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Dear Volunteers,
Greetings!!
Celebrations are in order as we approach 2009! It has truly been an eventful year replete with learning, achievement and loads of activity! We have grown rapidly and remarkably with a humongous strength of volunteers who are collaboratively and collectively helping us fulfil our mission of invoking urban reforms in the country. They are actively assisting us in one of the country’s most ambitious voter registration campaign – Jaago Re! One Billion Votes campaign, supplementing our citizenship programs for children in Bala Janaagraha and in conducting surveys on local public goods delivery in the WISA [Ward Infrastructure & Services Assessment] program. Our efforts in the Research Program have also been greatly enhanced by the large number of interns who chose to spend time with us. A great big thank you to all our volunteers and well–wishers from the entire Janaagraha team!
The Bala Janaagraha and WISA program are expanding quickly and are looking to acquire more volunteers in the role of project facilitators, mentors and research associates. The Ribbon of Honour goes to Purnima for her work in the WISA project. In the Vhat section, we have Ellen and Krishna sharing their thoughts about their exciting stints in the Jaago Re! One Billion Votes campaign and Research. Read Saleela’s experience in Look Who's Talking and hear from Samina in Whats in it for Me.
As we approach 2009 with renewed goals and objectives, we hope to strengthen our association with you and look forward to greater participation. The sustenance of committed volunteers is the elixir of Janaagraha’s activities!
“ At the heart of volunteerism are the ideals of service and solidarity and the belief that together we can make the world better.” -Kofi Annan
Kavitha Mhatre
Associate, HR & Volunteer Managementt
RIBBON OF HONOUR:
Purnima Damodaran, Volunteer in the WISA project
Purnima has been assisting the WISA project in researching the Fear of Crime. She has been extremely enthusiastic about the role, rapidly expanding from researching and summarizing articles to brainstorming and formulating a model indicator in this area. Her diligence in research as well as the analysis of the various factors impacting the average citizen's fear of crime, have made a significant contribution to the project. Her commitment to producing high quality work and to make a difference is exemplary of how Janaagraha's volunteers make a difference to Janaagraha's work, themselves and the world. We are proud to have worked with her and wish her the very best of luck in her future endeavours.
Gautam Ravichander
Research Associate, WISA
WEARING THE V HAT
Krishna Visvanathan, Intern, NALSAR University, Hyderabad
" Janaagraha’s main objective, namely citizen awareness/participation, was something I had never thought of prior to joining the organisation. However after having spent one month at Janaagraha I identify with these goals very strongly. This is due to a combination of factors. The first thing I noticed about Janaagraha was their drive and desire to achieve their targets and this was instilled in me from day one, in relation to what was expected of me work wise. Further the work environment really helped as the people around you were so friendly and helpful. In addition the people around you are from various parts of the country and world. Overall interning at Janaagraha was a wonderful experience and I hope to work with them again in the future ".
Ellen Sowersby, Volunteer, Youth Challenge Australia
" I chose to volunteer with Janaagraha after focusing on democracy and governance issues during my International Development Masters in Melbourne, Australia. When I discovered Janaagraha I knew it was exactly the right place for me to utilise the knowledge that I already have, but more importantly, greatly add to that knowledge. During my 8 week internship I have worked with WISA and the Jaago Re! One Billion Votes Team and have also conducted some research on urban population projections. I have greatly enjoyed my time here. I think above everything else I will remember the passion of the people I have met here, to strive for something better for their country. It is very inspiring ".
LOOK WHO'S TALKING
Interview with Saleela Kappan - CEO, RED Communications
1) How did you get to know of Janaagraha?
I have been acquainted with Janaagraha since the time it was launched and have a fair understanding of the kind of projects they have been involved with ...
Read More
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