ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts covered in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides a general historical foundation, and explores several modes of affective engagement of development supporters, namely campaign, emergency, spectacle, sponsorship and consumption. It examines the work of Kiva's virtual stories in the mobilization of affective investments. The book analyzes the importance of microfinance photographs through the lens of the Consultative Group for the Advancement of the Poor (CGAP) Microfinance Photo Contest. It also explores the experiences of financial inclusion supporters who come into direct contact with distant others, either through participating in organized microfinance tours or volunteering as Kiva Fellows at Kiva partner microfinance institutions (MFIs). The book focuses on the experiences of Kiva Fellows, who are young professionals mostly from technological, financial and business backgrounds who volunteer for at least 4 months at a Kiva partner organization. It discusses the role of various media in forging affective connections.
