| |
Indicorps is a US
based non profit. We are not a funding agency, nor do we ask for funds or
help raise funds. We are currently entering our fourth year, and our headquarters
is in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. This year, we currently have 9 projects (11 volunteers)
all over India, in a range of development areas. Our main objective is
to reconnect people of Indian origin with India through voluntary service
at the community level. We work with local NGOs already doing work in
the area, and after a careful evaluation, we work with them to design a
year-long project that is a need of the organization and that is self-sustaining.
After designing a project that will help the organization and create a "transformational
experience" for the volunteer, we put an application on the internet
and advertise to potential volunteers that specific project, listing all
criteria that the NGO desires in that volunteer. For example, if an NGO
prefers someone with a business background to help with microcredit models,
we can make this a requirement to apply for the project. We prefer that
projects include a substantial amount of field work and maximum exposure
to the local community. Transformational experiences are seldom found working
behind a computer all day in an office. We then review the applications
with the local NGO and together select the person that is most suited for
the work. In cases where a qualified applicant is not available, we will
choose not to place a substandard volunteer. We believe in professional
volunteers, who have as much if not more to learn from volunteering as the
local NGO. We do not claim to have solutions to the NGOs problems, but we
wish to serve as a catalyst to help the NGO reach its longer terms goals
in an effective, sustainable manner.
Indicorps believes in a three way partnership:
the local NGO, the volunteer and Indicorps. We ask each party to be invested,
so when difficult times arise, all are equally committed to make this
program work. We ask the volunteer to pay for their own airfare to India,
their own health costs, and all incidental costs with their year long
stay in India. We ask the local NGO to provide simple housing and food
and project related expenses incurred by the NGO. We at Indicorps, provide
a month long training "Orientation" for the volunteer (local
language training, reading about development in India, discussions, exposure
to living and working in the field, etc.) as well as continual support
throughout the year to help the fellow adjust and to ensure a successful
project. Initially we meet with the local NGO and the "fellow"
(our term for the volunteer) monthly to make sure that all expectations
are managed. We also hold meetings every two months where we bring all
of our volunteers together and share best practices and continue the learning
process about India. These expenses Indicorps bares. Together we create
a positive volunteer experience and help achieve goals of the local NGO.
I hope this answers some of your questions about our organization. Our
website, www.indicorps.org is online and has more information, and I would
be more than happy to answer any other questions that you might have through
email. We are currently attempting to identify potential project partners
for August 2005.
Kabir Kumar
**********
Kabir Kumar
Indicorps Staff
91.98192.49260 (Mumbai Mobile)
91.98980.30279 (Gujarat Mobile)
kabir@indicorps.net
(main)
kabir32@yahoo.com
(alternate)
|
