As an executive, diplomat, and spokesperson, Sam Worthington has shaped the international NGO sector’s impact on global development and humanitarian action. During his leadership at InterAction (2006-2022) and Plan USA (1995-2006), he championed human welfare and rights, influenced UN and government policies, and provided a fresh vision for U.S. NGOs.
About the Book:
Prisoners of Hope explores the successful drive for positive change and the evolving role of U.S.-based NGOs within the global movement for justice and sustainability. How can these organizations amplify the role of local civil society and empower leaders in complex environments? What steps must they take to remain relevant in cross-border partnerships?
Through fresh insights, personal anecdotes, and collective wisdom, the book offers a nuanced analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing U.S. NGOs. While these organizations have transformed millions of lives through human-centered development and humanitarian response, they must adapt—shifting power to local actors and redefining their accountability to donors. The author reflects on the power of collective advocacy, highlighting lessons from their leadership of InterAction.
Standalone chapters offer valuable resources for students and practitioners. Key topics include advocacy and pluralism (Building a Voice); the history and role of NGOs (An Appropriate Role); localization (Going Local); advancing the SDGs (Global Goals and Hurdles); humanitarian response (Humanitarian Action); risk management and accountability (Effective Change Agents); leading NGOs and coalitions (NGO Leadership); and future recommendations (A Relevant Future).
The true heroes of our world—those who improve human welfare or save lives—are often from impacted communities. With the right tools, institutional support, and commitment there is no shortage of partners to advance positive change. Prisoners of Hope celebrates humanity’s collective efforts to build a better world. It honors grassroots organizations striving for justice and sustainability, affirming their essential role in shaping a more just, equitable, and sustainable future.
Select testimonials:
Sam Worthington is one of the world’s foremost experts on international NGOs and in this book, he presents a powerful vision for the future of international development and helps both forecast and navigate the complexities ahead. This is a must read for anyone passionate about the future of creating networks for a more just world. —Michelle Nunn, President & CEO of CARE USA
In today’s troubled global dynamics, the power of the collective matters more than ever. This is a fascinating deep dive into how the NGO community can and does make a difference in the world - told by an expert who has been instrumental in saving lives and changing the world’s trajectory. — Carolyn Miles, former CEO of Save the Children US, and InterAction Board chair
Reading Sam Worthington's ‘Prisoners of Hope,’ I so wished I could have had the benefit of his wisdom at the outset of my own nonprofit journey. He has a unique ability to move back and forth from the gritty details of daily leadership challenges to a broad appreciation of the indispensable role that national and global NGOs play in making positive change. The book also offers indispensable advice on how to pull together a diverse group of organizations into the larger coalitions that are key to drive big ideas forward in the service of humanity. —Anne-Marie Slaughter, President & CEO of New America. Former director of policy planning for the U.S. State Department under U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Dean of Princeton University's School of Public and International Affairs, and Professor of Politics and International Affairs.
‘Prisoners of Hope’ is a stern rebuke to naysayers who minimize the past achievements and future promise of collective actions to strengthen global prosperity, combat poverty and disease, and build peace with justice. This lively, insightful, and highly readable volume focuses on the role of American charitable institutions in this mission. It provides a well-documented plan of action for how such groups must adapt their operations to new realities, threats, and opportunities, including by shifting power to local community partners. Before writing your next check, read this book and learn how to hold your favorite charity accountable for lasting progress. —Ambassador Don Steinberg, former Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development. Special Assistant for African Affairs to President Bill Clinton, President and CEO of World Learning, and U.S. Ambassador to Angola
Sam Worthington draws on his wealth of experience, blending personal anecdotes and strategic analysis to produce a must-read for anyone passionate about social justice and sustainable development. His insights into the challenges and triumphs of humanitarian efforts are, at once, inspiring and challenging for those who want to build a more effective non-profit sector. This book is a timely reminder of how important values-based internationalism is for the U.S. and the world but also contains practical tips for how to make that internationalism more effective, inclusive, and transformational. —Dr Danny Sriskandarajah, CEO of the New Economics Foundation. Former Chief Executive of Oxfam GB and Secretary General of CIVICUS