Meeting Minutes 11/02/08
Attendees: Rahul, Murali , Jith, Nandini, Ganesh, Sharanya
1. Discussion on publicity at religious places/political gatherings, etc
2. UT business school event
3. Fundraising
4. Prasanna Jyothi updates and budget
1. Discussion on publicity at religious places/political gatherings, etc- Group
Disclaimer: These are view of participants in the discussion and do not represent the views of either the chapter or Asha for Education as a whole.
− As far as religious places go, if its only a question of publicity and not getting involved in the organization itself that should be considered as an option where we can do publicity.
− But when it comes to being perceived as being associated with a particular organization or idea that is not in line with Asha's core values, we need to be careful
− Secular should be interpreted as being disassociated from any sort of religious affiliation and does not imply treating all such organization equally when it comes to say setting up a table at an Asha event.
− The issue is not exclusively about religious organizations but also political affiliations because being apolitical is one of Asha's core values.
− Within a small community its not possible to distinguish these aspects clearly without running the risk of alienating a certain section.
− The general perception has now become that Asha is more of a "hindu" organization because traditionally the chapter has been comfortable setting up tables at hindu religious places and not, say, at a church.
− Need to discuss this further with more people involved at the chapter level
2. UT business school event - Nandini
− International Night 2008 on Wednesday, November 19th at UT's McCombs B-School
− This event is the biggest MBA event of the year with close to 1,000 people attending.
− Various cultures and countries set up decorated booths and serve food from around the world. There are also several entertainment acts.
− Nandini has confirmation from the program office about
using a part of the
− Details to be worked out
3. Fundraising -Murali
− Fundraising shortfall for next year: Based on expected income from Strides / Show of Hope. Possible shortfall based on current disbursement $ 30,000/-
− Continuation of last week's discussion on shorter-run training
− Based on feedback received during Strides of Hope publicity
− Presented details of one proposed program, training for 10ks
− Coaching:
* Could be entirely coached by volunteers without any association with Rogue
~ 1 coach per max of 10 runners
* Another possibility is to work with Rogue. It adds credibility.
~ Adds sign up cost to the runner
* What about giving people a choice?
Give North / South Location option for short runs
Long run will be at a common location
− How to publicize
Contact groups previously interested in SoH- 'Austin Chetak'?, another group featuring 'Rao Aradula'
Questions and Answers:
Qn: Why $1000/- per runner?
Ans: To be fair to the half-marathon runners. Did not want to undercut the SoH program. People should not sign up for this coz the fundraising is smaller. They should sign up for this coz of wanting to run a shorter run.
Qn: What is the student discount or other discount?
Ans: Similar discounts will have to be considered as the SoH marathon
Qn: Did people raise issue about fundraising during publicity of SoH? Did many people default last year in SoH?
Ans: Quite a few people mentioned it. In the previous year, maybe around 10% of the people did not met their target. But the target audience for this is much different (older, wealthier and better contacts)
Qn: Why do we not organize shorter races ourself?
Ans: (a) Vibha does that. We do not want to step on their toes
(b) It is a lot of work and a logistical nightmare. In the past we have not had the bandwidth to do so. Going forward, it may be a feasible solution.
Qn: If successful, will it take away from the SoH program next year?
Ans: Likely, but equally likely is that we will motivate people from this program to SoH next year.
Comments:
Necessary to align it with the running calendar
Need to end it before summer starts. Last year we ran for Chicago Marathon, which was more difficult.
Try and finish
info session by Christmas? People may travel to
Who will be incharge and driving the program: Yet to be decided.
4.Prasanna Jyothi updates and budget - Sharanya
Provided 2-3 min background of the project
An Asha Funding Outlook: Due to currency fluctuation, the first installment dollar amount sent was more than the budget presented in rupees. (Meeting minutes: link)
Online poll to be set up to approve second instalment
Questions and Answers:
Qn: Do they have a reason why they do not do adoptions?
<Follow-up>
Qn: How do the people come to know about PJ?
Ans: Pretty much just Word-Of-Mouth. No official help-lines like banyan.
<Follow-Up>
Qn: Are they constrained in capacity?
Ans: They have the facility, space and a new building. They may be person constrained.
<Follow-up>
Qn: How do the kids go to school?
Ans: Transportation provided. One of the older girls itself helps. A lot of girls go to the same school. They do not have their own bus.
Qn: How long has PJ been around? Do they have success stories and role models?
Ans: Atleast 15 years. They have had a couple of girls, who have done further studies and have secured good jobs. They do visit the project periodically to help with the project.
Qn: Do they get any kind of career counselling?
Ans: No right now it is very informal. Anita she goes quite regularly, and talks to them about it.
Qn: What is the intake / out-take process? How do they ascertain the age of the kids?
<Follow-up>
Qn: How do they verify that the parent is the actual parent of the kid?
<Follow-Up>
Experimental Catering Service under way. Can they be put in touch with Banyan to exchange notes about the service?
<Follow-Up>
Qn: Can the kids be provided with some vocational training if required? We can continue to support the training in the same way as we support their education.
<Follow-Up>
Qn: What would have happened to such kids if PJ was not around?
Ans: They are some state run agencies but no more information
<Follow-Up>
Qn: What happens to the kids whose parents take them back?
Ans: there is no proper follow up with those parents and/or kids.
Qn: Do they have a book library?
Ans: Donated book may not be useful, since there is not quality control on what kind of book is donated, and whether it is relevant or not to the kids.
Qn: What are the school/college fees, since primary education must be free?
<Follow-Up>
Qn: Do they have an educational loan system for higher education? is this something they can look into?
Ans: Currently no. They will need guarantor.
Qn: How many kids learn music?
<Follow-Up>
Qn: Do they own the building or lease it?
Ans: They own the building