Organizers
Voluntary Action Network India (VANI)
Venue
Vishwa Yuvak Kendra, Circular Road, Chanakyapuri,
New Delhi-110021
About VANI
VANI was formed in the year 1988 with an objective to promote volunteerism and voluntary sector in India. Since then, using advocacy as its principle instrument to catalyze this change, VANI has taken up a series of advocacy initiatives at global, national, and state level.
Background
On the occasion of its 25th year, VANI is organizing this special National Convention. This national convention is also an opportunity to express solidarity with VANI as; we are going to complete 25 years of service to the sector. The last year has been full of challenges and opportunities for the voluntary sector in India. On one hand we saw restrictions to the space available to the sector and on the other new opportunities came.
This year we saw not only the mass cancellation of FCRA registration of more than 4000 organisations, but also harassment of numerous small organisations by local line departments. The visits of local police and intelligence departments have increased. India also had its share of social movement this year with huge mobilisation for forest and land rights, fight against corruption and movement for safety of women. But as after effects of most of such movements voluntary organisations received notices either from Income tax department or FCRA. Interestingly none of such actions could stop the spirit of voluntarism in India.
This year also saw new opportunities for the sector when all of us were involved in formulation and review of five year plans. The finance ministry continued its process of engaging voluntary organisations in pre-budget consultations. The new companies Bill came with exclusive focus on the corporate social responsibility. The Ministry of External Affairs launched development partnership administration. The voluntary organisations got new hope for their bright relationship with government and private sector.
This year the national convention of VANI is weaved around these significant developments in India. As a practice, the national convention is an opportunity wherein voluntary organisations irrespective of their size, nature, theme or strategy interact with each other as well as with the policy makers.
Contact details
Harsh Jaitli
Chief Executive Officer
Voluntary Action Network India (VANI)
BB-5, Greater Kailash Enclave-II
New Delhi 110 048
Phone: +91-11-29228127, 29226632, 414435535, (Direct) 29223644
Fax: +91-11-41435535 Mobile: 9717473474
Email: harsh@vaniindia.org, info@vaniindia.org
Website: www.vaniindia.org