Hand up, not handout: The Oklahoma organization helping 30 million people globally

World Neighbors began with a sermon at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Oklahoma City 75 years ago. Today, it operates in 14 countries and has helped nearly 30 million people.

In this episode of Oklahoma Memo, Ryan Welton talks with World Neighbors President & CEO Dr. Kate Schechter about:

1. The World War II experience that inspired founder Dr. John L. Peters

2. Why World Neighbors refuses in-kind donations and cash handouts

3. How savings-and-credit groups work in remote villages without banks

4. What “graduating” 49 communities actually means

5. How World Neighbors works with governments to scale impact

6. A powerful story from Nepal about breaking caste barriers

7. The upcoming 75th anniversary symposium at Oklahoma City University

World Neighbors operates on a $3.5 million budget funded primarily by private individuals and family foundations. It remains non-partisan and focused on long-term, sustainable development.

🔗 Learn more: https://www.wn.org

🔗 Sign up for the 75th anniversary symposium

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