Dear All,

I have an idea I have called  ‘a gathering for prosperity’ or Baraza La Maendeleo, and some of my friends asked for a proposal. So here below I have written it in a simple form. I share this idea at no cost with everyone I know, wherever they are, and ask that if you find this idea useful, that you in turn share it with others. Better still, you can start, or if existing, continue your Baraza La Maendeleo, but proceed with more meaning and purpose.

Indeed the idea of saving money in a merry-go-round fashion among friends is not  new. However, I have not seen it done with the suggestions I have made. Still, being in the  Independence Day spirit, I allow you to use my suggestions for free, without even remembering where they came from, provided you begin to save and invest.

To my East African community members in Tallahassee, look out for my invitation for our inauguration of our Baraza La Maendeleo.

Thanks
Dan Oronje.
Tallahasee, FL.

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Preamble:

Many immigrants are finding themselves drifting further and further away from the real hope they had when they first landed in these United States, in pursuit of the American dream.

Calling:

In order to achieve real peace, happiness and prosperity, and successfully upgrade our survival status in these United States of America, a call is made to all men  and women within and without their community to congregate frequently in a Baraza La Maendeleo or A Gathering For Prosperity.

Purpose:

Other than the very much needed socialization, we must candidly talk as we educate ourselves in topics that we have traditionally avoided discussing with one another, including investment. Investment for this purpose will solely mean using money with intent to make/receive more money in return.

Process:

Two or more like-minded persons shall gather in a Baraza La Maendeleo, each with  a minimum of $10.00 contribution for the purpose of investing. At the toss of a  coin, a decision will be made as to who would be given the total of the money harvested for the day also called Mavuno. If more than two people are involved, a drawing with numbers 1, 2, 3, etc., will be made and followed to determine the sequence of the beneficiaries. The lucky individual will be mandated to invest the harvested money or Mavuno and report to the next Baraza La Maendeleo, for grilling or praise.

Agenda Format:

In the next Baraza La Maendeleo:

i) A report will be given by the previous beneficiary of Mavuno, to inform the attendees how he or she invested it.

ii) Attendees will criticize (positively or negatively), on whether the previous  beneficiary of Mavuno invested or whether he or she merely used the money for upkeep.

iii) If attendees criticize negatively, they must in turn give ideas on how the previous Mavuno could have been invested. This is to educate or help or challenge one another to master the discipline needed to use money to maker more money.

iv) Date and venue for the next gathering of Baraza La Maendeleo will be agreed upon.

v) Discussion or presentation of today’s topic will be made. (See suggested topics for Baraza La Maendeleo below).

Note: The process of Baraza La Maendeleo must be repeated each session in order to use time efficiently, so as to effectively achieve the goal and purpose of this idea.

Commandments:

1. Baraza La Maendeleo will have no leadership structure. (I think the reason why most partnerships, corporations and organizations collapse is not only due to mistrust or lack of leadership, but also due to fights against leadership or ambition to assume leadership).

2. Participants must send their share of Mavuno to each gathering of Baraza La Maendeleo, even when they would be absent.

3. Participants may be represented by their proxy to any gathering of Baraza La Maendeleo, 4. Once the number of participants reaches 12, the participants reserve the right of admission for any new member.

5. Each Baraza La Maendeleo shall not discriminate against ethnic, race, religion, nationality, creed, political affiliation, etc., against any new members.

6. Once a participant of a Baraza La Maendeleo, one may only cease participation  with the number of months’ notice corresponding to the number of participants in that Baraza La Maendeleo.

7. No money will be held by the Baraza La Maendeleo since there is no treasurer.  See commandment # 1.

8. Each attendee of a gathering of Baraza La Maendeleo will be punctual and use time wisely, recognizing that effective management of time and not necessarily investment is the main key to progress.

9. Socialize. Yes, socialize any which way your Baraza La Maendeleo agrees is appropriate.

10. No participant of a gathering of Baraza La Maendeleo is allowed to be disrespectful or disorderly. No gathering of Baraza La Maendeleo should allow any participant to leave the gathering while drunk.

11. Make sure your expenditure for socialization in any gathering of Baraza La Maendeleo is less not more than Mavuno.

12. No gathering of Baraza La Maedeleo should be constituted by persons 20 years  old or younger.

Suggested topics of discussion:

During a gathering of Baraza La Maendeleo, it is commanded that a topic is discussed.

This topic should be picked at the previous gathering. Suggested topics that are  in line with the purpose of this idea include, but not limited to:

– How to come to the USA legally,
– Ho to stay in the USA legally,
– How to write your will,
– How to buy a car,
– How to avoid foreclosure,
– How to eliminate credit debt,
– How to buy a house,
– How to select the best type of loan (Specify whether Student, Auto, Home, Business)
– How to select the best college for yourself or child,
– How to keep taxes low,
– How to stay healthy,
– How to live with your wife or husband in happiness,

– How to best raise a teenage daughter in USA
– How to best raise a teenage son in USA,
– How to buy stock,
– How to propose to a lady or gentleman,
– How to start a business
– How to plan, save and enjoy a vacation,
– How to start a corporation,
– How to improve your home.
– How to sell your home,
– How to buy other property,
– How to buy life, home, medical or legal insurance,
– How to run for office in these United States of America,

———Any many others.

Conclusion:

Turn your next social gathering into a meeting of purpose — that which will allow you to learn, prosper and teach your friend not only to survive in these United States of America, but also give them independence from living hand to mouth, which I still do.

May we all prosper and realize the American Dream.

Thanks.
—
Dan Oronje.

– – –
Date:  Sat, 5 Jul 2008 21:45:16 -0400 (EDT)
From:  Dan Oronje
Subject:  Baraza La Maendeleo, An Idea For Prosperity.

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Mr. Ochogo,

This idea qualifies for my statement of ‘How Good Can A Good Thing
Be,’ which Judith Onyango, Nyakwar Odanga would say “go ahead! translate it”
– ‘Gima Ber To Ber Nade?’

My 10th great grandfather Ragem, also gives it a ‘thumbs up’ in his own way.
Hopefully it will help us refocus lest we forget to do the
needful, especially when the fire in politics are as hot as the none
luminous flame, or as we  risk being contended that thinks are getting
better just because we are now in a ‘coalition.’

Thanks for prodding our minds and particularly, for sharing. I have tried
to say the same in my own way in the past. Be encouraged, simple ides are
what builds greater accomplishments.

Joram Ragem.

– – –
Date:  Sun, 6 Jul 2008 13:58:42 -0400
From:  Joram Ragem
Subject:  Re: Baraza La Maendeleo, A Idea For Prosperity.