Minnesota

If Microfinance is the Answer, What is the Question? MCN partners with the Midwest International NGO Network (MINN) for an innovative free event

A loan as small as $30 can help an indigent person in the developing world gain access to capital, open a small business, and become economically self sufficient. This practice of offering financial services to the poor is called “microfinance” and it is commonly used in places where formal banking institutions do not exist or where incomes are so small that individuals do not qualify for banking services. Yet the efficacy of this growing field is full of debate. Join us to hear from experts representing several local nonprofits to learn about the practice of microfinance and to hear about the successes and challenges they experience in their work. But microfinance is a growing field, and there are many points of view regarding its effectiveness. Join us to hear from experts representing several local nonprofits to learn about the practice of microfinance and to hear about the successes and challenges they experience in their work. Presenters will also share stories of clients around the world who run a variety of businesses, which may sell goats, weave textiles, or offer tailoring services.

Horizons II communities successfully completed the 18-month program and Horizons staff  want to share two documents developed that highlight the many successes the communities accomplished.  The first is a report on activities around the three outcome areas of Horizons - leadership development, poverty reduction, and community/partnership/infrastructure development.  You can access this report by clicking on:  Action on Horizons Outcomes 

The second document highlight the findings from the pre and post test done in the communities during the study circle and LeadershipPlenty components of the program.  You can access this report by going to Community Evaluation Results of Pre and Post Tests

 Amazing work by amazing people that reinforces our belief that Minnesota is the best place to live!

I was at a meeting this morning and the mayor shared that there is a FREE one day seminar coming up in May about bringing broadband to your community. I know some of you have talked about the possibility of making this happen, perhaps this is the networking you need.

Symposium Details:

Leveraging Success - Making Muni-Broadband a Reality

May 14, 2008 - Minneapolis Embassy Suites - Airport Bloomington

8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Covers:

• Overview of Muni programs from around the country
• Legal: What are the legal and regulatory hurdles? How to avoid them?
• Funding: How do you pay for it? What have others done?
• Triple Play Business Models: Open Access, Sole Provider and Hybrid
• Lessons Learned: What has worked and what didn’t for the various business models

Register and get more info at: http://www1.alcatel-lucent.com/us/ftps/?_requestid=11121

Rails to Trails out of Washington, D.C. is recruiting 20,000 people to pledge to walk and bike more this year and use their vehicle less this year. Horizons communities around the state have identified actions to address poverty in their community. Many have identified our cultural reliance upon personal vehicles as an impediment to thriving communities. There is little public transport in rural areas and safe-bike ways are forgotten. Rails-to-Trails is an organization that has addressed this concern positively around the country, including in some of the Horizons communities. Take the pledge to support the effort to reduce our reliance upon oil and to build healthier communities where people are at the center. Visit their website to take the pledge.

With a vision for the future in hand and “Future Squads” (contextual teams) on the move, some community members have been asking, “are we still addressing poverty?” I love this question. By posing this question, you are demonstrating that knowledge and awareness has been raised over the past year, and more importantly, that you want to do something about it.

As many of you have pointed out, your understanding of the different aspects of poverty is underlying your vision statements. However, many of you have asked: “Is this enough?” Here are some questions and thoughts to remember as your community progresses:

Who is participating in the Future Squads?

• During Study Circles and LeadershipPlenty, we had a wide demographic representation of the community. Is this true today? Are youth involved? People in poverty? Current leaders of traditional institutions and organizations?

Are our actions addressing poverty?

• When developing your action plans, think about whether the action directly or indirectly addresses poverty in your community. If the impact is indirect , how can this correlation be strengthened?

Are our meetings publicized in a welcoming manner and have we been inclusive?

• Studies show that people are four times more likely to participate when personally asked. What efforts are being made to personally invite community members who are typically not involved? I know many of you are tapped from all ends, this is even more reason to welcome new leadership and work toward broad participation. Wouldn’t it be great if at the next meeting more than just the “same ten people” were there? It takes more time, but I think you’ll find that your efforts are well worth it.

• Remember that it is sometimes easier to get people involved for the first time if they are asked to help with a specific task. At each step of the way, ask : “How can we bring others in?”

Are we working toward strengthening the “Ten Attributes of Successful Communities?”

• Challenges with transitioning to new leadership and with inclusion came up in every community during the vision sessions. How can your Future Squads model this?

Let people know about the Barrier Elimination Funds.

• Each community has funds to reduce the barriers to participation. Let people who may not come otherwise know about the childcare and transportation stipends so that money is not a factor impeding involvement. Contact your local organizer or community coordinator to find out more.

Participants in Horizons study circles developed this framework to help connect future squad actions and common approaches to poverty reduction: Poverty Resources.

How is your community remaining focused on poverty and engaging often marginalized populations? Add a comment!