ACCION USA Microfinance Council
    

What is the ACCION USA Microfinance Council?

Created in the Fall of 2007, the New York-based ACCION USA Microfinance Council is a group of professionals that contributes to the sustainability of ACCION USA by promoting microfinance among other professionals, providing strategic advice and assistance in fundraising activities.  Our mission is to develop and maintain a forum of professionals who volunteer to advocate for domestic microfinance and enhance the effectiveness of ACCION USA. 

 The Council works closely with ACCION USA staff and Board of Directors, to meet the following Council goals:

• Bridging the overwhelming interest in microfinance among young professionals and a microfinance organization
• Build awareness of domestic microfinance via the work of ACCION USA
• Support ACCION USA in its fundraising efforts

How can I get involved?

Choose a Membership Level:

• Free Membership:  Free Members receive newsletters that provide insight on the Council’s accomplishments, past and upcoming events, and general microfinance news. These members also participate in online discussions through any of our social media outlets (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, ACCION USA’s blog), where they can contribute ideas or explore topics of interest.  Free Members attend the Council's events, including networking and education events, with a fee. We encourage and welcome anyone interested in domestic microfinance to sign up!
• Associate Membership:  Associate Members attend membership events, including networking and educational events, at a reduce cost (and sometimes free). Associate Members have the opportunity to join one or more Steering Committees, volunteer for public policy or consulting projects, help plan events, or become involved in other initiatives.  Many Associate Members are offered opportunities to take leadership roles within the Council. Associate Membership requires a $25 annual donation to ACCION USA via the Microfinance Council.
• Lead Membership:  Lead Members have demonstrated active involvement or interest in the Council and are seeking leadership opportunities. Lead Members receive the benefits of Associate Membership and assume a Vice Chair position for one of the Steering Committees, which can involve leading a particular project, event, or initiative of the Council. Participating in a leadership position, such as Vice Chair of a Committee, is one of the best ways to get the most out of your experience with the Council.  Associate members make a $50 annual donation to ACCION USA via the Microfinance Council.
• Executive Membership:  The Microfinance Executive Committee is comprised of Executive Members, each of whom serves as the chair or co-chair of a comimttee. The Chairs are elected annually by members of the Council and have the opportunity to lead the direction of the Council. These members assume high levels of responsibility, and in turn are offered a truly rewarding and unique experience. Executive Members make a $250 annual donation to Accion USA via the Microfinance Council.

Click here to learn more about the Microfinance Council Steering Committees: Public Policy; Consulting; Event Planning/Fundraising; Marketing & Communications; and Membership.