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Entry #20:  Small Steps Get Things Done: Microfinance

11/9/2011

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Entry #20:  Small Steps Get Things Done:  Microfinance

Background:  
When I speak with student groups or give public presentations, I often hear individuals remark that they feel overwhelmed by the multiple economic, social, and environmental problems we face in this world. They feel that their contributions would be too small to make a difference. My students prove otherwise. Anyone can do something to make this world more sustainable.  

This little piggy - is from the Spartan Global Development Fund (SGDF).  SGDF raises funds for microloans to give to small entrepreneurs in the United States and around the world. I am the advisor to this group, and I serve on the Board of Directors. My students began with four micro-loans of $25 each through KIVA (www.kiva.org) in July of 2009.  As of November 2011, the group has extended over 300 microloans to small entrepreneurs in developing countries around the world. Along the way, SGDF has been granted 501(c)(3) non-profit status by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, and now raises funds for other projects. Some contributors have contributed substantial sums. For example, merchants in the East Lansing and Lansing area have allowed SGDF to set up the green piggy banks, donated by MSU Federal Credit Union, around our community to collect coins to help fund loans. It is a team effort every step of the way. 

As a result of  fund-raising, SGDF has signed an agreement with the non-profit group Esperanza en Acción, (www.esperanzaenaccion.org), a Fair Trade organization based in Nicaragua with which I have worked for several years. SGDF will help Esperanza’s producers by funding microloans at no interest.

My students’ work through SGDF is an example of how small steps and synergies among individuals and groups lead to big results. Please visit the SGDF website at www.spartanglobalfund.org to learn more about these projects and many more being carried out by young people from MSU who care about making a difference in this world. Additionally, the website gives more information about the wonderful groups and individuals who support their work. 

Copyright© 2011 by Paulette L. Stenzel for text and photo.  


6 Comments
Arizona SEO link
10/4/2012 12:33:37 pm

I love this blog layout, which template is it?

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Paulette Stenzel link
10/4/2012 12:44:34 pm

Hi! It is through Weebly.com
Best wishes to you --

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samtrak link
10/15/2013 09:16:42 pm

Nice job. Keep working towards it. Thank you.

Reply
Paulette Stenzel
10/16/2013 08:00:29 am

Thank you, samtrak!

Reply
Teagan Warren link
1/10/2021 11:08:58 pm

Thank you for being youu

Reply
Paulette Stenzel
1/11/2021 12:47:15 pm

Thank you, Teagan.

Reply



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    Paulette L. Stenzel

    I am Professor Emeritus of International Business Law and Sustainability at Michigan State University (MSU).  I am also  a mom,  learner, writer,  violinist, environmentalist -in -process, traveler, and avid reader.  I continue  to teach part time at MSU and  coordinate the Broad College Ethical Leadership program Additionally, I advise Spartan Global Development Fund - a student-driven microfinance organization. 
      
    ​Through research, service, and public speaking, I share information and perspectives  on teaching, ethical leadership, and the pursuit of more sustainable ways of living and doing business. 


    Photo above:  Francisco Vinega, Jade Artist,  Guatemala, with Paulette Stenzel.  
    Contact me at stenzel@msu.edu.

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