While logging in today, my eye was drawn to an ActiveRain Sponsorship banner on the right side of my screen, www.KIVA.org. It's true I'm "tighter" with the AR crew than most Rainers, if marriage to the team leader constitutes "special connections", but generally speaking, other than being my husband's confidante, I operate on a rather independent level professionally and interpersonally. My thoughts are my thoughts, so to speak.
So like every other Rainer dealing with hesitation or full blown speculation at anything new (we really like a good thing when we like a good thing, and we don't like it to change!) I didn't know what I thought about ActiveRain sponsorship when it first came out. I liked the idea of it, but simultaneously, it repulsed me. I imagined obnoxious blinking banners with dancing insects (or whatever it is I seem to come across on other sites). Would the classiness of AR go away?
I think AR has done a superb job. I came to this realization not by an externalized imposed opinion (meaning, it wasn't just my desire to believe this), but by experiencing the benefits of sponsorship. If AR sponsorship is done right, it should result in sponsors connecting with those interested in what they offer, a "meet-up" of sorts. I had a meet-up like this myself!
Today I found KIVA, a life-inspiring non-profit organization that gives micro-loans through the help of donors to those in other countries for whom the micro-loans are a life-saver.
Recipients "apply" for micro-loans, to be used in a their small business (often one-man /woman operations) that enable them the resulting income to buy food, clothing, and provide for the imminent needs of their family. The felt result also benefits the community, thus bringing sustainable development and lasting quality of life improvements. Through their small business revenues, recipients pay the micro-loan back to KIVA, who then lends that money out again to another small business recipient.
"Make a loan, Change a life".
Micro-loans are small, and set up so that helping does not have to break the budget. I clicked over to their site, and was delightfully surprised to find that my husband had already created an account! (He sometimes uses my computer.) His information was saved on my Kiva homepage.
Not to be outdone (but mainly because I like to track my own spending and contributions, even though we share a bank account) I created my own account and donated $40 to support KIVA. (Donations start at $25, the price of a meal!) I've wanted to participate in micro-loans for two or three years now, and am excited that now they are part of my life!
Hi Rich,
Thank goodness!! Myspace banners would not be a good move on AR...
Interesting update:
I shared my post with Jon, and it turns out that Jon wrote a blog about KIVA in June 2006! (KIVA is also something others on the AR team are passionate about, Ben Wisely in particular). Jon must have thought I was strange when I told him how cool KIVA is, how I had blogged about them and AR sponsorship...After sharing, I find out that ActiveRain donates sponsorship to KIVA as a way of giving support!! =)
Sarah, I haven't heard of them. But, kudos for activerain giving back. Second, I appreciate them not having the ad's in our face when we log on. I love my Inman News subscription, but the ad's drive me crazy.
I'll check out KIVA, I wasn't here in June 2006, thanks. Every little bit helps and we all have so much more than other countries and since we are all in business, can appreciate their need for help.
Hi Sara, awesome cause..! funny thing, 2 days into my head shaving 'project' (sept 15th) i came across Kiva. then i saw it on Ben's blog. I guess sometimes things appear when you're ready for them. I wonder where the path leads.?
Kiva's site is cool. especially to read of the progress these people experience thanks to your (and other's) help. Thanks for giving to them and for writing this post. :) I knew Jon had a big heart :)
Hi Sara, today in the Seattle P.I. there was an article about how micro loans came about. The man who invented the concept spoke at Microsoft. It's very interesting and with your permission here is the link: http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/335705_yunus17.html
I think the concept is very interesting and will make the world a much better place. Thanks for posting about this.
Hi Missy, I love Inman too, and I hear you on the ad bit..
Ben, I never thought about that, running savings through it. What an exceptional idea. I can't tell you how much I like that idea! Brilliant!
Hi Nick, always delightful to see you! heheh, it is funny how we come across stuff when we're ready to absorb them.. I wonder where the path leads, too!
Hi Deborah, thanks for the link! I don't read the Seattle Times myself, so I wouldn't have come across it. I'm going to click over there and take a look!
Sara...why is this not in,"Christianity and Real Estate"?
I am honored that you subscribe to my blog, sis.........
If you move this into the group I will feature it...... ok?
=-)
Hi Rebecca,
How cool, that you got your son, niece and nephew contributing!! That's what I call excellent role modeling! =)
Hi Alex,
I didn't post it to Christianity and Real Estate because KIVA isn't associated with Christianity... There are a few excellent Christian non-profits that do work very similar to KIVA (one of my friends used to work for one!) but for the life of me, I can't remember the name... My girl friend is the one who got me interested in micro-loans. I should ask her which one it was again. =)
Sara-
You answered my question - AR IS sponsoring KIVA! That's good news - hopefully many will come on board.
Thanks for the KIVA plug and the clarification.
Art
Sara-
You answered my question - AR IS sponsoring KIVA! That's good news - hopefully many will come on board.
Thanks for the KIVA plug and the clarification.
Art
Sara, I heard about Kiva on a news program, What an awesome concept. I am so thrilled AR is sponsoring them, thanks for the reminder to connedt with them.
Ginger
Hi Ginger!
ActiveRain and also Brio, my real estate company, take a proactive stance in philanthropic efforts. I would say it's at the heart of the ultimate goal of business. Sure, it's to "make a profit", but that profit should seek as an end result to improve the lives of others... "He who dies with the most toys still dies".