Lecture and Q & A Session with Sri Shuddhaanandaa Brahmachari.

Shuddhaanandaa is a visionary leader who has been has been addressing the root causes of poverty in West Bengal, India, since 1985. He has designed a new model for sustainable development that combines Self Help Groups and Micro Credit. In areas of entrenched inter-generational poverty, the goal is more than development. It is social transformation, giving those served the support they need to discover they can be leaders in their own lives and in their communities.

When: Wednesday, May 21st, 2008
Where: Smith Memorial Student Union, room 294
Time: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

For more information, contact PSU’s Office of International Affairs at 503-725-5859.

Portland State University Co-Sponsors: The Institute for Nonprofit Management in the Hatfield School of Government (College of Urban and Public Affairs), International Studies Program (College of Liberal Arts & Sciences), Institute for Asian Studies, and the Office of International Affairs.

Background
Shuddhaanandaa’s organization, Lokenath Divine Life Mission (LDLM), currently operates 500 Self Help Groups for women in 50 villages, serving 6000 women in a six year program both to gain economic self-sufficiency and to cultivate leadership in their communities.

LDLM Farmers Clubs teach eco-friendly, organic farming and are also structured on the Self Help Group – Micro Credit model.