Call for General Strike
First, and most importantly, this is not designed to hurt borrowers, nor will it hurt borrowers. The great majority of Kiva loans are already funded, and disbursed to the borrowers by the time we see them.
Secondly, while stopping loaning with credits or added funds is one way to call attention to the displeasure with the recent remark “Thinks that a modest amount of expiration on the @kiva site is healthy because it is an expression of user preferences. “ by matt flannery , a simple withdrawal of even 1 dollar from your account could show solidarity with striking.
Thirdly, overcoming negativity. The charming trinity of Lender Kiva Borrower works best when all three parts are balanced. Without borrowers, there would not be lenders, and without Kiva in the middle, borrowers and lenders would not connect. Negativity implies imbalance. Since the equation is that lenders will always be the loser (there is no chance for financial gain, only loss), making sure lenders have enough other benefits to make up for the downside only risk of lending is important. The borrowers are represented by the MFIs. The MFIs interests are not always in line with the lenders. The key question is, is Kiva a neutral party, an agent for the MFI against the lender, a player for its own power or the balance for the lender and the MFI ? IS negativity expressed here as a result of imbalance in the existing situation ? Can inspired action return us to harmony ?
Fourthly, why is this different than striking for posting USA loans or blood sports ? Because rather than social questions, it shows a difference in function. Kiva acting as decider for what will be funded, as well as showing it is not committed to funding the loans it posts. This reveals a basic disconnect from either being a neutral meeting place for lender and borrower, or an advocate for lenders. Having stretched the triangle with saddling lenders with currency loss, it has now further removed themselves from the sphere of lenders, leaving lenders merely as fodder for its aspirations.
Finally, I would suggest the period of the 15th to the 19th (or longer if you wish) to cease funding and make symbolic withdrawals. Any loan in danger of expiring on the 15th – 19th (60 right now), should be continued to be funded. The goal is not to hurt borrowers, but rather raise awareness of the disconnect between lenders and Kiva management.
Obviously, this is my opinion on how things are, and how to change them. I do not expect all to share my view point. Even more obviously, Kiva does not share my viewpoint
I respect anyone’s wish to loan, or not, as they please.
