Supporting Transformational Grassroots Change in Eastern Africa: What It Means to Support, Not Do

At Spirit in Action (SIA), we’re committed to supporting transformational grassroots change in Eastern Africa. But what do we mean when we talk about transformation, how is supporting different from doing?

These questions came into sharper focus during our recent Peacebuilding and Non-Violent Conflict Resolution Workshop on June 7th, where facilitators Romano Iluku and Danny Thomas reminded us that conflict, like change, offers an opportunity to build something new—and often better. True peacebuilding, like transformative change, is not something that can be imposed. It must be nurtured, built on trust, and led by the people most affected.

Supporting, Not Steering

Our role is not to direct change but to walk alongside those who are already doing the work in their own communities. That’s why we talk about a gifting approach to grants. We see each grant not as an investment with strings attached, but as a gift of trust, affirming that our partners have the knowledge, relationships, and vision to make lasting impact. SIA grants are not meant to be solutions but rather catalysts for change. They help unlock new partnerships, inspire community action, and set the stage for larger funding.

Earlier this month, SIA Grant Partners in Western Kenya - One Soul Matters, Blessed Hands, and Visionary Women's Centre - came together for a collaborative financial management workshop. (Pictured here)

The gathering left Benter, leader of Visionary Women's Centre feeling refreshed. "Thanks very much for allowing the team to visit us. It was a good interactive session. I was very inspired and felt renewed again." The powerful collaboration and renewed energy are a testament to what is possible when Grant Partners unite to support growth, knowledge sharing, and transformation in their communities.

Grounded in Local Leadership

Transformation must be rooted in local expertise. That’s why our Africa Advisory Board (AAB) works in shared decision-making with the North America Board (NAB). Together, they engage in strategic planning that reflects both deep local insight and cross-continental solidarity.

This co-leadership model reflects principles shared in our peacebuilding workshop: we are all teachers, and we are all learners. We do not arrive with all the answers. We listen. We learn. And we follow the lead of community members working toward peace, equity, and dignity.

North American and African Advisory Board Members meet for a quarterly board meeting in May.

Affirmation and Trust as Tools for Change

One of the most powerful takeaways from the June 7th workshop was the role of affirmation in building trust and confidence. Participants shared that truly being listened to, not just heard, makes a difference. It affirms dignity. It builds self-esteem. It invites transformation.

Similarly, our approach affirms our grant partners. We encourage groups to operate within their means, to define success on their own terms, and to create programs that reflect the real needs and hopes of their communities. This is not about scaling fast. It’s about deepening roots.

Transformation Takes Time and Relationship

One of the guiding principles from the peacebuilding workshop was: “One size does not fit all.” This resonates deeply with our approach to grantmaking and partnership. We avoid imposing solutions. We ask questions. We prioritize relationships over outcomes. We assume goodwill and remain hopeful, even when change is slow.

Transformation doesn’t come from outside. It comes from within communities through trust, affirmation, and the courage to do things differently. By supporting, rather than imposing solutions from outside, we affirm the power and potential that already exists across our partners.

A slide from the Peacebuilding Workshop Session on transforming power

SIA is more than just a funder. We are fellow builders of the peaceful, thriving future we all hope to see.