Global Philanthropy Leaders Ministry Network
At the opening of a United Nations special summit in 2015, world leaders embraced a sweeping 15-year global plan of action to end poverty, reduce inequalities and protect the environment, known as the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Episcopal Church in Connecticut has previously resolved to fund relevant mission projects to address these goals. One such project is Global Philanthropy Leaders initiative created at St. Stephen’s (Ridgefield) in 2017 and rolled out to St John’s (Bridgeport) and St. Luke’s (Darien) in 2018. The goal is to launch
10
new Global Philanthropy Leader sites over the next two years. Even more, there are funds available. Individual parishes or groups of parishes willing to join forces will receive $1,000 for youth micro loans. This is made possible by a generous granted awarded to Global Philanthropy Leaders by Companions in Mission Ministry Network.
Global Philanthropy Leaders empowers high schoolers who are looking to make a difference in and who are curious about the world around them. Leaders learn how to make microloans in a thoughtful and prayerful way to people in need from around the world. They learn the difference between being given money versus being entrusted with church funds. By receiving these loans, recipients around the world will either start or expand a business of their choice in order to improve their family’s lives. Microfinance, loans made to people with no credit history nor collateral, in amounts too small to be of interest to conventional banks, help to address 13 of the 17 SDG’s. Talk about making a difference in people’s lives!
If you're interested in learning more about Global Philanthropy Leaders for your youth's parish or interested in working with a neighobring on this brand new youth iniative, contact Rich Stein at
itradeoptions@earthlink.net