Lessons from a non-profit Organization journey

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In 1999, there was a major cyclone in Odisha, India.  Millions of people were affected. Few of us who hailed from Odisha and working in silicon valley, California felt the need to act.  The grassroot moment was finally registered as a non-profit organization as Indo-American Sevaks Foundation.

Over the years we have completed almost 40-50 projects worth more $500K impacting thousands children.  We have built schools, small hospital, provide computers, provide eye care, libraries and so on. Our team is still small (a dozen) but it has continued to march on over the years.  I am sharing what I learnt over the years.
  • Everyone is a volunteer. If you are in a leadership role, don't think like a CEO - think more like someone who can bring the group together.
  • Everyone is busy with work, family commitments and many other things ... people help in different ways at different points of time. So, it is important to understand that.
  • Energy level fluctuates - It is very hard for people to commit at the same energy level - that's okay. Every little but of help counts!
  • Getting new volunteers to the team is critical to the growth of the organization. It brings new energy level as well as ideas.
  • Transparency is key -  everything must be open and accessible. 
There were few times we thought of shutting down the organization as energy level of the team was very low. But somehow we always convince ourselves to keep pushing even if it feels like we are not doing much. Even if we can impact few kids, it is better than none.

World has now 7.5B people. Assuming 20% are middle class or rich, it leaves almost 6B people (low income and poor). So, if each of us can make some impact to ten kids is some form, we have moved the needle even if it is infinitesimal.  So, if as a team can make impact to 120 kids in a positive way, it is all that is needed to keep forging ahead. Every year, if we keep doing that, however small  the impact may be it is worth it!

I myself have gone through the cycle of high energy and low energy when work and family commitments were high.  I think in this case (unlike apple slogan), "Think Small" makes perfect sense - a raindrop, that is what each of us have to do and it will lead to streams and rivers.

I am glad to be part of this journey. Thank you IASF team :-)

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