TIGRA Challenges Money Transfer Companies to Set New Standards
Speaking at the International Money Transmitters Convention (IMTC), TIGRA Director Francis Calpotura implores the more than 300 company representatives present at the gathering to become a “force that brings positive changes in the world today.” He unveiled TIGRA’s new initiative to form a network of “Ten Trendsetters in the Remittances Industry” that can influence the direction of this emerging global commerce. In strategic partnership with the recently-formed global remitters’ association (see www.ligaconvention08.org), these forward-looking companies can set new standards on pricing, customer service, and community reinvestment. Read more
TIGRA Launches New Front in Corporate Accountability Campaign
Forty years after the enactment of the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) which forced mainstream banks to extend loans and credit to low-income communities of color, TIGRA introduces a new campaign that seeks to hold the “fringe banking industry” to standards of fairness and transparency. Introduced to Oakland city officials as the “Community Banking Transparency Ordinance”, TIGRA’s proposal is to make companies disclose their corporate-giving policy and practices in the communities they benefit from as well as to keep a public record of comments made by customers of its quality of service and community involvement. (Continued here)
Profiting from Black & Brown Dollars:
The Racial Dimension of Western Union's Corporate Practices
May 23, 2008
After extensive research of Western Union’s corporate practices and the Western Union Foundation’s giving practices, we determined that there is clear evidence of an inequitable distribution of corporate largess based on race, income, and immigration status.
The racial dimension of Western Union’s practices is clearly illustrated by the significantly higher concentrations of Western Union agents in areas with a higher percentage of foreign-born and low-income residents. While Western Union derives its profits from these communities, the Western Union Foundation provides most of its grants outside these communities.
We concluded that the overall giving practices of the Western Union Foundation illustrate a clear imbalance between Western Union’s source of profit and the grant recipients of the Foundation. (More here)
Transnational Assembly of Remitters Mexico City,
Mexico Closing Speech by Francis Calpotura, TIGRA Director
May 15, 2008
There was once a time when we were inspired by the possibility of freedom and justice, when our individual and collective efforts changed the world.
One of the signal achievements of the 20th century was that ordinary people in our countries asserted a sense of historical collective dignity that led to national liberation movements across “the darker nations” – from Chile and Vietnam, to Zaire and South Africa, Nicaragua and Bolivia.
Whatever were the shortcomings or excesses of these struggles, one thing is certain: they ignited a revolutionary momentum that moved mountains, and made the intractable seem inevitable.
I submit that we’ve come to a new threshold in this century, represented in part by this Assembly. We are at a crossroads, and where we go could lead to the development of a new imagination.
If the 20th century was highlighted by national liberation movements, the 21st will be about the struggle for a new economic and social emancipation through transnational action. (Click here for more)
PRESS STATEMENT
DELIVERED BY: Francis Calpotura, TIGRA Founder &
Director
When we announced the boycott campaign on Western Union on
September 10, 2007, we were poised for a long and arduous dispute.We declared the fairness of our cause, knowing
that the odds were long—an emerging network tangling with an established
global giant. Immigrant Families versus Corporate Power. David versus
Goliath.But what we didn’t expect
is for others in the industry to buck the odds as well, and stand up for what’s
fair and just. (More here)
About TIGRA
The epicenter for fighting poverty in the world today is not located in corporate boardrooms, government offices, or foundation suites. It comes with every modest amount sent by a low-wage migrant worker, repeated hundreds of millions times over each year, from every corner of the globe. Global remittances are more than three times the total amount of development aid from all governments, and has more impact on poverty than the trade of goods and capital.
Awakening the collective interests of this economic giant is the new frontier for economic justice in the age of globalization. The Transnational Institute for Grassroots Research and Action (TIGRA) seeks to meet this historic challenge. [Click here for more]
Speaking at the International Money Transmitters Convention (IMTC), TIGRA Director Francis Calpotura implores the more than 300 company representatives present at the gathering to become a “force that brings positive changes in the world today.” He unveiled TIGRA’s new initiative to form a network of “Ten Trendsetters in the Remittances Industry” that can influence the direction of this emerging global commerce. In strategic partnership with the recently-formed global remitters’ association (see 
