A Note from Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Laureate and Founder of Grameen Bank

Dear Friends,

This is a challenging time for microfinance in some countries, including my own country Bangladesh. In Bangladesh, Grameen Bank and me are passing through difficult times. You may have already heard about it, if not you can search the Internet about our struggle to maintain the independence and autonomy of the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh.

Now, just in time, Gayle Ferraro is launching a deep and inspiring documentary on Grameen that focuses on the brave members of Grameen in America. It is followed by a panel discussion with me participating remotely from Bangladesh. The combination provides important information on Grameen for the much broader audiences that we must now reach for our work to continue successfully.

Gayle Ferraro's film, "To Catch A Dollar: Muhammad Yunus Banks on America", will be shown for one day only on Thursday, March 31 at 7:30 PM in 227 theaters around the US. Audiences will see the 60-minute film, and also the important panel discussion introduced by Robert De Niro, moderated by CNBC's Maria Bartiromo and featuring Suze Orman, Premal Shah of Kiva.org, Vidar Jorgensen representing Grameen America, and me from Bangladesh. You also hear calls to action from Hugh Jackman and Matt Damon. If this works well on March 31, the theatrical release will expand and continue. We only have one chance to make the launch a success.

For this to be a success, we just have to find 227 people or groups motivated to each take the lead in filling one theatre. People can bring 5 or 10 of their friends, or come alone. Do what is possible, but be sure to be there on March 31.

I hope that you and your friends can help make it work by actually being the host at a local theatre as outlined here and by getting additional hosts throughout the US.

I hope you will provide me your candid feedback on the documentary and the panel discussion, and how we can bring our message and work to a broader audience.

Best,

Muhammad Yunus