Harnessing the Power of Perspective: the Kiva Story – From the World Headlines To Your Doorstep

During the January interim period, when students on campus focus on a single subject course over a month-long period, they are invited, as well as the public, to take an hour break to listen to one of the many guest speakers who will travel to the campus to speak at this college-sponsored cultural enrichment series simply called, The January Series.

While the diversity of speakers and the variety of topics are never in dispute, one topic, small loans to poor people in far-off countries, has been of interest to many others (and me) as we read the headlines about the alarming new concerns about the microcredit industry.  

“Harnessing the Power of Perspective: the Kiva Story” promises to tap our altruistic side as Kiva co-founder Jessica Jackley will step to the Calvin podium to share her thoughts and insights on the topic of microcredit.

The international organization that changes people’s lives by loaning money to help them achieve crucial next steps in their lives believes that its mission is “to connect people, through lending, for the sake of alleviating poverty.”

The Internet has made the ease of this act possible but in recent weeks, new studies have come to light presenting a very controversial new viewpoint. It will probably be a lively discussion.

In 2008, Calvin opened TJS beyond their limited seating auditorium to include opening access to these lectures no longer bound to your geographical advantage. Now fans of this award-winning series can view online here. Questions can be asked in person or via the web so that all feel they are a part and can participate in the dialogue on this event.

Think of it as TED for the literary sect without the high fees for access to this inspiring live event, produced right here in West Michigan, the true epicenter for innovative thinking for more than 24 years.

Admission: Always Free