You’re curious…

I could begin explaining the MVP in this first post by going over the details of the UN Millennium Development Goals, describing the theories behind sustainable poverty relief, or maybe explaining the heroic efforts by Dr. Jeffrey Sachs (and his celebrity posse) in the fight against extreme poverty. All compelling, interesting, revolutionary, practical, and maybe even trendy ideas… at least to me.

That’s exactly why I’m not going to rally behind ideals here, and in doing so summarize the experiences, expertise or familiarity with the Village Project by many others. (you can check out the websites of the three organizations behind the project and find out the structure, mission, and achievements for yourself – The UN MDP, MillenniumPromise and Columbia’s Earth Institute)

The MVP isn’t about me… and it isn’t about you. The MVP is about US for them; for people living in extreme poverty without any way out.

So, don’t ask what YOU can do. Simply understand what WE can do.

Who will WE be? Again, I could muse over a long-winded definition of the current vision for the MVP campaign; a statement several of your peers have been wrestling with this summer. However, words will do no justice to including each and every vestige of the student bodies at three very different institutions: precisely to whom the MVP appeals.

Rather than search for a concrete definition of who we are or how you fit, understand that the MVP is not a group. It is a movement uniting three campuses behind a goal. The MVP represents our pledge to relieving poverty. It gives US a direct hand to help others in grave need, no matter where or whom they are.

Help the MVP become US.
Wonder, question, communicate, and share the movement. Your voice is ours- this opportunity is ours- and soon, others will hear US.

“Ensure ours is the last generation to know poverty: A revolution is possible.” – MillenniumPromise Organization

By Emme Glenn on August 23rd, 2006