The 2006 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the Grameen Bank and its founder, Bangladeshi economist Dr. Yunus, for pioneering microcredit — using collateral-free loans of tiny amounts to lift millions of women and their families out of poverty. "Lasting peace cannot be achieved unless large population groups find ways in which to break out of poverty," the Nobel Committee said in its citation. "Microcredit is one such means. Development from below also serves to advance democracy and human rights."

Microcredit is a very exciting and effective way to empower poor people to help themselves and make a difference in their communities and in the world. You don't have to be a bank, and you don't even have to be a wealthy philanthropist to make a difference - you can lend $10, and still realize an enormous social return on your investment.

Kiva.org, is the first micro-lending Website that enables an individual to lend money to a micro-entrepreneur in the developing world through a microfinance institution. As of November 2008, over 100 field partners have collaborated with Kiva, dramatically extending its scope and reach.

If you're interested in making a difference in the world, I urge you to stop for a moment and take the trouble to just take out your credit card and give what you can, however small, to this organization.  Then perpetuate this and tell your friends to do the same and to tell their friends.  Together, we can not only temporarily relieve suffering, but empower people to permanently improve their situations, and place them in the position where they can also empower others.  Think about how powerful this can be.

To read more about micro finance and micro-credit, visit Wikipedia, or pick up Dr. Yunus' book: "Creating a World Without Poverty: Social Business and the Future of Capitalism"

Please, donate now, and spread the word!