Group loans through Kiva

I lent to to large groups today through Kiva, to the BENDECIDAS 2 Group in Mexico for their crafts, and to the mistad Group in Peru.

Fair Trade Coffee Subscription

Just want to update about the Vashon Island Coffee Roasterie, a great place to get fair trade coffee delivered right to your door.

The roasteris is located in Washington, and they believe that the small act of buying coffee beans can be part of the giant act of positive change in the world.

Their level of service is very impressive. At the beginning of my subscription I didn't order enough and ran out a few times, and they quickly responded and gave me rush service. One time I even got a free pound.

So this company is HIGHLY recommended

Helping Julica, Peru

I made a loan to Lucía Sucasaca Roque. She moved to Julica and has opened a grocery store, and now wants to expand to include fruits and vegetables. I'm sure this loan will have a big impact on her business, as well as on the local community.

kiva loans

Made three new Kiva loans today, using Kiva credits from past lenders.

Antoinette Yeye in Cotonou, Benin wants a loan to increase her restaurant business, she makes ready-made meals.

The Ternura Group is in Ayacucho, Peru and is a group of women (one called Julia) who want money for various enterprises. Since they all guarantee each other, I can be assured the money will get paid back.

The last loan I made was to Mexico, I thought about the Agents of Change and how I am trying to keep a significant part of my portfolio in Mexican loans 'cause they are close. So I chose a loan that was almost funded, to Cleotilde De La Rosa Mendoza for her concrete fence.

Kiva & Obama

I ran another Obama phone bank today for 5 hours, trained many people and we made many phone calls. The campaign passed its million phone call goal, and its million volunteer supporter goal. I no longer feel so alone :}

I made a Kiva loan, thanks to Kay. Emilia Condori Cheje in Peru wanted money to expand her clothing

kiva loans

I got a few loans redeemed so reinvested in our world.
I chose the first one because it was the first I saw and noone else had bid yet. Its to Mursal, who wants to be able to purchase the electrical supplies he uses himself and charge the home owner, rather than have them buy it. Sounds like good business. I must say I find it strange to see how the adds justify why he wants more money. Eg.
Mursal, the father of a girl, works as an electrician (home installation technician). Through his work he has been able to support his wife and child. Nonetheless, he wants to increase his earnings.

Here in North America its the norm to want to make more money, and its totally ok to want a better life.

I also made a loan to a women's group in Uganda. It was one of the oldest loans. I wish them all success.

I'm off to run a Get Out the Vote party here in Pasadena for OBAMA. If anyone wants to make phone calls to Texas today, come on by!

Julia in Guatemala

Found a loan to a Julia in Kiva today - in a group from Guatemala from one of my favorite Micro finance institution.

The majority of the 28 women are artisans, born and raised in a region known for its beautiful weavings. Of the 28 women, 11 are asking for a loan of 32,500 quetzales ($4,275), ranging from $300 to $400 per person. All of these women will invest their loans in weaving and embroidery businesses, purchasing thread and fabric for intricate huipiles (traditional woven blouses, like the ones in the picture), skirts, scarves, and blankets. The supplies they purchase come from the nearby town of Santiago de Atitlán. One woman also sells firewood, the main source of fuel in the area, to supplement her weaving business. She will use about 25% of her loan to invest in firewood.

kiva

My kiva loan today:

Mrs. Sandra Souza is a member of the “Las Perlas de Pucallpa” communal bank, located on Jr. Santa Rosa N° 181, Calleria district, in the Ucayali department. Sandra is a 48-year-old mother of two. She decided to invest the first loan of S/ 300 soles that she received from Manuela Ramos in the purchase and sale of sports uniforms.

She still owns that sports uniform business, which she operates from the office of the Sports Institute, especially for karate practitioners.

With this loan of S/ 1,700 soles, which she will repay in 5 months, she will purchase more uniforms for different types of sports.

Sandra is planning on setting up a sports uniform store, and she is very grateful for the support that she receives from Manuela Ramos.

Helping Guatemalan Women via KIVA

My loan today was to the "Las Trabajadoras Tolimán" group, Guatemalan women from the the San Gregorio neighborhood in San Lucas Tolimán, Sololá. This group of women is sure to pay the loan back, and it will help the community in so many ways.

Some of the women will use the money to purchase products to restock their stores, such as eggs, sugar, salt, soap, and detergent. Others will invest in corn, beans, and coffee in bulk, which they will then sell to their communities. The rest will go towards colorful threads and fabric to make their weavings.

The dream of the women of Las Trabajadoras Tolimán is to provide as best they can for their children. They are overcoming their hardships and determined to provide an education for their children, in order that they can have a better future.

I think Kiva is going to have a significant effect on the next generation.

Project Angel Food

It always bugs me that I live in a rich country where most people eat too much, and an incredible amount of food is wasted, yet many, many people go hungry.

I donated today to Project Angel Food, a local non-profit.

Project Angel Food's mission is to nourish the body and
spirit of men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS
and other serious illnesses.

From our kitchen, Project Angel Food cooks and delivers
free and nutritious meals prepared with love.

We act out of a sense of urgency because hunger and illness do not wait.

Green Dimes

I just signed up with Green Dimes to eliminate unwanted junk mail. It costs $20, and comes recommended by a kivafriend. So I'm going to give it a try. I'll keep you posted...

Oxfam

I'm back from Europe.

I renewed my membership to Oxfam today. I am still impressed with how much they help make people's lives better. They hare responded to many recent emergencies, much quicker and more effective than governments.

Kiva loan to a Julia in the Dominican Republic

I found another Julia to loan to today on Kiva - Julia Moreno Araujo is borrowing money for stock for her jewelry store.

Kiva - lending money and changing lives

I used a Kiva credit for a loan to the 'oldest' Kiva loan, to Salomatkhon Nemonova in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. She wants to expand her business by buying flour, sugar and oil. Sounds like staples to me.

Kiva loan to another Julia in Peru

Julia Maria Pereira Rengifo is in Peru and is looking for a loan to improve her restaurant. It looks like she has some happy customers and makes great food.

Julia Kiva loan while I'm in Europe

I have been in Europe for the last week and have not been able to post. I will be returning on Friday.

Today I did relend a Kiva credit to a Julia in Peru who wants to add photocopier and a public telephone to her store. This will help the community a lot, and shows how Kiva helps beyond what is measurable.

Green Peace

I sent in my 2008 membership dues to Greenpeace today, to help them with their environmental projects. I also signed a letter to Speaker of the House Pelosi, asking her to focus on renewable energy and energy efficiency. Can't wait till Obama is president.

Amnesty International

I sent in my 2008 membership for Amnesty International.
Amnesty International (AI) is a worldwide movement of people who campaign for internationally recognized human rights. AI’s vision is of a world in which every person enjoys all of the human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights standards. In pursuit of this vision, AI’s mission is to undertake research and action focused on preventing and ending grave abuses of the rights to physical and mental integrity, freedom of conscience and expression, and freedom from discrimination, within the context of its work to promote all human rights.

Co-op America & Fair trade Coffee

I am re-newing my membership in Co-op America. Just digg their mission - to harness economic power - the strength of consumers, investors, and businesses - to create a socially just and environmentally sustainable society. I have personally found a lot of very interesting things on this page, including the fair trade coffee that I get delivered each month. I have the co-ops guide to fair trade listed on the left of the website. Its always a good place to start shopping.

My coffee comes from Vashon Island Coffee Roasterie , located in Washington state. They believe that the small act of buying coffee beans can be part of the giant act of positive change in the world. They tell you exactly where your beans came from. I get monthly deliveries and I have received OUTSTANDING service from them, including free pounds of coffee! And personal notes saying 'thinking of you we just roasted your favorite blend'. The coffee is the best and freshest you can buy. And its FAIR TRADE.

Hats on Kiva

Did a search on 'Julia' and found a great loan - a Peruvian lady wearing a hat. My sister loves those hats. And sure enough, she is also on the loan. As are a few other friends.

I am still in a fantastic mood because of the election results. I can't believe we went against the largest political machine in American history, and won. We were supposed to get knocked out of the race, and now we find out the other campaign is in serious financial trouble and we can raise millions in hours. I have been told by so many people for so long that she was inevitable, and it just feels so wonderful that the candidate of the people is doing so well. We really are going to win, and change the way politics works in this country. Obama will bring dignity and respect back to the White house, which hasn't been there for decades. YES WE CAN!!!!!

Still FIRED UP and READY TO GO

Volunteering at UCLA for Obama

Kiva and countdown to super Tuesday

I haven't recorded all the things I have been doing on the Obama campaign, because I have been too busy doing things for the campaign. But soon we will vote, and my (almost) year long efforts will be over.

I used a Kiva credit to make a loan to Guatemala, to the Brisas del lago Panajachel Group.

Sharing Foundation

One of my facebook friends sent this and I donated today, and added a widget for this cause to the side of my blog. In her words:

Yesterday, I spent the afternoon with the Sharing Foundation's founder, Dr. Nancy Hendrie, a retired pediatrician in her seventies to work on the final phase of the our America's Giving Challenge fundraising campaign. Dr. Hendrie has been working tirelessly on this campaign using her social networks (mostly offline and email) Yesterday, I had to chance to show her some online social networks like Twitter and Facebook as well as some tools like video blogging. She made made this video with my son, Harry.

Ten years ago, she didn’t want to spend her retirement years on the golf course. Instead, she started Sharing Foundation, an organization that cares for over 1,500 disadvantaged children in Cambodia every day.

Dr. Nancy is an inspiration! She's a shining example of never ending activism and a reminder that you're never too old to change the world. She told me yesterday she might too old for Facebook, so I wanted to show her the power of social media to make a difference.

• Donate $10 or more to the Sharing Foundation through Global Giving Fundraiser by January 31, 2008



• If we get the most unique donors, we'll win $50,000 for the Sharing Foundation as part of America's Giving Challenge. With $10 you can help improve the lives of over 1,500 children in one of the world's poorest countries.

Kiva

I used some Kiva credits (88 of my loans have been repaid so far) and made two loans, to groups.
Juana Claudia Coras De Auccapuclla's Group in Ayacucho, Peru is mostly doing agriculture, and Las Costureras Group in Guatemala who makes clothing. I really want to support Guatemala clothing. I wear it all the time.

Lending to Julia's

So I found a Julia to lend to, and she seems to be engaged in activities I wouldn't do. I don't eat animals and haven't for years. But I have accepted that they are a necessary part of some cultures and not everyone has the luxury, like I do, of being so selective of what they eat.

Kiva loans

These days it seems I'm making loans inbetween doing things for Obama. We are having a grand opening of an Obama office in my hometown tonight, I came home for powercords and made a kiva loan.

The loan was to Kossi Jacques Djoka for his motocycle transport business.

I made a loan yesterday to Kamuli C1 (e) Group of women. Very little description, their loan is taking a while to get funded.

Peru

I made a loan to Cetty Saldaña De Salas in Peru today. "Cetty is a very hard working woman and even though she does not have the support from her couple, she does not think this is a handicap to succeed." I''m sure. Anyone who can handle 8 kids can run a successful business.

I choose this loan because its in Peru, and I have a colleague who I like very much who lives in Peru. I'm starting to work with him on the genetics of epilepsy and neurocycosis. 4.4% of my Kiva loans are from Peru.

Helping Maria in Nicaragua

I bid on the only loan in Central America - to Maria for her used clothing business. She has been working in the market since she was 10.

I find it an interesting cultural note to see how female clients often feel they have to explain why they are in businesses. e.g. Her husband's income was not enough to cover their household costs, so Maria Elena decided to invest in her own business.

kiva

Sheela Noreen's Group is mostly about tailoring in Pakistan. There are a few ladies in it who want money for various businesses.

But what its really about is people like me chipping in with a bunch of people like me to lend them money that we don't really need and will significantly change their lives. Economic justice you could say.

Blacksmith

Quick Kiva loan - to a blacksmith in Nabatieh, Lebanon called Hassan Aanayssi. Some of my friends are blacksmiths, so this one is in memory of them.

Breaks and Kiva

I realize I have been slacking on posting. Its not because I no longer care, its just that life is getting a bit busy right now. Besides the election and the new Kiva office and the book chapters and papers I am working on, I am also working on the financial books for my hobby business. I finished enought to say I generated about $65,000 of income to others last year - I guess that's my job creation.

Made a Kiva loan today. They haven't had many so I've been trying to hold off to let others have a chance. But I"ve had Kiva credit that's been there a while, and its been so long. So I made a loan to Holmurod Haknazarov for his farm in Khuroson, Tajikistan.

New Blog, Shopkeeping in El Salvador

Popped on to Kiva and found a loan in Central America. Marta Lorena Landaverde has a shop in El Salvador and wants capital to expand. With stores, its real easy to understand how more capital translates into more profit and a better life.

El Salvador is a beautiful country. I have only flow in and out of it many times enroute to Teguigalpa, but the route is over the country in the morning and we fly in a little plane pretty low to the ground. Hopefully someday soon I'll visit the countryside on the ground and visit Marta and her store.


So the new blog I am doing is for Kiva in Second Life at the Non Profit commons, it will have all info related to that there. I am going to try to build up the volunteer group and see what wonderful things come about. So far we've done quite a bit, including raising money for 30 loans.

We're having our opening party tomorrow. It will be the first event I've hosted in Second Life. Hope people come! We invited some newsfolk and they have already blogged about us.

Obama's lost 2002 War speech. As told by the people.

Last night, we put a new face on America and changed the world.



We still need help. If you have time or money, please visit
the action center

First Kiva loan of the year

Woke this morning and there were finally some Kiva loans, and I found one for my husband. He likes cars.

Hussein is in Lebaon and wants to buy out his partner and own the cell phone business. He also works as a mechanic. He has 7 kids.

Catching up

A few things happened over the last few days. I got my name on the front page of our local paper - above the fold. It was my 4th interview for Obama. Its been a long primary....
The paper also made the Obama blog. That was fun.We've been working on the Kiva office in second life in the non profit commons. I blogged about it here. The opening party will be next Saturday, Jan 5th 10:30 - 12 pacific time.

I organized my charities for tax purposes. I also went through and made sure I donated to everyone I wanted to this year, and wrote checks to several charities including Accion, PATH, skeptic society and planned parenthood.

accion

Random Acts of Kindness

Someone posted on an Obama list about an older couple with many cats and dogs who aren't doing so well in Iowa. So I asked for their address and send them some animal food, and then sent them some cheese and beef stuff from Hickory Farms. (all purchases made through igive so Kiva gets money). I hope it makes their lives a little easier.

kiva loans in group

Found another Julia in a group. Belen Group in Ayacucho, Peru has Julia Gutierrez De Caceres in it.

Happy Kiva anniversary to me

Today is my one year Kiva anniversary. One year ago today I found Kiva. My how my life has changed!
I spent hours today organizing our new Kiva in SL office in the Non profit Commons. We're going to have our party Jan 5th 10:30-12 sl time. All are invited . There will be door prizes. Now I have to plan my first party!

In honor or my anniversary I made 3 loans - two have Julia's in them. The Julian Amuge's Group in Uganda is part of a new MFI (new to Kiva). The Julia Ramos Ayme's Group in Ayacucho, Peru. They will invest the money in cinnamon, mushrooms, cloves, noodles, milk, rice, sugar and sodas, as well as wool, dyes and threads. All of these woman have a dream that their children will receive a good education and become professionals, that their businesses continue to grow, and that they will have happy family lives.

I also made a loan to Flor del Lago Panajachel Group in Guatemala. I just love helping those large groups. Me and piles of my kivafriends!

I made a loan to Kusirikuy Group in Peru a few days ago and forgot to mention it.

kiva, kiva in sl

I made a kiva loan to Efui Essénam Tamakloe in Togo, he wants to get a market stall for a used clothing business, so he can make enough money to finish his education in IT. I hope he succeeds.

Other great news - we got our kiva in second life office today in the non profit commons. I gathered all our displays and am awaiting group membership so I can decorate. And then to plan the opening party...

Running and running and running

So it seems politics can take all your spare time and more. I have been working on doing whatever I can for the Obama campaign and its left me little time for blogging or secondlifeing. There is a fierce URGENCY OF NOW. Everything we do RIGHT NOW really helps, where they won't matter at all in a few months. less than 3 weeks till the first primary (Iowa) and less than 40 days till our primary (Feb 5th). And after that it will be over. Almost all of the delegates will be assigned by Feb 5th. I am actually predicting a landslide, but that's because I see how hard we have been working and how much the Obama campaign is so much more together than any of the other campaigns.

Tonight I am running a phone bank in Monrovia, California and I'll be tabling in Pasadena on Saturday. And in my spare moments I'm doing data coordinating for our CD and processing volunteers.

I did choose a loan for our Kiva Shopping Club, and then made a personal loan to the same place. Its to a OCOSINGUENZAS 3 Group in Mexico; a group loan to various people.

Kiva credit

I had a kiva credit and couldn't resist this loan. Rosa Maria started on her own, ten years ago, with the hope of bettering herself and earning enough to provide for her everyday needs. She wants to buy soft drinks and probably other things for her store.

Rosa Maria Romero Perez is in Leon, Nicaragua and the loan is for 6 months, total of $325. 7 other people helped fund it. Kiva is so cool, we can all come together to help this women

Food Banking for Obama

I spent 7 hours or so helping distribute food at the Los Angeles arboretum. Our Obama group met there again (and will make it a yearly event).

More pictures on my Obama blog.

Obama and Kiva

Monday I volunteered at the Obama event at Universal CityWalk, I was an usher. It was a lot of fun. Been busy working on the campaign this week, only a few more weeks till the first primary in Iowa.

Made a Kiva loan to Natalia Quispe Quispe in Peru. I was attracted to this loan 'cause of her beautiful weaving, and her business - its by the bus station. I think she can do very well and I'm excited to help.

Kiva Kiva Kiva

Grabbed a few loans I haven't had time to record - Subgroup C of group Tujikwamue Ukonga in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Ann Lim is a weaver in Cambodia

kiva

Verónica Enríquez lives in Guayaquil, Ecuador is on her second Kiva loan - With the help of a Kiva and Mifex loan, Veronica was able to make a small store in the front of her home where she now sells all types fruits. This is my first lender that I can tell is a second Kiva lender. How cool.

Looks like Kiva is swamped. I'll have to post the other loan later.

My 300th kiva loan

Late last night I made my 300th Kiva loan. I think this loan really signifies how much Kiva can change someone's life.

The loan was to Amelia Sánchez in Equador. Amelia runs an eatery where she sells lunches and snacks. She started the business four years ago, and she has one of her sister’s help attending to her clients. She lives in a cane house.
She would like to use part of the funds to buy additional food products such as rice and sugar. She would use the other part of the loan to buy tables and chairs, which would help her provide better accommodations for her customers.

She borrowed $675. For that small amount (to us), she will be able to move her business to the next level, and earn more profit. Without this loan, it might take her years to save this much money. And that's not a good way to do business.

So next time I'm in Ecuador I'm going to look her up.

Changing people's lives with Kiva.

Among the many qualities of the clients of ComUnidad del Tul (term that Friendship Bridge uses to describe a Communal Bank), there is one that is worth emphasizing – the harmony that exists between the two different ethnic groups: Mayas Kachikeles and ladinas (descendents of Europe), that constitute the group. It is remarkable to see women that belong to different cultures work, organize themselves and get along so well. This characteristic particularly stands out when the Board of Directors, which consists of ladina and Maya Kachikel women, work together in a harmonious and effective manner.

The great majority of these women were weavers before receiving their first loan through Friendship Bridge. Many of them helped their mothers embroider huipiles (traditional Guatemalan dresses). However, with the loan they will receive from Kiva, our clients have chosen to change their path toward a more prosperous one.

Merci

"tout le monde savait qu'on ne pouvait pas le faire. Un jour quelqu'un est venu, et il ne le savait pas. Alors, il l'a fait..."

group loans in kiva

There seems to be more, large group loans on Kiva. I lent to one today - Trinity Women's Lending Group is asking for over $3800, but each business will only get a portion of it.