Utilizing cutting-edge online technology, Agros International launches the Agros One Village program to provide unparalleled access and sponsorship of rural Central American villages on their journey out of extreme poverty.

Seattle, WA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 07/29/2010 -- Agros International is proud to introduce a new online multimedia experience and monthly sponsorship program called One Village. This program leverages unique online technology in order to connect supporters to rural families in Central America. For as little as $15 a month, sponsors can make a difference in the lives of rural families working together as a village community to overcome poverty.

Agros is a Seattle-based non-profit organization that works with poor, landless farmers in Central America and Mexico. Through a unique, holistic development model, Agros extends loans to purchase farmland and then partners and trains farmers for 7-10 years in applying sustainable agricultural practices, all with the goal of enabling these families to create, develop, and eventually own a sustainable village. Agros has started 40 village projects across five countries.

Through the One Village website, donors are able to sponsor an actual rural village in Central America, and then follow that community online through first-hand stories, compelling photos, videos, panoramic photography, and project updates detailing village progress.

"We've learned at Agros that donors want to do more than just write a check to a worthy cause; they want to see the difference their donations make in real lives. Today, we are excited to invite people to the One Village website where they can experience and support a Central American village in an incredible journey out of extreme poverty," shares Sean Dimond, Agros Communications Director.

In order to build this remarkable virtual experience, Agros International partnered with CrashShop, a Seattle-based interactive media studio specializing in innovative websites, to help develop the online technology. The One Village website is a first of its kind, integrating the WordPress Content Management System with Adobe's Flash platform. "We believe in Agros' work, and are thrilled to play a part in helping more people experience and sponsor Agros villages. It's a privilege to help restore hope and dignity to the world's poor through the One Village website," exclaims Michael Redmond, Founder & President of CrashShop.

To learn more about the One Village experience, visit http://onevillage.agros.org/.

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Seattle, WA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/01/2009 -- On this Thursday, October 1, Oprah Winfrey will deliver a call to action for all women. Inspired by the New York Times best-selling book "Half the Sky: Turning Oppression Into Opportunity for Women Worldwide" by Pulitzer Prize winners Nicholas Kristof and his wife, Sheryl WuDunn, The Oprah Winfrey Show will spend a full hour revealing stories of women overcoming adversity to realize a better life for themselves. Be sure to tune-in to the "Oprah" show this Thursday, Oct 1, to hear this appeal in support of women around the world. Check local listings for time and channel.

In conjunction with the show, Oprah will launch a new giving registry online at www.oprah.com/forallwomen, where Agros International will be featured.

This represents an extraordinary effort coordinating many different international organizations dedicated to empowering women and girls around the world.

With 39 village projects throughout Central America and Mexico, Agros exists to end rural poverty for entire village communities, and supporting women is an important emphasis for Agros because we believe investing in women is a critical component in the development of strong, sustainable communities.

"There is a common saying in Latin America," says Agros International Director of Communications Sean Dimond, "'If you transform a man you impact an individual. If you transform a woman, you impact generations.' We are thrilled to be part of this effort to help empower women around the world, and we know the impact will be far reaching."

Since 1982, Agros has helped families escape from this cycle by providing the resources needed to buy land and then walking alongside the families as they build their communities. In this effort women prove themselves to be successful entrepreneurs, and their commitment to reinvesting profits into their families reaps rewards for the extended community.

Strategic alliances and partnerships with a variety of national and international development organizations along with the Agros in-country and U.S. staff maintain a strong commitment to the accountability and success of Agros' villages. All Agros staff members outside of the U.S. are native to their respective countries and understand the cultural nuances with which they work.

For more information about Agros and its work to alleviate poverty, visit: http://www.agros.org

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