I am pleased to announce I have launched into an exciting new partnership with a development-focused web site http://www.MitchellKutney.com (Twitter @MKutney). See what I did there? That hyperbolic, overly excited PR-speak that I picked up over the years having read way too many government press releases that make something like planting a tree sound like cancer has been cured kicked in. But seriously, this web site is a great source of information and thought-provoking articles and I’m happy to be affiliated with it.

I linked up with Ottawa-based Mitchell Kutney as we share a common acquaintance as well as an interest in development-related issues. Mitchell’s Web site is worth checking out. He not only writes about philanthropy and development, but does so in such a way that he has clearly thought it through. He addresses many implications of “development” work and philanthropy, which is a rarity. Many people enter into this industry willy-nilly with nothing more than a genuine desire to help. Nothing wrong with that, but the industry is set up such that much damage can be done if a project or NGO’s presence is not well-thought out first.

Here’s his bio:

Mitchell has spent over 5 years working within local leading institutions (University of Ottawa and the City of Ottawa) where he spearheaded an innovative immigrant-youth program that is now part of the City’s integrated services. After studying in China at the Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, he then served as a consultant with various nonprofits on funding and enterprising.

He is the co-founder of the Ottawa Citizens Academy, an organization designed to educate and empower citizens by giving them the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to actively participate in their community. In 2012, Mitchell also lead the development of a local fund that supports high-risk startups called JustChange.

He has an honours degree in Psychology from the University of Ottawa and a Masters in Public Policy and Administration from Carleton University.

Mitchell has a link to my blog up on the site, where, as he describes it, he writes about Canadian philanthropy, investing, funding and social policy. Check it out.