Author Fran Early to discuss volunteer work in Guatemala

Photo: Fran Early (right) with co-author Connie Newton

Author Fran Early will visit Salve Regina Monday, Feb. 12 for a presentation on her work in Guatemala, the importance of volunteering as equals and understanding cultural differences when we engage in our communities, whether local or abroad.

Open to the University community and the general public, the presentation will be held at 6 p.m. in the Mercy Center for Spiritual Life. Light refreshments will be served.

Early’s 2015 book “Doing Good … Says Who? Stories From Volunteers, Nonprofits, Donors and Those They Want to Help,” co-authored with Connie Newton, explores the impact of good intentions from the inside. Through storytelling, humor, analysis, practical advice and a discussion guide, five key concepts emerge: Respect and value people, build trust through relationships, do “with” rather than “for,” ensure feedback and accountability, and evaluate every step of the way.

Early and Newton have worked in intercultural education, community organizing, corporate service, sociology research and human rights. They are deeply influenced by their two life times of experiences trying to do good as volunteers, board members and donors, by successes and failures. The epiphanies continued as they met with more than 400 volunteers, donors, nonprofits and local Guatemalan people, mostly in mountain villages, to understand their many viewpoints and experiences coming from good intentions.

Early’s visit is made possible by a grant funded by the Davis Education Foundation, established by Stanton and Elisabeth Davis after Mr. Davis’ retirement as chairman of Shaw’s Supermarkets.