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Grameen Foundation : Get involved : What Friends are Saying : Marian's Story

Marian Rambelle's Story

Like so many others, I had heard about the terrible cycle of poverty in developing countries and wanted to do something to help, but didn’t know how I could help make a lasting, direct impact on those in need. So, when I learned about microfinance, I realized this is it! Recognizing an interest in my local community, I saw an opportunity to increase Grameen Foundation’s visibility and outreach in the Boston area. In the fall of 2006, I contacted GF and worked with the staff to seek events that reach GF’s target audiences and then developed and implemented a weekend-long itinerary for a visit to Boston by President Alex Counts.

I selected and helped organize and publicize a diverse group of events, starting with a dynamic presentation by Mr. Counts at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Weston. After surveying the large downtown, socially-active churches in Boston, I was also able to secure an engagement at First Church in Boston Unitarian Universalist, where Mr. Counts was the featured speaker during the Sunday morning sermon. The service was followed by a well-attended special luncheon where Alex gave a very well-received presentation. First Church Boston’s Sunday services are broadcast live on radio and the Internet, which drew an additional audience for the luncheon presentation. These events would not have been possible without the hard work and leadership of Outreach Committee Co-Chair Ron Corley at St. Peter’s in Weston and Rev. Rosemary Lloyd at First Church in Boston. As a result of our efforts, we were able to secure several thousand dollars in donations and to launch a local network of supporters and volunteers.

Building on those earlier connections, in June 2007, I organized a dance event at Arlington Street Church in Boston in celebration of Grameen Foundation’s 10^th anniversary, made possible by the efforts of Social Action Committee Chair Laura Pattison. The evening also featured a screening of the Grameen Foundation video “Breaking Through,” on the impact of microfinance and the lives it has changed. I’m very glad I decided to get involved, and have the satisfaction of knowing I’m helping spread the word about Grameen Foundation to an interested and active audience here in Boston.

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Grameen Foundation : Get involved : What Friends are Saying : Marian's Story