Real-Time Conversation. Real-Time Impact. #Mifimon
One of the things I love about Twitter is that you’re able to experience real-time industry developments and thought exchange. I love seeing people discuss social entrepreneurship, music, literature and food. Individuals can discover new resources that help grow their knowledge of the world and space in which they operate. It is truly fascinating.
This summer, Opportunity International created the discussion, #Mifimon (Microfinance Monday was too long for twitter’s 140 character limit), which serves as the Twitter exchange on microfinance. We’ve touched on topics like short messaging technology, environmental sustainability and healthcare within the context of this fascinating tool of economic development. We even started a Facebook fan page where participants can go and post longer thoughts and relevant articles, and share this discussion with those who may not have entered into the Twittersphere. I’m excited to say that we’re about to take it to a new level.
The goal is to have an active discussion on Twitter regarding a relevant topic within the industry of microfinance. We’ll follow each discussion with a blog here that will not only recount the exchange, but also encourage participants with a set of challenges between conversations. For example, we’ll encourage those involved to find a new article revolving around an issue we discussed, research an opposing opinion, or come up with the following week’s topic. We want you to let us know what you find, and share it right here on our blog.
We’ll be seeking out panelists for each week as well. So if you know someone who can contribute to a discussion surrounding a relevant topic, please feel free to ping us on Twitter! It’s always exciting to learn about what others are doing in the field, be it peer-to-peer lending, fighting against trafficking, or providing a village with food supply.
We want people to learn more about this incredible work of microfinance. We’ve seen the way it has forever changed our clients’ lives financially, socially and spiritually. So whether you’re a practitioner in the field, or someone who wants to know more about the basics, we encourage you to join us. Every other week, it will be from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. CST. Just include #mifimon with your Tweets!
Frequent #Mifimon participants on Twitter include: @Accion_USA, @ADKoehler, @AJRenold, @AliceGgo, @amycarolwolff, @bhalchander, @Ellenfrancik, @downeym, @Grameen_Fdn, @ianscotthaisley, @ibl, @mfinsider, @ogrens, @Optinnow, @rachelstrohm, @rarenaud, @redstarvip, @socialearth, @zyozyfounder.