Wokai.org: Growing Microfinance in China
I know we're all trying to figure out how to take over the world with our apps and businesses, but I wanted to take a moment to tell you guys about Wokai (http://www.wokai.org), a startup nonprofit that aims to help change the lives of folks in rural China using some of the same technology/techniques we're intimately familiar with as part of the startup crowd.
We all know about Kiva and the great work they're doing, but, for many reasons, Kiva hasn't extended its reach to rural China. That's where Wokai, founded in 2007, is trying to step in and help. Wokai connects contributors from around the world with microentrepreneurs in rural China through on-the-ground microfinance organizations. Due to China's monetary policy, contributors don't actually make loans, but rather, provide a "recyclable donation" that is lent out, repaid, and lent out again. Check out the Google Tech Talk by Casey Wilson, Wokai's founder/CEO for more background - http://bit.ly/1bFPCQ
Wokai is up and running - so feel free to sign up and contribute, and if you're up for it you can sign up to help out as a rep with a local chapter (we've got a strong presence in the Bay Area, NYC and Seattle).
We're also looking for some kickass volunteers to help with frontend development (http://bit.ly/16DwnQ) and graphic/layout design (http://bit.ly/4y9iA), feel free to ping me for details.
I'd also appreciate any ideas on how to improve the site or get the word out - me AT euwyn.com
Thanks again, all.