About the Ride
Updates from the rider team ยป
Do the problems of poverty and international development seem overwhelming at times? Do you ever wish you could do something and KNOW it was making a real difference, to a real person? YOU CAN.
Global Agents for Change is Riding to Break the Cycle again (and again…)! We continue the momentum each May, launching this annual 7 week, 3000 kilometre mobile youth leadership camp from Vancouver, Canada to Tijuana, Mexico. All funds raised help build a youth managed microcredit fund, helping struggling developing world entrepreneurs with small trust based loans as they seek to build their families a better life.
While this year’s ride is already on its way, we are adding a route in 2009 running both the Mexico route and a shorter one in Europe - if you are up for a physical and mental challenge along some of the most beautiful cycling routes in the world, if you are prepared to inspire and be inspired, and if you are ready to help people build themselves a better life, we want to hear from you!
For those that would love to ride but wish to support this incredible effort regardless, all donations are lent to struggling entrepreneurs in developing nations as they pull themselves and their families out of poverty. Upon repayment all funds will be re-lent in perpetuity, helping tens of thousands of families and creating a powerful force for social change for years to come. The entire fund is managed by the youth that have built it, tangibly connecting these young people to the issues of global inequity and poverty forever.
With major events all along the coast and an ongoing fundraising and awareness campaign in Vancouver and beyond this ride is a force to be reckoned with.
Check out the Mexico Ride Route Map
2008 is already on the road, but check out the application for 2009 - applications accepted beginning July/August 2008!
**The application details above may change in the coming months so this is NOT the official application for 2009. Feel free to review to get an idea of what we are looking for though!
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Just came back from your first fund raiser. Was really impressed with your focus and professionalism. Congratulations. Love your web site - since I have a blog of a similar title and sentiment, I’ve blogged about you tonight and will do all I can to spread the word….As Gandhi said, simply “be the change you wish to see in the world” and you could start an evolution!
www.agentsofchange.typepad.com
What you’re doing is incredible and I’m really glad to be able to help out with you guys. You’ve done so much in such little time.
What’s most remarkable about microcredit is that it is a SUSTAINBLE way to help families and communities. On top of that, it takes such little time, money to do it! You can make a loan with a click of a mouse through www.kiva.org.
How appealing is that when you eventually get your money back when you decide to help a family.
“It is better to light a candle than to curse at the darkness”-Chinese proverb
A very noble cause. I wish you all the success that this world can give you. Teaching and Lending to facilitate change is a much more powerful lesson/experience than Doing for Someone and Giving, in which the individuals take nothing with them as they move forward. Knowledge is good combined with practical experience is even better.
Bravo! It is so impressive that you have taken on a large endeavor for your first project. How are you financing the trip cost? Do you intend on leaving the $100K recycling in microcredit loans with Kiva or do you have plans for the funds after the loans are repaid?
Hi Bob,
Thanks so much for your interest, and just to respond quickly to your comments/questions:
1) At this point we are completely self-financing the entire trip, with our riders paying not only trip expenses, but organizational expenses out of pocket. We are actively seeking sponsorship of course, as this is a bit of a stretch for most of the crew!
2) We have committed to re-lend all funds as they are repaid, helping thousands of families over time. As part of the goal is to build a sustainable system for the working poor, we would like to be a part of that by maintaining the microlending fund in perpetuity.
Thanks so much again for the support, and please let us know if we can provide any more information!
Cheers,
Shawn Smith
President - Agents of Change
Hi Anna,
Thank-you for coming out and supporting us at our launch event! We appreciate the blog you included us in, as it really helps us to get the word out there.
Your blogs offer a plethora of information on innovation, the acceptance of change, and creativity. The world is changing, and it is incredibly encouraging to find like-minded individuals that are working with it, rather than against it. Globally, change is inevitable, but we the individuals are the ones who decide whether it a benefit or detriment; through our actions, and our volition.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Kelli Smith
Agent 004
I could repeat all the wonderful things about your couse and your course of actions, but they have already been mentioned here.
So I would like to wish you a safe, fun and wonderful ride all the way down!!
It’s truly wonderful to see words in action. What I mean is that too often we have opinions and comments about things, but you have put yours into concrete actions. This is not only brave but admirable.
“COURAGE” and Godspeed to all of you!
I must tell you that I support you guys to the fullest… specially cuz you are living the drems of teh NOBEL Laureate who fo rme is like a visionary..someone I would look up to.
If you guys need any help jus lemme know…
Hey Guys,
You are so awesome! I can’t wait to meet everyone when you hit SF. I was just curious if you had a route map of your ride on the site?
-Aaron
Just talked Keely. Great cause great people good job!
I meet three of the riders today at Open Air Bicycles in Ventura. (Sold some degreaser) I am impressed and inspired by their passion to cycle and help inform to raise money for such a worthy project. I couldn’t donate anything from the shop, but will be making a cash donation.
Carry On!!
I had the pleasure of meeting one of the riders, Dylan Weil.
I was very impressed with his Being and loved feeling the energy of young people committed to a change!