Students have an opportunity to learn about global poverty and how to combat it at the Economic Self-reliance Student Association conference, Thursday and Friday in 3228 WSC from 11 to 1.

"There is a large population of students that care about poverty, but don't know what is happening now," said Brad Carmack, Economic Self-reliance Student Association's spokesman. "BYU students can join the club and see what is going on. BYU can get involved to attack global poverty."

The conference will consist of two speakers, lunch, and networking opportunities.

John Hatch, founder of Foundation of International Community Assistance, will be speaking Thursday from 11 to Noon. FINCA is an organization that gives capitol to women in impoverished countries to start businesses. He will speak about his idea of the "world bank for the poor."

Friday from 11 to Noon, Martin Burt will also address students. Burt, known for creating 19,000 jobs in Paraguay, will speak about how to educate children in developing countries, Carmack said.

"These speakers are both internationally renowned," Carmack said. "We are privileged to have them come to our campus."

After the speakers on both days, lunch will be provided, along with networking opportunities with clubs trying to fight global poverty. The ESSA and Net-impact will be there.

The Social Ventures Competition will also have a booth and be accepting entries of social entrepreneurship. The Social Ventures Competition will take place later this year.

ESSA is a Marriott School club that investigates and thinks about things like global poverty and micro credit Carmack said.

"Our mission is to answer the question of how to promote self-reliance," he said.

To join ESSA, or any Marriott School club, go to marriottschool.byu.edu/clubs to register.

Questions about the conference can be e-mailed to the theworldisourcampus@gmail.com.



Copyright Brigham Young University 8 Nov 2007