BlogHer - United States - Comments

ACCION

Britt Bravo — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 13:45:47 -0500

Thanks, shocking21 for providing more information about Kiva's US program.

ACCION USA

shocking21 — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:43:38 -0500

Britt,

I'm not sure why, but I've been having some extreme trouble with my post, though I'm going to go ahead and submit it anyway--I apologize for its apparent deformity!

Thank
you for this wonderful review of Kiva’s new domestic microlending program. I
work at ACCION USA,
one of the two Kiva field partners operating in the States, and it’s exciting
to hear so much discussion about US microloans. Kiva has been receiving a lot
of flak lately for their decision to begin facilitating loans to local
entrepreneurs. We feel that a majority of this criticism stems from a
misunderstanding of domestic microfinance—its mission and its mechanisms. AUSA
believes passionately in the value of small business and accessible credit,
having offered domestic microloans now for over a decade. With the ability to
enrich communities, empower individuals, and increase economic opportunities,
small businesses constitute a vital sector of our economy.

By
permitting loans to US microentrepreneurs, Kiva has allowed AUSA to provide
access to credit to many individuals who would have otherwise been without
financial resources. As Kiva wisely acknowledges, poverty is relative, and
income deprivation is only one component. Credit has always been scarce for
small business owners, but in the heat of the financial crisis, it has all but
evaporated. Many of our borrowers have suffered from medical debt or labored in
a difficult job with little potential for advancement. The chance to own a
prosperous small business is a massive opportunity for them. AUSA also offers
clients a wealth of financial education resources, assisting individuals better
manage their personal and business finances.

Thank
you for your contribution over Kiva! Your recommendation regarding targeting
Native American populations is an excellent one. ACCION USA already
makes a concerted effort to cater to minority populations, offering extensive
Spanish services and supporting some Portuguese and French content. We have not
done anything specific to target Native Americans, however I will suggest
it—clearly there is a great deal of need in those communities.

Kiva Loans and Wokai

Britt Bravo — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:34:38 -0500

Candelaria - I hope you enjoy being a Kiva Lender.

Originale - Thanks for letting folks know about Wokai.

Exciting news!

originalie — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 04:58:56 -0500

Exciting news that Kiva will be helping U.S. small businesses. An organization I'm working with, Wokai -- http://www.wokai.org has a similar model in China, an area not currently covered by Kiva.

Important work

Candelaria Silva — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 20:55:49 -0500

I've read about Kiva. Your post will make me look into it! It's a great idea and it must feel wonderful to help people in this way.

http://blog.candelarisilva.com

Good and plenty!

Amen to That - Women Finally Have A Voice

PartyPlanPat — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 22:34:55 -0600

I have been severly castigated by friends as one being a traitor to their gender for not being a supporter of Gov. Palin or Sen. Clintion.

You see being black, female and mormon, for me the decision really wasn't that easy. Mitt Romeny is Great. Barack Obama was just amazing and then there was Hilary and the opportunity for women.

It came down to a matter of marketing and sales principles. You see people buy and love to buy for that matter from people they know, like and trust!

Didn't like ore know Sen Clinton or Gov. Palin. I know Mitt Romney, seen his work and know of his business accumen, i quilte like the guy, BUT he is mormon. I live that life and so I wanted something different.

Now Pres. Elect Obama I felt brought all three concerns home for me, he knows what it is to be a minority! He is married to a black woman, with a voice and has two daughters, so that covered the minority and gender deal for me! Now how did i reconcile religion? Well having the same ancestral roots helped (Kenya), and his tolerance was a big factor!

I agree whole heartedly with you that Michelle Obama will do more for women as the first lady, much like Eleanor Roosevelt. I hate it when people have obvious power and do not use it. I cant wait to see what Pres. Obama and First lady will do for women, it will be great!

Party Plan Pat

Just waiting for it

lizzen — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 10:02:08 -0600

I am terrified to have children. There are many reasons for this, of course--you know, the usual "first-time parent anxiety" and such. But the main and most serious reason is because I have bipolar disorder (talk about stigma). I know that not only will I most definitely have postpartum depression, but my pregnancy will be very difficult emotionally because I will have to go off my medication for nine long months. It is my hope that by the time I do have kids, perhaps further advances will be made in this area to lessen the blow for women who experience these kinds of illnesses. Sad that this is only a hope, not a reality.

Just the Way It Is - A laugh, an epiphany, a like-minded soul

i canceled myself out last year

karpo — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 13:21:48 -0600

I canceled myself out last year then, because I sprained my ankle (while pregnant) and suffered from PPD.

Blessings,
Karla
http://karlascrazylife.blogspot.com/

"sigh" If only there could

Ansonia — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 12:50:04 -0600

"sigh" If only there could be a little blue pill for PPD, the drug companies and the mamas (and family) would be happier. Thanks for the info.

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