“Capacity building” has been in every job description or programmatic strategy of every international aid and philanthropic organization with which I’ve worked over the past 15 years. In some form or another, I’ve led, funded, or facilitated workshops, exchange visits, trainings intended to enhance the knowledge and skills of people who live in poor countries.

Along the way, as an “expat” aid worker, as a grantmaker, as a manager and a communicator, I’ve had my capacity built too.