Social technology involving local Indian volunteers

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Permalink Reply by David Wilcox on December 11, 2009 at 21:30

Thanks Amaidi ... really interesting issue. We are focussed here on social tech - so any thoughts on how that enables international engagement with less of a footprint?

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Permalink Reply by Amaidi on December 12, 2009 at 5:02

Well, the *obvious* seems to go in for virtual volunteering. When the volunteer's legs stay where they are, there's a natural absence of carbon footprint (not counting the electricity needed to charge his/her laptop's battery, the heater, the light etc.). But that won't do as I am not (planning to become) a 'virtual volunteering agency' in the near future.

The question should perhaps be rephrased: 'How or where should I start using my existing Facebook and Twitter pages to attract Indian volunteers?' Simply leaving a message at a webforum or e-noticeboard, won't do (I found out). I am fed with high expectations using social technology will help me in 2010 to raise an interest with the huge but scattered community of Indian volunteers in towns, cities, villages and hamlets.

David Wilcox said:

Thanks Amaidi ... really interesting issue. We are focussed here on social tech - so any thoughts on how that enables international engagement with less of a footprint?

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Permalink Reply by Amaidi on December 21, 2009 at 16:58

To pull my discussion out of the snow:

Perhaps we can pursue this road: how could we use social networking to attract (mostly) young and well-educated Indian volunteers to volunteer in their own country?

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Permalink Reply by Rosie Niven on December 22, 2009 at 11:48

Amaidi, just wondered whether you think this is a cultural issue. There seems to be a philanthropic culture in India, but maybe volunteering is less visable. I note that you mentioned the issue of carbon footprint. Do young, well-educated Indians like volunteering overseas in the same way as western "gappers" do?

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Permalink Reply by Rosie Niven on December 22, 2009 at 11:49

Sorry, I realise it doesn't answer your question. Just thought it was an interesting issue.

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Permalink Reply by Rosie Niven on December 22, 2009 at 12:07

Have you started a Facebook group?

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Permalink Reply by Amaidi on December 24, 2009 at 14:24

Dear Rosie,

Yes, I have a FB group , but I'm not too active there: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=54418154571&ref=search&am...

I also started an AMAIDI Foundation fan page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AMAIDI-Foundation/206962082272?re..., and I'm much more to be found there. Reason: I just started it (needs more attention) and I work alone (have no staff).

We're also Twittering time away at http://twitter.com/amaidi

Besides these 'structural' challenges, I have been bed ridden for the last three days with high fever. And still! Hope to be better tomorrow so that I can start answering the load of emails patiently lying unread in my inbox ;-)

Thank you for your input, I'll reflect on the issue of 'culture'. What I can say right now is that I think the way I look at what other people do - the behavior they show us - is nothing but culturally determined. But with your remark added, I'll go just a bit deeper into this. Thank you, really.

Greetings,
Camille

Rosie Niven said:

Have you started a Facebook group?

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Permalink Reply by Rosie Niven on December 28, 2009 at 22:31

Hi Camille,

Thanks for your response. I don't live in India but worked in Chennai for a month. If there is a cultural issue there, I don't think it's an insurmountable issue. I think it might just be highlighting the benefits of volunteering for the individual. I can think of one off top of my head:

A lot of young Indian people have limited contact with people from Europe / America and are keen to make friends (often through social networking). Perhaps you could use your social media presence to draw volunteers from outside India together with potential recruits from the local area, thus engaging them in the project?

I have a few friends in Chennai - some working in the media. I'll draw their attention to your fan page.

Good Luck.

Rosie

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Permalink Reply by David Wilcox on December 29, 2009 at 16:53

Hi Amaidi - seen this one?
"Sriram Bharatam, founder and CEO, Iridium Interactive, an internet consultancy firm based in Hyderabad, runs a non-profit called Cause an Effect Foundation. Last week, the foundation installed a water treatment facility in a village near Hyderabad. Bharatam, who was in the village to oversee the operations, started tweeting and updating his Facebook status message about what he saw there -- the villagers, their culture and the curiosity they showed in the project.
"Within a few hours, close to 100 people on his network responded, says Bharatam. "Initially, the comments were about how great the project was. Then, a few started asking more serious questions such as 'What is reverse osmosis?'. I started getting into the details like the chlorine levels in the water which can cause disability, and that it takes Rs2 lakh to install a water treatment unit. It was then that five people came forward to donate money. In one day, I inspired these five people to give around Rs10 lakh."

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Permalink Reply by Amaidi on December 29, 2009 at 17:03

Yes, David. Got it. That's what good timing and a good network (of people) may achieve. But I'm putting my own modest steps (without money involved). Got my first partner - an orphanage in S-India close to where I live - signed up at my NING at http://amaidifoundation.ning.com/profile/Amaidi. Take a look.

I'll keep you and the others of SBS posted.

Thanks for sending me a link to the article,
Shows your commitment,

Camille

David Wilcox said:

Hi Amaidi - seen this one?
"Sriram Bharatam, founder and CEO, Iridium Interactive, an internet consultancy firm based in Hyderabad, runs a non-profit called Cause an Effect Foundation. Last week, the foundation installed a water treatment facility in a village near Hyderabad. Bharatam, who was in the village to oversee the operations, started tweeting and updating his Facebook status message about what he saw there -- the villagers, their culture and the curiosity they showed in the project.
"Within a few hours, close to 100 people on his network responded, says Bharatam. "Initially, the comments were about how great the project was. Then, a few started asking more serious questions such as 'What is reverse osmosis?'. I started getting into the details like the chlorine levels in the water which can cause disability, and that it takes Rs2 lakh to install a water treatment unit. It was then that five people came forward to donate money. In one day, I inspired these five people to give around Rs10 lakh."

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