A Monthly publication of Voluntary Action Network India

I, along with VANI team and Working Committee, wish you a very Happy & Prosperous New Year!

VANI is organising its National Convention and Annual General Body Meeting on 9th & 10th February 2010, in New Delhi. This year the focus is on “Partnership”. Since independence the voluntary sector has worked hand-in–hand with government towards nation building. It was the commitment of Voluntary Sector and the facilitating environment provided by the government that service delivery was ensured in the remotest areas of the country. After it was realised that being developing country with limited resources at country’s disposal, the voluntary agencies devised models for service delivery to the last person in efficient and economical mode. While working under partnership mode, the voluntary sector also started questioning the dominant framework and mode of development. It also became the watchers and reformers in development policies, schemes and action research. Consequently, the voluntary sector of India not only influenced the government at various levels but also donors and multi-lateral agencies. On the other hand government also became partner not only by providing resources and space to voluntary sector but also by providing tax exemptions.

But once the economic status of the Indian government improved, it started looking for hands to deliver its schemes, that too without questioning its efficacy. Somehow, voluntary sector decided to be part of it with a strategy to question on platforms formed by government. This resulted in innovative models like social audit, access to information, Asha (in health delivery), etc. Many voluntary agencies collaborated with government to have effective decentralisation of local governance.

However, unknowingly this relationship started being viewed as “contractership”, that too as an efficient and economical contractor. Due to its commitment to service the marginalised and poor, the voluntary agencies started accepting government projects literally at no cost basis, which reinforced the above perception. This approach also led to formation of many fly-by-night non-profit agencies. The For- Profit consultancy agencies also started venturing into development field. In this new model, the focus was more on numbers and less stress on social contribution. Gradually, the government’s commitment to become partner by providing tax relief started regressing.

In the year 2010, VANI with the support of all its members would like to explore this relationship and reinforce the concept of partnership. Let’s hope that the New Year becomes the remarkable year for highlighting the role of voluntary sector in nation building.

1. Regional workshop on Good Governance in Jaipur, Rajasthan on 22nd -23rd December, 2009

A two day regional workshop on “Good governance in civil society organizations” was held in Jaipur on 22nd and 23rd December, 2009. The workshop was organised by Voluntary Action Network India (VANI) in association with Church’s Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA), Jaipur (Rajasthan).The main purpose of the workshop was to enhance common understanding among the participants on issues of legitimacy, transparency and accountability, hence leading to the creation of an environment for promoting of good governance practices among the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). Read More...

The meeting focussed in redefining the Bihar State Network ABHA and its future agenda. The discussions pertained to challenges and opportunities for the sector in State. For furthering the issue it has been planned to jointly organise a two day consultation in Patna on 12-13th January, 2010

Proposals for NGOs

Announcements:

CYDA is organizing a ’South Asian Youth Camp’ from 1-6 February 2010 in Pune. The purpose of this youth camp is to make youth aware about the issues concerning Democracy, Diversity, Pluralism and Youth participation in South Asia. We invite youth between 18 to 25 years to participate in this event. The deadline for participants to apply for this camp is Jan 10th, 2010.

Themes- Democracy, Pluralism, Gender concerns, Youth Participation
Format- Interactive Lectures, Discussions, Working Groups, Documentaries and Skill Building Workshops
Participant countries - India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar and Afghanistan

APPLY NOW TO BE A PART OF SAYC
Open to youth in the age group of 18- 25 years
Visit www.cydaindia.org or call us on 09923051123 for registration details
The Resource Alliance and the Rockefeller Foundation are pleased to invite applications for the India NGO Award 2009. The Awards, as you may be aware were instituted in 2006 to recognise and felicitate those organisations that have demonstrated best practices in creative resourcing, financial management, governance and impact in the community.

Non Governmental Organisations from across the country are encouraged to send in their entries under one of the three categories based on their annual budget for 2008-09.

Categories
- Small:               Annual budget under Rs 50 lakhs
- Medium:           Annual budget between Rs 50 lakhs and Rs 5 crores
- Large:              Annual budget over Rs 5 crores

For more information please click
CDL, Banglore are pleased to announce that we have organised a 3-day training programme on ‘Writing a Case Study' at Bangalore. The programme will be conducted in English and has been scheduled between 19th- 21st Jan 2010.The training aims to build an understanding on 'How to' write a case study, as well as developing perspectives. The training will cover
- Need for Case writing
- Data Collection for writing a Case study
- Planning framework
- Structure of a Case study
- Format of a Case study
- Use of the Case study

The cost for the programme is Rs. 1800/- for non-residential participants and Rs. 2200/- for residential participants. This amount includes course fee, material, assignments, case enquiry, lunch and refreshments.

We hope you will find it interesting and relevant to your work. As seats are limited, we request you to revert back to us block your seats on cdlproject15@gmail.com. We look forward to your response and any queries you may have. You can also contact Kruthiga on 099020 72155 in case you wish to discuss this.

Annual Report is one of the key tools for ensuring transparency and accountability of any organisation. Recognising the significance of quality Annual Reports for ensuring credibility of Voluntary Sector Organisations, we are pleased to present ‘CSO Partners Outstanding Annual Report Awards 2010’ in association with Financial Management Service Foundation (FMSF), Credibility Alliance (CA) and Spatial Access Advertising Consultancy (SAAC) on March 6, 2010 at New Delhi.

Please find the criteria for selection, procedure for application and other information in the brochure available for download by clicking here.

The ILO's Microinsurance Innovation Facility launches a new call for grant proposals to encourage insurance providers to experiment with new products and develop strategic partnerships that will bring effective and affordable products to working poor in developing countries. This call has a special emphasis on health microinsurance, but also welcomes applications for projects focusing on high-impact products and innovative distribution channels. Microinsurers that have the potential to provide better insurance products to many low-income people but need their capacity to be to strengthened can also receive support.

Application forms and guidelines are available on the Facility's website:
www.ilo.org/microinsurance. The deadline for submission is 2 March 2010.