If the World were a Village of 100 People

Poverty plays such a huge part in the global picture. This is a sobering way to bring the concept home and make it real.
Makes me stop and appreciate all that I take for granted, and to resolve to help end this legacy of poverty that so many are forced to endure.

Here are some links to check out:
http://www.endpoverty2015.org
http://www.standagainstpoverty.org

Micro Loans

This is an idea whose time has come. I remember hearing how a small amount of money could make a difference to people, especially women. It wasn't until recently that I realized that I could participate and make a difference for both me and someone that needs a little help.

Here are four sites that are making a difference with Micro Loans.


GRAMEEN BANK is the work of Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Peace Prize winner. You can hear Mr. Yunus explain his view on poverty in this Short film:


He started in 1976 with $27 from his own pocket. Now he heads a foundation that helps 6 million poor families with loans. They suggest multiple ways to help, everything from educating yourself to making a donation of time and/or money.
Read about this remarkable man and his Bank at

www.grameenfoundation.org

If you want to see more of this unique man and his views, watch the Long film:





COMMON GOOD BANK has a motto that says:
"If you could SAVE $$ and SAVE THE WORLD just by changing banks,WOULD YOU DO IT?
You can go to their website to read all about it. They are planning to open in 2009 and will need help from many of us if we are going to end poverty in our lifetime.

http://commongoodbank.com

MICROPLACE was joined by e-bay to create a place where you can earn a return on your investment and help end world poverty. This site is different because you are investing your money, not just making a donation. Their website can be found at

http://www.microplace.com

KIVA takes the microloan and makes it personal! Their mission is to "connect people through lending for the sake of alleviating poverty." Go to their website to find out how you can participate in loaning money to actual people, for a specific purpose. You can also meet the people that are both lending and receiving. It makes the world a very small place when you realize just how easy it is to help.

http://kiva.org

I know this is a lot of information. I've been looking, reading, and learning for a few weeks, and haven't decided yet where to invest my money. But I'll keep at it until I decide where to start, and make that initial investment. I invite you to join me!

One.org

I'll admit it. I've had my head in the sand for some time now. It was purely defensive, because I could see so many things wrong in the world and I had no idea how to help. So I did nothing, and felt guilty and powerless.

But I'm changing that, for me. I'm finding that there are MANY people and groups out there making a difference. By adding my voice, my support, my energy to the cause already in motion, I can make a difference. It makes me feel better. I hadn't realized just how heavy this burden I've been carrying around was, until I decided I could put it down. And in putting it down, looking at it differently, I'm not afraid of picking it back up. Because of my willingness to consider changing, I feel better, lighter...hopeful.

I know that if I feel this way, there are others out there. I encourage you to look at the possibilities open to us to help. It doesn't have to cost you anything but time. To begin, I'm investing an hour a day looking into these possibilities, becoming educated, and taking simple action. I'll sign a petition, watch a video, become informed. Later, I might volunteer my time, open my checkbook, take on bigger causes. But just now, I'm relieved to find a place to begin. I invite you to join me.

Today's link is http://www.one.org
I've added my name to their member list, signed the Declaration and looked for an event in my community that I can participate in. I'm smiling! Together as ONE we can make a difference.