Grameen Foundation : Get involved : What Friends are Saying : Susan's Story
Susan Place Everhart's Story
We are creating an ongoing volunteer organization in Shanghai to assist Grameen and its microfinance partners here in China.In July 2006, I relocated to Shanghai with my family for a 2-year expatriate experience. While here, I knew I wanted to learn as much as possible about China, but I also wanted to take the opportunity to pursue my increasing interest in the world of microcredit. I had watched the microfinance movement - and Dr. Yunus' accomplishments - from the sidelines over the last few years, but, now, living in China, I wanted to finally get involved!
In early 2007, I contacted Grameen Foundation (GF) asking if there was some way that I could contribute to their efforts here. GF responded immediately! I could certainly become involved - in fact, there was something just getting off the ground here in Shanghai. Two other volunteers, Mae-Ling and Alan Tien, were starting to plan an awareness-raising event in conjunction with Grameen President Alex Counts' visit to Shanghai in April. GF asked if I would be interested in joining the Tiens in putting this together. Mae-Ling and I met up, and we enthusiastically jumped into planning mode!
It was a whirlwind 7 weeks - getting publicity through local English-language magazines, contacting potential sponsors, choosing the venue for the lunch and dinner events, and working with a graphic artist on announcements and the printed program. A wonderful volunteer committee formed, with Jean Lawrence energetically stepping up to handle the flurry of reservations that were flowing in. Other volunteers worked to provide information to members of the press, to meet with sponsors, and to help on the day of Alex's presentations. The excitement started to build, and we realized that we were actually going to sell out these events!
On April 18, a truly international audience of 131 attendees gathered for the luncheon presentation and another 130 attendees came for the dinner! The energy level was palpable. Alex gave a great presentation on GF's work around the world, particularly on the activities of their three partner organizations here in China.
During this process, I had spoken with many people in Shanghai who had heard of Grameen Foundation or knew them by reputation but who didn't know much beyond that. Everyone was eager to learn. Like me, many members of the Shanghai expatriate community want to contribute in some meaningful way to China while living here, and microfinance is something that makes so much sense and reaches so many lives.....
Now we want to build on the momentum that was generated on that day in April! We are creating an ongoing volunteer organization in Shanghai to assist Grameen Foundation and its microfinance partners here in China. We will see how this organization evolves over the coming months, but it presents a real opportunity for a group of dedicated volunteers to assist thousands of women across China who are improving their lives through the help of GF. Come and join us (china@grameenfoundation.org)!
Grameen Foundation : Get involved : What Friends are Saying : Susan's Story
Grameen Foundation uses microfinance and innovative technology to fight global poverty and bring opportunities to the world's poorest people. With tiny loans and financial services, we help the poor, mostly women, start businesses and escape poverty. Our global network of 55 microfinance institution (MFI) partners including our Growth Guarantee partners has touched more than 34 million people in 24 countries. In addition, we introduced and now sustain technology initiatives (Mifos and Village Phone) in Cameroon, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, bringing our total country outreach to 28.
+1-202-628-3560 www.grameenfoundation.org
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