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Please enlist yourself as a member/supporter/friend of SEEDS here What is SEEDS?Sustainable Economic and Educational Development Society (SEEDS) is a tax-exempt 501c(3) nonprofit organization registered in the US. It promotes sustainable advancement of the people, focusing primarily in the state of Orissa, India. SEEDS began as a registered student organization at the University of Texas at Austin, and is now incorporated in the state of Oregon, USA. This article provides a glimpse into our organization.
Philosophy And AspirationSEEDS philosophy is rooted in our wish to promote educational and economic progress and development for the common folks particularly in Orissa, but in the developing world in general. We, in principle, also would take stand against social evils and injustices whenever possible. We hope that these, in turn, would indirectly bring about and foster the other important ingredient -- political consciousness-- among the people. We do not believe in simple, conventional charity. Rather we believe in working as perhaps catalysts and facilitators of development --- the exact roles for people near or on the field will naturally differ from those of volunteers who are abroad. Fundamentally, we support and promote the sort of development that is
Our
financial support is only catalytic; we largely rely on
selfsufficiency-promoting loans and strategic/technical help
to the beneficiaries. We hope this will eventually
grow into a movement of "participatory consciousness
for sustainable & equitable development" among
non-resident Indians and Orissans worldwide. When Did It StartIt
started in March of 1993 in the wake of shocking news of
inhuman misery and deprivation in the famine-affected region
of Orissa, as a result of extensive discussion on a electronic
medium called ORNET. Initially, it was informally called
"Kalahandi-Bolangir Initiative". The effort was organized
into an independent group in April, 1994. The group was
formally named as "Sustainable Economic & Educational
Development Society" (SEEDS), reflecting its broader focus
and philosophy. Brief, Concrete ObjectivesWe seek to be conscionable agents of sustainable, non-violent, democratic and equitable development in Orissa and elsewhere. Towards this end, we see the need to educate ourselves and other non-residents, to raise monetary contributions and ideas from among us to catalytically help development workers and ordinary people to help themselves achieve their freedom from hunger, deprivation, ignorance, and exploitation -- the many socio-economic & political ills. We do not have delusions of any quick, grand changes by a few of us, but we hope the movement grows among more people to steadily but surely proceed towards that lofty goal. The two facets of our goal:
a. first-hand knowledge about the issues of progress b. volunteering opportunities c. concrete milestones to achieve, and more. Organizational StructureThe structure and operation is DEMOCRATIC, EGALITARIAN and NON-SECTARIAN. At present, a few individuals have been asked or have generously taken upon themselves to provide primary leadership, coordination and to perform day-to-day, related work. A subset of these people can be contacted for more details. The SEEDS core set of volunteers and members is a dynamic list of dynamic people. The
board and other volunteers. Back to topActivities, projects, reports and newslettersNew/Current Projects
DonatePlease donate your time, thought and/or money to the projects and activities of SEEDS. You could join seednet@yahoogroups.com for greater interaction with us. You can also become a voting member by paying yearly dues and staying involved with SEEDS activites (yearly dues for US members is $150; for others, please contact a board member). Your contribution as a member, or though targetted donations to specific projects, or via your general patronage is greatly needed and appreciated. Treasurer's address: Back to topMore about SEEDS and its projectsTransparency is a hall mark of SEEDS. In that spirit we are providing basic information to empower the public and to enable the SEEDS volunteers reach for their potential in making a positive difference. Careful thought and near-zero overhead underscore our financial approach to funding projects. Forms for applying for sponsorship of a development activity Social entrepreneurship Some Ideas on Social Entrepreurs: Fellows FormsAndDocs/India_potential.doc Long-range Strategic Plan for development All Rights Reserved. Notice: All materials in SEEDS website are copyrights of their respective owners. If you have other uses beyond viewing, please contact a SEEDS official.
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