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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions ...

  • What is AID?
    AID (Association for India's Development), is a non-profit charitable, volunteer organization that supports a wide variety of social service and development projects addressing problems such as literacy, healthcare, rural credit, vocational training, children's welfare etc.
  • When was it started?
    AID was started in 1991 in Maryland by a group of students and professionals.
  • How many branches do we have?
    Actually they are called Chapters. We now have around 36 chapters across the USA with more than 1000 volunteers, and 10 chapters in India. Headquarters is located at College Park, Maryland.
  • When and where do we meet?
    We meet every Monday at 7:30PM at Clubhouse of "Quatama Village Apts" (380 NW Gina Way, Beaverton, OR 97006)
  • What do we do?
    A simple way of looking at it what we do is...
    1. We raise funds
    2. We get project proposals from Indian NGOs, evaluate and fund them.
    3. We nurture the project and keep track of its progress
    But the whole process is more than just collecting money and sending it to India which can only be experienced through the joy and satisfaction of volunteerism.
  • How do we collect money?
    Cash Contributions: Contributions can be made by check or by credit card. All donations are tax deductible.
    Events: Organize concerts, tournaments etc
  • What is a typical Project life cycle?
    Initial: We have a standard project proposal form which will be filled in by the NGO. The Volunteer who got the proposal gives an initial presentation.
    Evaluation: The chapter discusses the proposal and through the coordinator(s) submits any questions/issues that resulted from the discussion to the NGO. This stage is the crucial stage and we aim to understand the project as completely as possible. This stage can go through as many iterations as is needed. All efforts are made to ensure that a project visit is made and a first hand account of the NGO/Project is available.
    Proposal Decision: A decision is made on the project proposal and the necessary steps are taken to fund the approved project.
    Followup: This is an ongoing stage where the chapter obtains regular feedback on the progress of the approved project and works with the NGO/project beneficiaries towards the 'success' of the project.
  • What can I do?
    Anything and everything :-). Routine work would be to do project reviews in the meeting and organizing fundraising activities. It is important to understand the developmental issues facing the rural and urban poor in India. Towards this goal, help organizing talks by social workers, screen documentaries, do a onsite Project Visit in India etc.
  • Who are the elected officebearers of AID Portland?
    Please contact us at portland@aidindia.org to learn more about our chapter, volunteers & office bearers.
  • What are the mailing lists?
    aid_pdx_core@yahoogroups.com: For the core volunteers about day-to-day operational discussions.
    Please contact portland@aidindia.org to add yourself to the mailing list(s).
  • Where can I get more information?
    http://www.aidindia.org : Main AID web site
    Or feel free to send us an email.