By Venkatesh M. Raghavendra
In mid-February this year there was a rare congregation of 15 social entrepreneurs who gathered on an uninhabited island called Korigudda deep in the rainforests of Karnataka, in South India. By any measure it was an unusual coming together of diverse individuals: one was striving to address occupational hazards for textile workers in Ahmedabad, in western India. Another was highlighting violence against women in Calcutta.
Another's goal was to reduce math phobia in school children. Another was deeply concerned about the bio-diversity of rainforests.
But they all had something common in mind: the immense potential of volunteers.
This gathering, which was convened by Ashoka, an international nonprofit organization, was emblematic of the growing importance of volunteerism in the social sector. As organizations and individuals battle social problems, there is an ever-increasing need for human and financial resources. Citizen organizations are rising in number all over the world, but the resources they need are not forthcoming. For any organization to make a difference, it must adopt a dynamic and innovative approach toward building an active and resourceful citizen base.
