by Melvin L. Oliver, vice president

We live in a world of magnificent human diversity, great natural abundance, remarkable scientific achievements and expansive possibilities. But devastating diseases like AIDS and sea changes in national economies like those in Southeast Asia confine many people to lives of poverty and despair. Far too many lack the assets to enable them to take advantage of opportunities and to guard them from risks and uncertainties that threaten their economic and social well-being. And without these assets they cannot create a legacy for future generations.

The Asset Building and Community Development program helps strengthen and increase the effectiveness of people and organizations working to find solutions to these problems. Sixty-five staff members do this work in three program units in New York and abroad.