The Avnon World Series: Poverty Reduction

Monday, January 8, 2007

Poverty Reduction

Microfranchises - Enterprise Solutions to Poverty

One of the most compelling poverty solutions in the world today is Microfranchising -networks of small, successful, locally-owned businesses, designed for replication, providing essential goods & services plus jobs in low-income communities.

www.ascendalliance.com

Welcome

As we look at the world today, we seek new ways to understand and define the future. Is it realism, idealism, materialism, consumerism, or some other "ism"? While I do not have a pat answer, I suggest that the fundamental "ism" need is OPTIMISM. This point was driven home to me when I listened to the 2006 Noble Peace Prize winner, Muhammad Yunus. He stated that if you accept that proverty will always exist then it will as the structures/systems we create will ensure it. If we start with the premise that proverty need not exist then, and only then, will we create the environment to eliminate it. With this in mind, the goal of The Avnon World Series is to bring together reports of happenings in the world that illustrate and inspire a brighter future. The Series has been alive for one week and as I search for inspiring people, projects, actions, and pictures, I am confident that we all have the skill, knoweldge and courage to make a difference. While I hope you will enjoy these offerings and encourage you to respond with thoughts, suggestions and comments, it would be even more rewarding if you are moved to action in your own way. Peace

Grand Sumo

LAS VEGAS GRAND SUMO TOURNAMENT (STORY SUMMARY): Grand Sumo, the Japanese National Sport, is unique to Japanese tradition and culture, taking shape over 1,500 years. For the first time in over 20 years, the Grand Sumo held a competition in the United States, choosing Las Vegas as the host city as it coincides with the city's 100th year-old anniversary. Making the event as true to traditional arenas as possible, the organizers shipped thousands of pounds of special clay to construct a full size Dohyo, complete with the suspended Shinto Shrine overhead signifying the seasons of the year.