Global Philanthropy Leaders

Global Philanthropy Leaders
an ECCT youth service initiative

At the opening of a United Nations special summit in 2015, world leaders embraced a sweeping 15-year global plan of action to end poverty, reduce inequalities and protect the environment, known as the Sustainable Development Goals. There are 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) for 2015-2030.

The Episcopal Church in Connecticut has previously resolved to fund relevant mission projects to address these goals. One such project is the Global Philanthropy Leaders initiative created at St. Stephen’s – Ridgefield in 2017 and rolled out to St John’s – Bridgeport and St. Luke’s – Darien in 2018. St. Peter’s joins in this project today!

Global Philanthropy Leaders targets high schoolers who are looking to make a difference in someone’s life and who are curious about the world around them. Leaders will learn how to make microloans in a thoughtful and prayerful way to people in need from around the world. They will learn the difference between being given money versus being entrusted with church funds.

By receiving these loans (through kiva.org), recipients will either start or expand a business of their choice in order to improve their family’s lives. Microfinance, loans made to people with no credit history nor collateral, in amounts too small to be of interest to conventional banks, help to address 13 of the 17 SDG’s. Talk about making a difference in people’s lives!

Leaders will also learn how their faith informs their decisions through discussing relevant Bible passages using the technique of Dwelling in the Word. Along with the camaraderie of a shared experience of learning about microfinance, making loans, thinking and talking about the Good News, they will present their experiences as well as their results to their respective parishes in an end of year report out. This initiative gives young people the opportunity to work as the body of Christ now and in subsequent years.

Informal leadership opportunities are plentiful during the first year but in the second and subsequent years, Leaders will develop their formal leadership skills by teaching the first year curriculum to new Leaders, either at their own parish or at parishes with newly established GPL initiative.

A Prayer for Social Service

Heavenly Father, whose blessed Son came not to be served but to serve: Bless all who, following in his steps, give themselves to the service of others; that with wisdom, patience, and courage, they may minister in his Name to the suffering, the friendless, and the needy; for the love of him who laid down his life for us, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.