February 6, 2009

INVEST FROM THE HEART:
A Valentine that Keeps on Giving

This year, show how much you love the special people in your world by investing in a Calvert Foundation Note at MicroPlace. When you do, they'll send delicious chocolate to your Valentine.

It’s simple. Choose from dozens of microfinance investment options to get cash into the hands of someone who really needs it to work their way out of poverty. Then select who you would like to honor through this investment. Your loved one will receive fair trade, organic Divine Chocolate – and think you're special for giving a Valentine's Day gift that speaks volumes about you.

You have to act soon! Invest as little as $20 by February 9th and your chocolate gift with a note explaining the investment will arrive by Valentine's Day. Or you can invest and send an eCard as late as February 14th.

TAKE ACTION:
Help Families Stay in their Homes

Since January 1st, there have been over 236,000 foreclosures – a rate of one home every 13 seconds. Homeowners in distress have limited options: making multiple calls to their servicers who provide conflicting information and little consistency, receiving a loan modification that too often doesn't really help, or giving up in despair.

We think there is a better way.

The Center for Responsible Lending is organizing a campaign to support a new bill that gives homeowners access to the courts as a last resort before losing their homes. This option could save close to a million homes and—best of all—it wouldn't cost taxpayers a single dime.

Here’s how you can help. Please take a moment now to write and then call your representatives in the U.S. House and Senate.