FlyerTalker Lending Team on Kiva.org!
 

Some time ago, I posted here about Kiva.org, the not-for-profit microlending organization that networks people willing to lend to small entrepreneurs in developing nations using available technology and international networking / collaboration, and how Kiva.org had become an approved FlyerTalk charity thanks to Talk Board's approval June 29, 2008 <link> It is listed on the FlyerTalk Cares page.

This is tangible evidence Flyertalk Cares!

Kiva allows us a great privilege, in my opinion. Many of us have travelled extensively, and have seen the poor and working poor: the weaver in Cambodia, the farmer in Perú, the mechanic in Egypt, the small duka owner in Kenya. We have wondered how we can help, how we can assure some of our travel money trickles down to help others less fortunate than we are, and we can not only get it back but lend it again!

At the same time, we are sometimes set upon by those who may not be so worthy - cons and grift artists are out there (and here in the developed world too, from the news headlines!) with great stories, but how are we to know if they are real? Or, we are asked to give to organizations that we do not have the resources to research to see if they are in fact doing a good job on the ground, or merely wasting our money in perpetual "gievaway" charity drives and high overhead expenses.

Now, we can see this sophisticated network link resources from those who can lend (no interest, sorry!) with those who are needy, worthy and screened by local NGOs and have a need to start / expand their small business to enhance their and their families' survival. And, using PayPal and your FFP/FFG linked card or account, you can earn miles or points with many loans!

FlyerTalkers are lending, and fulfilling one of FT's seminal values, that of "paying it forward."

I'm in for the Flyertalk Team
 

We were members of Kiva.org before finding this thread. I just added to my lending total and glad to be part of the Flyertalk team and effort.

Ingy

Great! Glad you are onboard (both.) Now we are twelve at the end of the day.

(12 FlyerTalkers, 57 loans! ^)

I just saw this thread and looked at the web site , Im gonna look into joining .

Also want to add another plug for Kiva.org; they have gift certificates! You can send electronically to the recipient who can select who to loan to, and yes, join a team.

I've been thinking about doing this for a year or two and for no good reason (too busy?) never got around to it. Well, now's the time. Consider me in. Will join up this week.^

i'm joining this worthwhile charity.

Wow - overnight, new stats:

14 members, 62 loans, $1,550 out in microloans!

fireworks boy and braefoot, welcome to the team! ^

Wow, I wasn't even aware Kiva had this kind of set-up! And I call myself a supporter?! :eek: Awesome to work with fellow FTers in this great initiative! ^

JDiver I joined the team and just made a loan. Thanks for setting up our FT team.

I joined and set up my first loan .

Great idea. Thanks for the invite and what a great way to help others!
 

I am going to go make a loan. This is somewhat similar to prosper.com but with a different focus.

Way to go fellow FT Team!^

Welcome aboard the microlending express! ;)

FlyerTalkers Lending Team is up to 20 members, 71 loans and $2,225.00 loaned by FlyerTalkers!

Update 1:31 PM March 1, 2009:

Statistic Name FlyerTalkers
Number of Team Members 23
Number of Loans 80
Number of Loans per Member 3.48
Total Amount Loaned $2,450.00 ^

Whether you donate to Kiva itself is up to you - but the microloans are fee-free and you do get it back (though I like this so much I have re-loaned every buck I have put into microlending - the banks should have such a good repayment rate!)

I've been meaning to do some microloans for years and just never got around to it.

Thanks jdiver! for making it so easy.

Have made a small loan to a woman running an internet cafe/grocery store. She wants to do maintenance on the computers, and I'm all for that!

I joined also team FT and Kiva today and set up two loans. ^