Dear friends,

Many organizations work on issues of poverty alleviation, environmental change and conflict resolution. What sets the Goldin Institute apart is our approach. We believe that communities best know the solutions to the challenges they face, but they often lack the resources to convene stakeholders, access tools and leverage resources. We help communities achieve their goals through a combination of online and on the ground educational and capacity building initiatives.

We believe our approach and partnership model enables real change at the community level.

Since 2002 we have built a network of partner organizations in 60 countries around the world. Over the past seven years we have convened international and regional events that bring community leaders together to share innovative approaches and forge new partnerships on issues such as access to safe water, poverty alleviation and reconciliation.

In 2008 we illuminated the voices of villagers in Bangladesh to make an impact in their community and in the global microcredit debate. We have shared their stories and concerns broadly with donors and stakeholders. We will further share these experiences through writing a book to be published by the influential development think tank Food First. With your partnership and support, the work of the Goldin Institute will continue to expand in 2009.

We need your support in order to:

• Continue working with these villagers in Bangladesh to help them advocate for grassroots change within their own communities.

• Expand our Global Associates Program beyond Bangladesh and the Philippines to support community-driven solutions to local concerns.

• Continue working with partners on developing innovative grassroots solutions in places as diverse as rural Minnesota and conflict torn Liberia and Sudan.

• Hold a series of community discussions to share our findings, shape dialogues, empower communities and introduce you to our newest global staff.

We invite you to join us in building this innovative model for global change. We can only grow with the support of your commitment. We ask for your passion, your time, your energy and your financial support as we help shape models for global solutions.

The change we wish to see in the world can only be achieved if we all come together.

Sincerely,

Diane Goldin                         Travis Rejman

Founder                                 Executive Director