Look who’s talking! Graham Allen, Advocacy Volunteer

1. How did you get to know of Janaagraha?

My name is Graham Allen, I am a volunteer for Janaagraha's Advocacy program throughout the summer of 2010.I am currently completing my undergraduate degree at York University in Toronto, Canada. It was through the Internship Program offered at my university that I came upon the opportunity to work with Janaagraha.

2. What kind of work do you do here?

In my time here at JCCD I have been exposed to a working atmosphere that has been both humbling and inspiring, focused and wonderfully social. My work has been in Advocacy and the development of the theoretical framework behind Janaagraha's budding Urban Governance Index. This project has granted me the opportunity to work both with the organization's founders Swati and Ramesh Ramanathan and Uthara Narayanan, coordinator for the Jaagte Raho program. It has truly been 'the kid in the candy shop' in my nine weeks here, as I have marveled at the bright minds around me.

3. Are you enjoying it? Is it educational?

As an international intern, it has been most remarkable the extent to which I have learned about home from halfway around the world. Janaagraha has inspired questions which I must ask of myself and my own community with regards to citizenship, governance and the democratic negotiations between the two. It has broadened the scope through which I observe the urban jungle while igniting some ideas which I am excited to bring home.
The working environment at JCCD is welcoming, challenging and if approached passionately, often enlightening. And while I am thrilled with my time here thus far, I suspect that it will be long after I return home that I truly appreciate the value this internship has given me.