Last week Relentless had a successful week in Bangkok.

One of the things that is difficult to quantify in this work is how to measure success? How do we know when we are being successful? Work in this area is difficult to measure – the process is slow – just ask anyone working with the broken.

  • We could count number of people trained – but then that training has to be translated into good use.
  • We could count numbers of people seen in a clinic – but they may get ill again

Not that these measurables aren’t worth counting – they are, and perhaps I should start counting. But these numbers wouldn’t begin to demonstrate the difference that is possible in an individual’s life.

How can you measure the decreased levels of stress in a staff member who is no longer afraid of contracting Hepatitis B or HIV by sharing with someone who is infected?

How can you measure the elation of someone who is no longer freaked out by a bleeding wound because she now knows proper first aid?

How can you measure the peace of someone living with HIV after you have answered their questions and taken the time to explain things that the doctors here never take time to do?

What can you measure when an organization understands that health care for exploited people has a much more holistic meaning and is no longer translated as “well, we take them to see the doctor”?

teaching about health to a group of 20+ staff and women

teaching on health to staff and women from the community

The following are some points to consider in deciding whether my work has been successful or not:

A collaborative spirit: Establishing new partnerships with organizations who are interested in receiving more training and becoming better equipped to address health/medical issues among their staff and beneficiaries.

Developing relationships: being entrusted to have a private consultation with a transgender who is HIV+, depressed, and not caring for himself to answer questions and encourage him about living with HIV/AIDS.

Equipping people with information that is practical and immediately applicable: presented 5 different workshops lasting 2-3 hours each to staff and beneficiaries of four different organizations

Mobilizing others: had meetings with two separate people who are interested in learning more about how they can join in Relentless’ work in some of their extra time.

Are you interested in being a part of an organization that is working together and building up? I want to meet you.