Interview with James Pitman, YCA, Volunteer for Communications Programme

1. How did you get to know of Janaagraha?

I was sent by Youth Challenge Australia (YCA) who place young professionals in voluntary positions around the world. Janaagraha is the only Urban NGO that YCA sends interns to. I was thrilled learning about Janaagraha, discovering the amazing work which is being done and jumped at the opportunity to participate in real change for India.

2. What kind of work do you do here?

I am working with the Communications Department, developing and implementing a new converged website for the organisation, as well as picking up odd jobs amongst the other programmes to help in communication design. It’s a huge challenge to have to understand all of the activities of an organisation the size of Janaagraha in such a small amount of time. Working in Communications means I have to understand what each programme is about to be able to describe and communicate their objectives. Working in Communications has been a terrific boon as I get to keep my finger on the pulse of Janaagraha, and am better able to understand how all the actions of this amazing organisation fit together.

3. Are you enjoying it? Is it educational?

Working for Janaagraha is of course educational and fun, but it is due to the amazing people you get the opportunity to work with that gives you the real satisfaction of working at Janaagraha. The Monday morning meetings, are always a great way to start the week, listening to impassioned people is always a great Monday morning pick me up. So wipe the dust from your eyes and forget your Sunday night hangover, get to the office and let’s talk democracy!