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I have been a volunteer with this organization for more than 6 years now. I have enjoyed volunteering for Asha and find it amazing that a group of individuals with a common set of goals and beliefs can come together in this way and support education related and other causes in India. It has been very gratifying to see that the volunteering effort is paid off in terms of better education opportunities for young children who would other wise not have any access to even elementary education.

I have found Asha for Education to be a very strong volunteer organization. In working with the Berkeley chapter, the organization has been a a way to unite both Indians, who want to be more involved with improving the country of their heritage, as well as non-Indians, who are looking to get involved in grassroots development. Our chapter is based on the collaboration of undergraduates, graduate students and working professionals. Because Asha for Education is a flat, non-hierarchical organization, everyone has a equal voice and thus, all our decisions are based on a wide range of perspectives. Asha for Education goes through an involved vetting process to ensure that the money we raise goes to well-deserved grassroots organizations in India that have the greatest potential to enact change in their communities through education. We require that our partner organizations in India give regular updates on the status of their schools and institutions so we know exactly how are money is being spent and what impact it is having. I have personally been deeply involved with the planning of our annual culture show fundraiser, Images of India, which is now on its 19th year. While putting on this event, I have seen the loyal following of the show's regular attendees and witnessed how Asha for Education has become deeply entrenched in both Indian and non-Indian communities in the Bay Area. Even in these times of economic troubles, we still have a group of supporters who regularly donate to our chapter, recognizing the need to maintain international development and realizing that Asha for Education is one of the best ways to channel their donations to this effort. Asha for Education as a whole also finds innovative ways to fundraise, such as the Work an Hour campaign, which is an online fundraiser that asks people to symbolically donate an hour of their time to help underprivileged children in India by simply giving an hour's worth of their wages or salary. Using this simple premise, in 2009, this campaign was able to raise over $100,000 in just two months. Asha for Education is entirely volunteer based, and every one of our volunteers cares deeply for this cause. We are a zero-overhead organization, which means that all the operational costs are borne by the volunteers and 100% of the money we raise goes directly to our projects and the children who need it most. As such, if you're interested stimulating socioeconomic change in India, Asha for Education is one of the most worthy organizations to work with.

I joined this organization as an undergraduate and it was so inspiring to work for such a great cause that I would prioritize doing Asha related work over school work. It is a very satisfying experience to be able to do something/anything to help children gain an education. The most difficult part is deciding which organizations/schools to help keeping in mind our limited funds. All the volunteers I have interacted with are very helpful and super dedicated to the cause. It is like a small family working towards a common goal. Sometimes we have intense discussions on topics but that is only because everyone cares deeply about it. I have never felt like I cannot express my thoughts/opinions with this group of people. They are open to fresh ideas and thoughts. Even though the issue we are working towards is very close to the heart for most of us, we try to make rational decisions about what is important for the children. What is even more inspiring is when you see the feedback from the children, how they are elated at having this opportunity to go to school rather than taking it for granted. It is a very humbling experience to work with this organization.

Asha For Education is focused on Education of the underprivileged children in India. The focus is on education of children as the organization believes that its only through education that a change can be brought about. Its not a quick fix. The organization is completely volunteer based and does not have any overhead. Its a group of dedicated volunteers who are keen in giving back to the society and bringing about a change.

Have been involved as a volunteer with Asha ever since being introduced to it at the Univ of Illinois in 2001. As a Univ chapter, the volunteer group was intimate yet highly enthusiastic and motivated. Served in the capacity of event organizer for the semi-annual fundraiser. Moved to LA for work in 2003 and was involved remotely with the LA chapter, more as a donor this time. Moved to the Cal Bay area after getting married in 2005 and joined the Silicon Valley chapter right away. Involved primarily in fundraising, event organization and donor relations. Love the attitude of volunteers: professional, thorough yet a lot of FUN! The Team Asha marathon program serves as inspiration to do bigger and better things for the chapter and the organization as a whole. The Work an Hour campaign is very innovative and motivating in itself. What I love most about Asha is its flat structure along with zero-overhead, 100% volunteer driven organization! I am Asha :)

At Getti Melam, Sep 2006- fundraiser for Asha SV