Sometimes I feel overwhelmed and depressed by the problems in the world and my lack of ability to effect change in any significant way. At the same time, I do know that, although I can’t change the world, I can help to change a tiny piece of it and, well, if everyone did their little part… you know what would happen.
So even though it’s kind of off-topic on this blog, I want to let you all know about a cool non-profit called Kiva that is doing great things. We like this project, because we here at MAD about Words World Headquarters can kinda relate to low-income entrepreneurs.
Kiva allows individuals to make $25 loans to low-income entrepreneurs in the developing world (microfinance). By doing so, individuals can provide affordable working capital for the poor (money to buy a sewing machine, livestock, etc.), empowering them to earn their way out of poverty.
Microloans are a new, direct and sustainable way to fight global poverty, and the way I see it, I get a higher return on $25 helping someone build a future than the interest my checking account pays. To date, Kiva’s return rate on loans is 99.72%!
Anyway, if you have a minute, please check out Kiva. If you need more validation than my recommendation, know that they have received great press in publications ranging from The Wall Street Journal to NPR to BusinessWeek.
Mary Ann de Stefano
