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.