who try to do “good work” are especially prone to trying to save everyone, in every situation, at every point in time.

While worthy, but not chosen causes are undoubtably hurt in the short term by our  focusing on one or a "vital few" needs, the long-term effects should be more effective help for all.

For one thing, if we concentrate on addressing on a vital need, we probably do a much better job  of meeting that need.  The skills we learn can then be shared with others and also come with us to the next focus we choose ... Skills improvement on an ongoing basis.

Another reason to appreciate your thoughts has to do with the ephemeral nature of needs.  Driven by media that not only looks for what "bleeds and leads", but which creates an atmosphere governed by short attention span, we need to be reminded that most needs are not neatly resolved at the end of the news hour.  Just because we no longer hear about something does not mean that the need has diminished or gone away.

Appreciate your thoughts and your highlighting of this specific vital and worthy effort:)

John