Kiva Connections

I had never heard of Kiva until last week, but in checking it out a little it seems to connect people and create a community like we have discussed in class in a big way.  Besides the obvious of lenders connecting with poor entrepreneurs, Kiva has other little ways of connecting people with people.  There is a page dedicated to free banner advertisements you can put on your website promoting Kiva and the microfinancing it’s involved in.  There is a Kiva Fellows program where you can go and visit and meet the entrepreneurs you have been lending to.  The Kiva Blog keeps people updated on new entrepreneurs and new happenings, and the Supporters page lists all the institutional and corporate supporters Kiva has, and the ways in which those organizations help.  It really seems like Kiva has done a great job of going beyond its initial purpose of connection and has found ways to bring people together and collaborate in a unique way.