Introduction to the AID/sAthi program

The concept of the Stimulated Volunteer is a natural extension of our Fellowship idea. As I never tire from saying the greatest SV of the century was also the greatest Indian of the century - Gandhiji. Following in his footsteps should indeed be a matter of great joy and pride for us. So, what is an SV? From time to time we come across persons who show every inclination to want to contribute to the development of India somewhat along the lines envisaged by us. However, they lack the means to carry out their "SERVICE." Our input would be to provide support - financial or in kind so that the person can proceed without having to worry about feeding him/herself and their dependents. We seek out people by interacting deeply with them and invite them to become "SATHIS" (or SV's) of AID for a while so that we all get enriched by the process.

At no time should anyone get the idea that an SV is an "employee." Such a mind set would destroy the very soul of the program that we have envisioned. To be an SV is the ACTIVE partner in an ongoing collaboration. Depending upon age she/he would be a daughter/son; sister/brother or parent. Properly cultivated relationships are essential to sustain both the facilitators (outside India) and the performer (In India). I would therefore strongly urge that we get to know our SV well and then "ADOPT" him/her into AID family for a time bound duration.

In light of the above, we should avoid putting into place any terribly rigid criteria - quality, dedication and enthusiasm are what will count most. We must take great care to adopt those who provide new directions. We need to expand our horizons and adopting senior SV's would be the most efficient way to accomplish this.

The spectrum of SV's is likely to be very wide and quite varied (see annex). It is our responsibility as individuals and chapter voters to bring the best collaborators with whom we have already developed a coherent relationship.

I understand that many chapters are considering the mechanics of putting the SV program into place. Let us hope that we can finalize it all at the meeting in May.

If you have any questions, please give me a chance to answer them. GOD BLESS YOU!

Respectfully submitted

Mohan Bhagat
Tel (301) 384 2857, (301) 405 6144

Annex 1. : Volunteer Categories

The spectrum of SV is rather wide.

1. AID Fellows: The concept was put in place about a year ago and identifies volunteers who are able to operate on a country wide basis. Many details have been stated in the annals of the AID discussions but at the simplest level one identifies a highly trained (PhD/MS) individual who can initiate projects, network with NGOs, establish meaningful interactions among city folks (who often are quite savvy in technical skills) and the villagers (who carry with them wisdom derived from centuries of experience). Candidates for fellowship would have already proven their abilities of leadership, vision etc. and are individuals who have, more or less, indicated that they wish to work on developmental projects for many years to come. AID already have 2 examples in Dr. Ravi Kuchimanchi and Dr. Balaji Sampath and we see several others in the making. (Please add any names that to your knowledge fit into this category).
2. Pilot Fellows (AID): This is also an AID concept and refers to individuals who are just as qualified as fellows but are not available for a permanent commitment by either circumstances or design. Mrs. Aravinda Pillalamarri is a beautiful case in point. Her work with the NBA is an excellent example for us all. The Latest addition was Venkatesh.
   People from the above categories are groomed within AID.
3. Senior Workers: When we get proposals for project support in India we often come across workers who have already spent a few years establishing rapport with the villagers. They have gained the confidence of their collaborators and established credibility. With our support their efforts could take off in a big way. We are aware of several such people through looking at AID and ASHA projects. We daresay that many other organizations could easily add to this list.
4. Junior Workers: (One year to two years in duration) We should use the good offices of our fellows, pilot fellows, and senior workers to identify and locate young and not so young people who would like to work in the villages. Based on the suggestions of Dr. Parameswara Rao of BCT, five levels of workers are identified: Class X fail, Class X pass, Class XII, BA, and MA. They could potentially be working in 1 - 5 villages depending on their qualifications and experience. Their main task is to do whatever the villagers need and want them to do. The input must come from those who are most affected. Some of the items that come to our mind include: meaningful education, cleanliness, accounting, political (?) awareness, appropriate technology, primary health care etc. However, the villages and villagers alone (in the collective sense) formulate the options. The crucial stages again will be: gaining confidence, establishing rapport and credibility by delivering the goods on some carefully selected items in a timely manner. Our long-term goal is that some of the SV's from this category grow to become senior workers and these in turn provide a pool from which pilot fellows and fellows emerge.