TwoStep: Make a Difference.

Kids Helping Kids

2010-02-23T18:43:00.000-08:00

The Youth Arts Forum is putting on a concert at the famous Webster Hall Studio (125 East 11th Street) Saturday, March 6th from 3-7 pm. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters as well as The Food Bank Program of NYC.

http://www.youth-arts-forum.com/youth-arts-concert.html

http://websterhall.com/events/show_event_sub.php?id=911&size=small&cdate=2010-03-06

Some Green Flavor in NYC

2010-02-15T14:56:00.000-08:00

I'll be the first to admit that my main interest in social enterprise is not the green flavor. My energy (pun intended?) tends to be more focused on working with people to improve lives. My blog tends to play fan favorites with mentoring youth, advising adults who need some guidance, microfinance, feeding the hungry, etc. Nevertheless, one of the reasons I have been writing this blog is to force myself to learn more and experience more in other areas of social enterprise. The biggest space here is the green initiative.

First, I recommend going to check out the Go Green Expo in NYC this coming March. The event is $25 for the weekend. You'll find tons of exhibits here who have 'greened' everything. And there are plenty of 'free' samples to help you get your $25 worth.

Find out more at http://www.gogreenexpo.com/

Over the past year, I have been conscious of things that I do that could be greener and have made a solid effort to improve my habits. You may say to yourself, it's just one plastic bottle I am throwing away...but maybe everyone else is saying that to.

Here is a list of ten things that you should keep in the back of your mind or start doing to be more green:

10) Buy a re-useable grocery bag. Cut down on your use of plastic bags at the grocery. You even get a tiny discount off your bill for bringing your own bag.

9) And if you go to the market and forget your re-useable bag, be sure to reuse your plastic bags for other things (like in place of Ziplock bags when you bring lunch to work).

8) Turn off lights and electronic devices when you leave your apartment. You'll be cutting back on energy consumption and cutting back on your energy bill too.

7) Consider purchasing environmentally friendly appliances. (Not a new fridge, but maybe some newer technology light bulbs).

6) Try to go paperless. Use your computers and cell phones to pay bills, keep lists, and write down notes.

5) Buy a filtered water system (like a Brita). It may cost a bit more up front than a water bottle, but it will save you a lot of money in the long run and save you a lot of plastic as well.

4) Get a water bottle to go along with your water system so you can take it along with you. (The Go Green Expo has tons of great water bottles)

3) Use more all natural products. The disposal is easier and cleaner for the environment...and the products are probably better for you too.

2) Give someone else the heads up on going green. It doesn't have to be stressful, but little things across many people can make a big difference.

1) Keep yourself informed. The trend of going green has only just begun.

Remember When Eight Gifts Seemed Like A Lot?

2010-02-01T20:05:00.001-08:00

For anyone who has ever studied the ancient traditions of kaballah, you may be familiar with this idea: 'You should only take from the world what you have given.' It is a simple idea really.

How often do you think about giving? Every day? Once a week? Maybe you take what you have for granted.

I'll credit my mom for the link to this website, www.29gits.org. It is a really cool idea where members are encouraged to embark on 29 days of giving. What you give can vary, but the idea is to think about giving every day.

Give it a try. Let us know how it goes.

The Microfinance Club of New York

2010-02-01T19:47:00.000-08:00

A hot topic these days in the professional, academic, and public sectors is microfinance. Fresh on the heels of the success and publicity of the Grameen Bank, microfinance has become a household phrase for two reasons. First, the effect of microfinance institutions has been proven to have direct, life changing impacts on borrowers. Second, the potential portion of the world's population that can benefit from microfinance institutions has made this business investment economically viable for investors, including large financial companies.

Have you heard about microfinance? Do you want to learn more?

Check out the Microfinance Club of New York.

The mission of the MFCNY is to be a leading forum for the free exchange of information and ideas about microfinance and to disseminate readily understandable, transparent and succinct information so as to further the microfinance field.

www.mfcny.org

Mentoring in the Media

2010-01-17T06:47:00.000-08:00

Over the last week, I have had the great opportunity to help promote mentoring in the NYC media.

On Friday January 15, my little brother from Big Brothers Big Sisters and I had the chance to help Linda Church over at the PIX11 Morning News with the Friday Forecast. Thanks to our friends at the Mentoring Partnership of New York for setting that up. Check out Marlin and I at www.wpix.com/weather . From the videos on the right, select the Friday Forecasters for 1.15.10.

On Sunday January 17th, my brother Ross and I were able to sit down with Cindy from KTU Cares over at 103.5FM - the Beat of New York - to talk about our work with Big Brothers Big Sisters. To hear the interview, check out http://www.ktu.com/ keyword: KTU Cares. Cindy makes a difference in NY with her really awesome KTU Cares program. Each week she talks to some really great people around New York City doing some really great things - definitely check out Cindy over at KTU Cares.

To find out more about Big Brothers Big Sisters, check out http://www.bigsnyc.org/ .

To find out more about the Mentoring Partnership of NY, check out http://www.mentoring.org/ .

Fight World Hunger While You Are Bored At Work

2010-01-17T06:29:00.000-08:00

Yes, as crazy as that may seem, fighting world hunger from the comfort of your cubicle is possible.

Check out this link to find out how.

www.freerice.com

National Mentoring Month

2010-01-10T19:19:00.000-08:00

"A lot of people have gone farther than they thought they could because someone else thought they could."

January is National Mentoring Month. It is important to recognize that we have all made it to where we are in our lives because someone else believed in us. Maybe it was a coach, a teacher, a parent, a friend. This January is a great time to recognize that person or persons and to thank them.

January is also a great time to think about others who may not have that mentor in their lives; that someone who opened your eyes, who made you believe, who pushed you that extra mile. Maybe you can make a difference for them.

Check out www.nationalmentoringmonth.org to find out how you can thank your mentors or maybe even become a mentor in 2010.

The Biggest 'Re-Gift' Of All

2010-01-09T11:26:00.000-08:00

The dust has settled on 2009's holiday season. Time to decide what to do with all the gifts you have no use for (returns and exchanges) and the gifts that someone else might have use for (re-gifting) - don't lie, you have all done it.

How about this for a 're-gift'...

Do you ever wonder what happens to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree when the lights come down and the crowds stop coming each year?

The tree, usually in upwards of 70 feet high and weighing over eight tons, is recycled and donated to a worthy cause. Prior to 2007, most Rock Center trees were ground into mulch and donated to the Boy Scouts of America. In the past few years, the tree has been provided to Habitat for Humanity to be used in projects around the country including helping to rebuild homes damaged by Hurricane Katrina.

Thanks to Tishman Speyer Properties, who owns Rockefeller Plaza, for making a difference.

Have any gifts that you don't need? Maybe you have coats or clothes or toys lying around that could make a difference to someone else.

Let's all 're-gift' this year with a little more purpose! Find a place to donate your unwanted gifts and items to someone in need.

I've Got a New Year's Resolution for you...

2010-01-06T14:37:00.000-08:00

VOLUNTEER!

I hope everyone is doing well with their resolutions (working out, no more soda, diets, calling your mother every day, etc. etc.) but I've got one more for you and I hope it's not too late...

Make a commitment to volunteering!

Worried about travel? Bet you didn't know you can actually mentor young adults looking to go to college through email!

http://www.makeadifferenceyf.org/default.aspx

Too busy with work? Volunteering does not have to happen every day. Try volunteering once a month at a soup kitchen.

http://nyccah.org/volunteer

Volunteer Match is also a great organization which works to place prospective volunteers with opportunities that fit their specific situations.

http://www.volunteermatch.org/

You are all planning to work out and eat better to improve your well being; why not volunteer! Volunteering has been shown to improve your health, well being, and social skills all while benefiting your community. And that FACT comes from the government!

http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/volunteering/benefits.asp

So make it one of your resolutions to VOLUNTEER and help make a difference in your community this year.

Close to Home

2009-12-27T07:25:00.000-08:00

Gotta love a great story around the holidays. Heck, gotta love great stories any time during the year. Especially when it is this story.

Here's to the Syracuse University men's basketball program and a really cool organization called Friends of Jaclyn for making a difference. '' (I know Syracuse University is not exactly NYC, but the school likes to say that it is NYC's college team. And well, this story and organization are good anywhere.)

Friends of Jaclyn matches up children with pediatric brains tumors with a college or high school sports team. The match is all about 'love, support, and friendship'.

Check out this story about Nicholas Trivelpiece and the Orange men's hoops team.

http://blog.syracuse.com/orangebasketball/2009/12/nicholas_on_the_rebound.html

Here is the website for Friends of Jaclyn if you would like to learn more.

http://www.friendsofjaclyn.org/

Thanks Friends of Jaclyn and Syracuse University for making a difference. And thank you to Nicholas for being an inspiration to us all.

A Run To Remember

2009-12-17T15:43:00.000-08:00

The ING NYC Marathon draws thousands of runners every year. These runners participate to challenge themselves, in memory and support of loved ones, to benefit charities, or simply for the thrill of the race. Every single one of them is an inspiration to us all.

I want to highlight a group of very special runners who, last night, allocated the $290,000 dollars they raised. That's right, $290,000!

The Alzheimer's Association of NYC Junior Committee, led by Erin Eininger, and over fifty members, raised over a quarter of a million dollars in support of their cause. Oh yeah, they also finished the 26.2 mile race and months of training!

That is young adults in NYC making a difference. So thank you to Erin and the Alzheimer's Association of NYC Junior Committee.

To learn more about their cause and organization, visit www.alznycjc.org

The Great 'Green' Way

2009-12-16T19:16:00.000-08:00

The Great White Way is going 'green'. The Broadway Green Alliance is an industry wide initiative to educate, motivate and inspire the theatre community and its patrons to adopt environmentally friendly practices in theatre production and every day life.

Find out more at www.broadwaygreen.com.

'Teach a man to fish' in NYC?

2009-12-15T12:16:00.000-08:00

The Doe Fund

Have you ever wondered who those people are walking around the streets in the all blue jumpsuits with the "Ready, Willing, and Able" slogan?

These people are members of the Doe Fund, an organization in NYC which strives to give homeless and previously incarcerated individuals opportunities to become self sufficient.

I am a huge admirer of the strategy and goal of the Doe Fund because I believe it is a proactive attempt at improving the well being of the individuals involved and bettering the community that these individuals call home.

We all know the story of Michael Vick getting a second chance; I think it is even more important that we recognize the individuals of the Doe Fund who are working for their second chance.

The Doe Fund's strategy gets individuals out of the path of violence, repeat offenses, and dependancy by teaching life skills and professional skills.

You can find more information about this organization at http://www.doe.org/ .

"Give a man a fish, he'll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, he'll eat for life."

Big Brothers Big Sister BIG NIGHT OUT

2009-12-08T18:07:00.000-08:00

Help support my favorite organization in NYC - Big Brothers Big Sisters - and buy tickets to the Big Night Out! Black Tie Affair With Tons of Young Professionals - ALWAYS a good time.

Details at the link below.

Save money by buying tickets early....

secure.entango.com/donate/GGQs5Phu7As

Solid kick off reading on Social Enterprise...

2009-12-07T19:36:00.000-08:00

'How to Change the World; Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New Ideas' by David Bornstein is a great starting point in the world of social entrepreneurship.

www.amazon.com/How-Change-World-Social-Entrepreneurs/dp/0195138058

CNNs 12 Days of Good Deeds

2009-12-07T11:36:00.000-08:00

Keep an eye on the below project on CNN. Always good to see the news talk about something worthwhile...

http://www.ireport.com/ir-topic-stories.jspa?topicId=365776

Support the Mentoring Partnership of NY

2009-12-07T11:01:00.000-08:00

Help us win Facebook's Chase Community Giving Challenge

National Mentoring Partnership and The Mentoring Partnership of New York (MPNY) are asking for your vote for the Chase Community Giving Challenge on Facebook.

Paste this link:

http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/

and type in "National Mentoring Partnership" as your charity to vote for!

Join us in helping Mentor and MPNY become one of the top 100 charities to win $25,000! Thousands of young people need and want another adult role model in their lives and winning this challenge will help make that possible!

Please forward this to your Facebook friends, family and coworkers and post that you voted on your Wall.

2009-12-06T19:03:00.000-08:00

Notes from ‘Private Equity in Microfinance’ on Tuesday November 17, 2009
Sponsored by Morgan Stanley and the Microfinance Club of New York

Panel Members:

Gregory F. Casagrande – South Pacific Business Development Microfinance Network
Howard J. Finkelstein, Esq. – Board of Directors – Microfinance Club of NY
Didier Lamarche – Adam Smith Capital Partners
John Schroeder – Frontier Investments Fund - Accion
Luca Torre – Treetops Capital
Bryan T. Wagner – Morgan Stanley

Investibility of microfinance
- institutions have improved ratings / grades as a result of improved infrastructure, management
- increases in growth / capital

MFI investment vehicles
- increases in numbers, increases in competition
- increases in demand for equity vs. fixed income
o better pay outs (2/20 vs. 2% in traditional bond funds)
- increases in risk appetite

Recent developments / movements to establish common metrics across microfinance have led to improved analytics, and subsequently increased investibility.
- companies beginning to rate MFIs

Thoughts on the Return Profile of an MFI / PE Investment
Ideal Expectations
- Growth MFIs : 20-40% returns
- Mature MFIs : 12% returns

Required due diligence when Investing in MFI
- Strong management team essential
- Existence / efficiency of underlying operations
- Potential country risks
- Ask about 3-5 year plan
- Key Metrics : ROA approx 4%, D:E approx 4:1, ROE approx 20%
- Understanding of exit strategy (IPOs unlikely)

Country risk
- Regulations
- Enforceability of contracts
- Currency stability
- Civic stability

Type of Investors for MFIs (Target market)
How critical are social returns?
- totally financial investors
- socially responsible investors
- totally social investors

Concluding Remarks
- Most panel members bullish on industry; ‘potentially ‘tenfold’
- Different, new investors coming into field
- Necessary to keep microfinance at heart of model
- Need US institutional investors to come in to the investing space; US institutions need to accept larger tickets
- Need to improve accounting, structure, technology to attract more investors
o Examples of technology include correspondent banking, payment systems on mobile phones

Question & Answer
- Additional securitization of microfinance loans – DB just did deal
- Potential ‘bankable’ population of world’s poor – approx 500M families
- Underutilized microfinance markets: China / Vietnam have room for development, however issue is government regulation / control
- Importance of loan guarantees to potential investors – local currency financing, get investors over hurdles