AID Portland Sangarsh, Seva, Nirman

The Portland chapter of AID was founded on August 7, 1999 by a group of friends at the India Day celebration at Pioneer Square. The first fundraiser event organized by AID Portland was Shivanjali on March 24, 2000, featuring Bharatnatyam dance by Dr. Jayanthi Raman. The proceeds from this event were directed towards our first project - READ.

AID Portland volunteers now number over two dozen and meet every Monday for an hour to discuss projects and events and exchange ideas. The agenda for these weekly meetings, known as the Community Service Hour (CSH), is set by the President; the minutes of each meeting are recorded and distributed by the Secretary. AID's philosophy is that every meeting is another step towards bettering an underprivileged life in India.

The activities of the chapter can be broadly classified into evaluation of projects, project execution, awareness generation, and fund-raising activities. Volunteers choose to participate in one or more of these areas depending on their skills, interests and availability of time.

Once every four weeks the group devotes time to discuss essays or articles on selected topics, typically dealing with international development programs and policies. The purpose of this reading group is to encourage education on diverse topics, thereby helping the group develop and understand different viewpoints. In 2001, AID Portland formed its own library when one of its founding members returned with a suitcase full of books after a trip home to India.

Every individual associates himself or herself with AID on a completely voluntary basis. There are no drives or campaigns conducted to increase the volunteer base. Self-motivation is the only drive that keeps this group going forward. For the smooth functioning of the organization, group members assume different roles and responsibilities. You are welcome to attend our CSH any time and be a part of this journey to a better India.