The Retort

Local Organization Making a Difference Around the World

November 18th, 2011 by Patricia Hampton Of The Retort Staff

MyFight is a non-profit organization that is “in the business of ending poverty.” The organization was founded by Jesse Murphy and Abram Hagstrom to provide funding for microfinance institutions. Microfinance institutions provide small loans to launch entrepreneurial efforts of those facing poverty. Those who take out these loans repay MyFight within six months of borrowing. A twenty-five dollar donation funds six loans over the course of three years, due to the six month repayment requirement.

MyFight raises these funds by selling T-shirts, and putting all of the proceeds toward the cause. They are currently raising awareness of their causes through “THE STAND – A Free Concert with Global Impact,” a concert series that began in early October.

There are several primary focuses of the organization – four causes, and two campaigns. The causes combat extreme poverty, sex slavery, child soldiery, and human trafficking; the campaigns are “MyFight – Honduras” and “MyFight – Ethiopia.”

Those who get involved with the MyFight effort work to raise awareness of the organization, and submit and vote on T-shirt designs being sold. By going to their website, individuals can sign up to receive the MyFight newsletter, or subscribe to their text alerts. MyFight can be followed on twitter or facebook.

Current Montana State University Billings students are actively involved in the MyFight organization. Junior Mary Owen is a strong proponent of the cause. As an active member of the group, Owen models T-shirts, publicizes the MyFight mission and events on campus, among her friends, and on her Facebook page, and is assisting in arranging and promoting the upcoming concert.

“THE STAND” will be in Billings, Montana, on Saturday, November 26, at five o’clock at Off the Leaf. Musicians performing at this local event will include Goldmot, Two Sick Thieves, Eyes on Skies, Chase the Hero, Caleb Stumberg, and Chez.

For more information on how to get involved with MyFight visit the MyFight website.