June 2000
Date:June 21st, 2000

Attendees: Bash, Jayashree, Abhijith, Maithreyi, Raji, Raja, Mahesh, Swathi, Naren, Rajesh, Shamik, Nandakumar and Supriya.

Rashtra Nirman (Raja):

        - Mahesh has visited the site. When the site visit is compared with the questionnaire there were many inconsistencies. For example, the questionnaire states 20 centers exist but he could see only 4 centers. The questionnaire states they get only 10% funding from Asha while the site visit report says all funding come from Asha.
        - Site visit was not positive. Students & Teachers were lackadaisical.
        - Jay said this is only project approved without site visit. Everyone agreed on the importance of site visit.
        - Unanimously agreed to stop funding the project and let them know the reason.

Research Report on Metrics (Abhijith):
       
        - One of highly used metrics (for large organizations like UNICEF) is "Under 5 Mortality Rate"
        - It's important because it measures the results.
        - It indirectly correlates with other factors. Other metrics are like Enrolment in schools, Ave income etc.
        - Discussion went on GNP & Amarthya Sen's research
        - Mahesh mentioned about plenty of resources in Net. Will send it in asha_core. Will also send UNESCO's document on how to evaluate project which can be used in Asha.
        - Swathi pointed that this metric for each state would help to priorities projects
        - Discussion on surveying projects: Raji mentioned how they did it in Abudhabi. Jay told about intention to survey Asha projects.

Deaf Aid Society (Shamik):

        - Located in Bangalore. They need money for providing good drinking water to school
        - Went through questions asked by volunteers last time. Those are posted in Projects part in the website.
        - Originally they required 2 lakhs and now require 3 lakhs due to change in contracting firm etc.
        - Jay's father Mr Janardhan will visit school when he gets a chance

Amjad Ali Khan concert (Maithreyi):

        - Venue is fixed. We saved $1000 by changing the venue.
        - Got sound engineer. Sponsorship for operations cost covered.
        - Broachers are done (Murali). Getting good donation from Vijay Vashi.
        - Ali Khan's sons will also be coming.
        - Need to sell 700 tickets.

Asha Picnic (Rajesh):
       
        - Signed up volunteers for organizing. Will be help on 15th July.
        - Jay & Bash will not be attending unfortunately.

Heads up on a conference (Bash):

        - Bash talked about a conference he attended about using Computer & Technology to reduce poverty. India has inherent advantage since it has plenty of software talent.
        - It was convened by many CEOs of startups and a senior MS manager.
        - One of tasks is to create a database of all NGOs. Abijith pointed already existing British counsel database.
        - Jay mentioned that we need to be careful that they shouldn't try directing NGOs. They should approach NGOs with humility and learning attitude.
        - This could be good opportunity to get corporate funding.
        - Bash will follow up and post developments in mail list.

PEAS (Naren):

        - New proposal received from ACTS international. Need $5K for a 4 day conference for school children on environment awareness.
        - Naren to get more information and if it passes high bar will be approved.

Asha working with NAPM (Jay):

        - NAPM - National Alliance People Movement. Sandeep Pandey proposed to join hands with NAPM on their activities.
        - It will help Asha to be seen as people organization. We could directly involve in grass roots organizations. Would also get active volunteers in India and will get quality projects. NAPM also lobbys for Policy changes and take part in movements like NBA.
        - It raised controversy. Mahesh and Swathi pointed few problems there. How will be the response from Donors? Won't Asha be affected if NAPM gets into problem with Government?
        - NAPM is against MNCs and funding from them. How is MS matching considered? We do get corporate funding. One reason for hating MNCs is that they affect some indigenous industries. Mahesh mentioned that it's natural that big corporations affect small ones.
        - Agreed that NAPM volunteers' involvement needed in this discussion.
        - We agreed this will be taken in a separate meeting since it involves so much discussion.


YUVA:
        - A new project in Maharastra. The volunteer has come to bay area. Swathi and Supriya volunteered to follow-up on it.