edison revelation

And the light bulb clicks....

I have been a member of Kiva  since 2009/2010 time frame.  I have enjoyed participating and reading about people standing up for themselves and their families.

Taking out small Microloans to build businesses that result in shelter, food and education is an effort I can get behind. I typically use a somewhat unbiased system to choose my next person to support. I am half way through reading the book The International Bank of Bob  and it just clicked.

Debbie, you are not buying - you are lending....  Lending  Just like Wells Fargo and other creditors take the chance  you give someone else a chance as well.

This perspective has opened my mind and door to concept I was already committed to and actively participating. But now I get it.  I have reinvested all of my small loan repayments thus far. And with solid ROI Kiva has the risk is low... so, I am thinking why not and raise the stakes a bit.

A friend of mine also told me about a few giving circles in the Springs. Looking forward to partnering to make difference. 

Recommend reading the book.

Recommend taking a chance  - the risk is low and the impact could be great. Generational even.

 

Bob Harris  has a promotion at the moment that allows new lenders to try Kiva and he is pitching the first $25. (limited time  - while supplies last and other legal things)

:) Not the first time I mentioned Kiva over the years....

Kiva in Detroit?
Making Choices
End of the year 2011 Choices

Beyond Good Intentions

 

Completely devoured the book  Beyond Good Intentions by Tori Hogan.
It was one of those times reader/book connection.
Since, I feel I am on this quest to find out just what I should be doing.
Although, I will argue with myself and say I am right where I should be at this exact time.
I am talking more long term - Next phase - Big picture.
Her book makes you think about foreign aid and the business of foreign aid itself.
Ultimately, big and small programs can be successful or completely harmful and it is the people themselves that make the difference.
Just like in all endeavors. Right? But sometimes when you are too close to something you do not see it.

My support plan is all over the board at the moment
Locally
Zonta Pikes Peak
FOB Colorado
I am Created Equal
Human Trafficking Task Force

Nationally
USO
Home for Our Troops
Sevenly
Kiva
TAPS

I support two missionaries one in Greece helping refugees and one in Azerbaijan.

I occasionally throw donations at walks, runs and hikes for charity.
And then I support politics - My choosing

last few days of 2011 - actions

Final days to give. They need it and you need the tax deduction.

Here are things that matter to me and could use a second look…

USO = link enough said, right. This is an outstanding organization and is working hard for our veterans.
Indy Give – link Colorado Springs focused and it includes Human Trafficking Task Force of Southern Colorado. Give local.
Fisher House – link amazing organization… Providing a "home away from home" for military families to be close to a loved one during hospitalization for an illness, disease or injury
Sloan Kettering – link I have been donating to this organization ever since I read the book by Laura Landro Survivor info on book – and since I lost two people this year to cancer it will always be on my list.
Kiva – website microlending – love this organization, I feel empowered that I can help in my small investment in someone’s life.
Refugees website the more I learn of the plight of a refugee the more I feel I need to act.

While I love hiking, yoga, nature, politics and animals – I feel we just need to focus on people at the moment.

Homeless Veterans - need our help

I saw a facebook post that grabbed my attention today -

If this does not stir somethign up inside of you, I am not sure what will.
Here are some facts.

VA estimates that 107,000 veterans are homeless on any given night.
23% of the homeless population are veterans
33% of the male homeless population are veterans
47% served Vietnam-era
17% served post-Vietnam
15% served pre-Vietnam
67% served three or more years
33% were stationed in war zone
25% have used VA homeless services
85% completed high school/GED, compared to 56% of non-veterans
89% received an honorable discharge
79% reside in central cities
16% reside in suburban areas
5% reside in rural areas
76% experience alcohol, drug or mental health problems
46% are white males, compared to 34% of non-veterans
46% are age 45 or older, compared to 20% non-veterans

Veterans’ Children Also Carry the Burden of Hunger
Feed Our Vets

Homeless Women Veterans
Article from Huffington Post

Here are some ways to help.

Every Purchase Funds Meals for Homeless and Hungry Veterans.
The Veterans Site

Additional Facts


Just do something...