The Presidents’ Pledge Against Global Poverty (PPAGP) invites current and former college presidents to pledge to donate 5 percent or more of personal income to fight global poverty by giving to organizations of their choice. Since PPAGP was founded in 2010 by Ann Svennungsen, past president of Texas Lutheran University and The Fund for Theological Education, 28 presidents have joined.
So What?
According to the nonprofit’s FAQ sheet
Presidents’ Pledge participants believe that personal giving to help end extreme poverty is a responsibility consistent with their leadership roles in higher education and society. College and university presidents lead institutions that prepare the next generation of global citizens, public servants, social entrepreneurs and philanthropists. Higher education is at the forefront of forging solutions to alleviate extreme poverty, with faculty and students applying research, teaching and public service across academic disciplines to help communities near their campuses and around the world.
Questions to Consider:
- Do you believe this initiative is capable of inspiring action far beyond its monetary scope to address the issue of global hunger? Why or why not?
- Is your college’s president a Presidents’ Pledge participant? If not, would you encourage her/him to do so? Why or why not?
- What do you see as your denomination’s most effective efforts to address global poverty? How are these enriched by interdenominational and/or interfaith collaboration?