What kinds of non-profits focus on smart development?

August 9, 2006 1:23 PM

I'm looking to volunteer for a non-profit that focuses on reducing poverty through smart, bottom-up solutions - e.g., microfinance or economic policy reform would be attractive. Any recommendations? Bonus points if I can get involved locally here in Los Angeles.

I have done some research about microfinance institutions; I'm primarily interested in ideas for other types of non-profits that share a similar philosophy. (I'll hazard that philosophy as: capitalism is capable of serving the poor much better than as currently practiced.)

Something that makes use of my skills as a management consultant would be ideal.

I realize this is a bit vague; I'm looking for creative ideas rather than specific ones. Thanks!

posted by lbergstr to society & culture (6 comments total)

Operation HOPE. Based in LA they focus on building wealth in low-income racially diverse communities through student education, home ownership assistance and education, and also have a economic disaster coalition.
posted by karmaville at 1:29 PM on August 9, 2006

Cool!
posted by lbergstr at 1:35 PM on August 9, 2006

Randomly, this showed up in my inbox just now.
posted by lbergstr at 1:58 PM on August 9, 2006

Trickle Up
posted by dripdripdrop at 5:54 PM on August 9, 2006

Honor The Earth
posted by revonrut at 10:34 PM on August 10, 2006

Honor The Earth

(I'm doing something wrong--it's www.honorearth.org)
posted by revonrut at 10:37 PM on August 10, 2006