True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost. –Arthur Ashe

I can’t help but be deeply moved by these soldiers’ self-sacrifice. So on this day, I encourage you, whatever your cause–whether it’s an issue at home or abroad about which you’re passionate–strive to dedicate your whole self to it. For Opportunity, that cause is global poverty, ending disempowerment and disenfranchisement of people who lack opportunities to improve their own lives, and giving women the tools to provide for their families. It’s a large, even overwhelming cause at times, but together, we’re confident we can accomplish it. And when greater economic stability reigns, and the most vulnerable people have a voice and opportunities, peace is more likely to prevail. In the words of Lt. General Claudia Kennedy, the first female three-star general and a member of Opportunity’s Board of Advisors, “We are all on the same boat.” It’s up to us to “increase global stability and alleviate poverty. The payoff is not only prosperity, but peace.” So whether it’s global poverty or another cause bigger than yourself, give yourself over to it and it can have far-reaching effects. Have a happy Memorial Day holiday.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. –Margaret Mead

Martin Luther King, Jr. (Photo courtesy of nobelprize.org)

This problem of spiritual and moral ‘lag,’ which constitutes modern man’s chief dilemma, expresses itself in three larger problems which grow out of man’s ethical infantilism. Each of these problems, while appearing to be separate and isolated, is inextricably bound to the other. I refer to racial injustice, poverty, and war.

Dr. King outlined the need to find a solution to all three of these great human problems, and when he addressed the issue of poverty, he outlined the need for aid not only for international but for domestic poverty.

So it is obvious that if man is to redeem his spiritual and moral ‘lag,’ he must go all out to bridge the social and economic gulf between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’ of the world. Poverty is one of the most urgent items on the agenda of modern life. There is nothing new about poverty. What is new, however, is that we have the resources to get rid of it.

You may read the lecture transcript at nobelprize.org or listen to an excerpt by clicking here.

Today, nearly 50 years later, the issues that Dr. King implored his audience to address are still urgent societal problems that need solutions. So today, in honor of Martin Luther King’s birthday, how will you answer his call? Will you address this BIG need for an end to injustice, violence and poverty? How and where will you embody God’s agape love — an unlimited loving kindness, charity, towards all people — which King described as “the love of God operating in the human heart?” At Opportunity International, we strive to embody this agape love in our work, bringing financial solutions to families, enabling them to work themselves out of poverty, to give their children a better future, and offering them the tools to live with dignity and find a voice–a “somebodiness,” as King termed it–in their community.

Let today, Martin Luther King Day, be the catalyst that prompts you to get involved with life-changing work that addresses economic and social injustice. Consider contributing to Opportunity’s fundraising efforts at opportunity.org/give or visit opportunity.org/be-tinvolved to take action. We hope that Dr. King’s legacy will inspire you today and all days.

On Monday night, nearly 100 guests attended a screening of the documentary film, followed by a question-and-answer session with three members of Opportunity International’s leadership team. Congolese-born member of the Board of Directors, Kadita “A.T.” Tshibaka; CEO Bill Morgenstern; and the CEO of the Global Leadership Team, Ken Vander Weele engaged in a discussion about the film, the current situation in the DR Congo, and how Opportunity’s entry into the DR Congo will bring hope to many in this country.

Throughout the developing world, Opportunity’s mission is to bring more economic resources to countries with the understanding that greater economic stability helps to build thriving communities, leading to greater political and societal stability. As part of the Banking on Africa campaign, Opportunity pledges to bring life-changing financial services to five million impoverished people in sub-Saharan Africa by 2015, expanding to rural areas, where most economically marginalized people live.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, fewer than 1% of the population has access to a formal financial institution. Ken Vander Weele is hopeful about Opportunity’s work there. “We recognize that expanding our reach in the DR Congo is one of our greatest challenges, but it is also a country with one of the greatest needs.” Ruth-Anne Renaud, Opportunity’s VP of Women’s Philanthropy, asserts that Lisa Jackson’s powerful film educates and highlights the need to empower all women. “I have seen firsthand that the work we do brings hope to women and families in every country where we have a presence,” she reflects. “Through greater access to financial tools, Opportunity helps women to ensure a more stable economic future for themselves, their families and their communities. The Trust Group model, for instance, offers a forum in which to draw strength from others and to be a part of a community, along with greater economic independence that can help women sustain a sense of self-worth. I have faith that the working solution to global poverty that Opportunity provides can reach the most marginalized individuals.”

Already, Opportunity has raised $100 million for the Banking on Africa campaign, and we continue to work toward the day when all Africans can safely deposit their savings, access capital to grow their businesses, and purchase affordable insurance to protect their assets. With our expansion and offerings of microloans and savings accounts in the DR Congo, as part of our Banking on Africa initiative, we will reach a sizable population of Congolese women.

Said a doctor in the film: “A woman is the mother of a nation.” With this in mind, Opportunity offers the tools to strengthen both the women in the Democratic Republic of Congo and, in turn, the nation as a whole.

Read more about the Banking on Africa campaign in the most recent Impact Newsletter.