Objective: To support the efforts to end extreme poverty in the developing world through the Millennium Village model, and to support increases in U.S Foreign Aid.

Commitment: To increase philanthropic giving in Westport/Weston, CT, with a focus on supporting a Millennium Village, beginning in 2007; to be a demonstration for other communities committing to end extreme poverty; engage advocates who will work toward the US increasing foreign aid to .07% of GDP.

Background: This is a demonstration fundraising project, showing how other communities can tap new philanthropic giving in order to end extreme poverty and increase advocacy for the US increasing its foreign aid. A five year commitment to a specific village will galvanize a cohort of young people with the vision of ending world poverty and teach them about the economic and technological tools for doing so through a partnership with Save the Children’s new Discovery Center and the Westport Schools.

Basler Associates has extensive organization development, strategic planning, and team building experience. We have extensive contacts in the community who can be called on to help in forming a steering committee to plan and implement the fundraising effort. The project was inspired by Dr. Jeffrey Sach’s presentation at the Clinton Global Initiative. A description of the Millennium Village approach to realizing the UN Millennium Goals can be found at Millenium Villages: A Revolution is Possible.

Update:
December 2005:
Discussions with community leaders are currently underway; interest is building. Save the Children, headquartered in Westport, has agreed to cooperate with the effort.