Getting Started

While I do not intend to actually implement the proposed CSR Microloans program at this time, it is something I plan to look into in the future. I do believe that it is a feasible – albeit ambitious – endeavor. If and  when I to begin the program, I know exactly where I would start: with the progressive ambition and sheer force of number of the American youth.

College campuses around America are filled with young, visionary students willing and ready to make a difference. The main impetus for CSR Microloans would be clubs and student organizations on college campuses across the country. In order to create the program, I will follow a few relatively straightforward steps.

1. Find a group of reliable friends and fellow Boston University students with an interest in microfinancing, maquiladora issues, or human/labor rights in general.
2. Brainstorm. The founding members would create a mission statement, a constitution, and a plan of action. Additionally, research would be done to find out which American corporations engage in the maquiladora industry.
3. Register as a club with the Student Activities Office.
4. Spread the word, through Facebook, fliers, and events. Begin recruiting new members and raising money.
5. With CSR Microloans firmly established at Boston University, spread the word at other schools. Use Facebook or pre-existing connections to find leaders interested in starting their own chapters of CSR Microloans.
6. When CSR Microloans has a strong presence in an assortment of colleges and universities, register CSR Microloans as a recognized non-profit organization by following the rules listed here.
7. Contact Kiva, or existing microfinancing programs. Find out what works in terms of field workers and loan application assessment. Create criterion for loan applicants, and if possible hire experienced field workers to help start off the process.
8. Begin contacting corporations involved in the maquiladora industry, emphasizing the CSR benefits of the program as well as the broad backing by college students around the nation.