IndiaPost.com - United Way plans expansion of benefits to India

NEW YORK: Following the recent visit to India by leaders of United Way, the global, non-commercial charity organization has embarked on a major expansion of its India activities and increased benefits to the needy in India. During the visit, the Global United Way leadership visited with corporate and other community leaders in New Delhi, Mumbai and Baroda to discuss philanthropic partnerships, and establishment of local United Ways in several more cities across the country.

Currently, United Way operates in Mumbai and Baroda. The organization seeks to extend the successes of these organizations to Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Goa, Hubli-Dharwad, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, the National Capital Region and Pune. In New Delhi, United Way convened a meeting attended by over 50 individuals from US multinational companies, NGOs and other area leaders to discuss such a partnership and to determine the immediate next steps necessary to establish a local organization.

"There is already a strong movement of individuals, companies and organizations in India who are looking for opportunities to impact critical human issues here," said Teresa Hall Bartels, President of United Way International. "With its community building expertise and focus on reporting and accountability, United Way is an ideal philanthropic partner." Among the participants and United Way supporters at the meeting was legendary Indian Cricketer Kapil Dev.

United Way Mumbai has been instrumental in developing a "Help Line" focusing on disaster response and preparedness while also addressing the day to day health and hygiene issues of the community. Additionally, they’ve developed a number of programs in the areas of education, civic development and women empowerment. While in Mumbai, the Global United Way leadership team visited the United Way project in Dharavi and witnessed the difference it is making in this slum area on a daily basis, like garbage removal and dissemination of health & hygiene information.

The United Way team also met with the Confederation of Indian Industry, US Consul General Michael Owens, and the Indian Merchant’s Chamber to talk about further engaging regional volunteer leadership. United Way hopes to connect their existing public and private sector partners around the globe who have interests in India with sustainable development opportunities. Its National Corporate Leadership initiative generates more than $1 billion annually and is comprised of 125 Fortune 500 companies in more than 40,000 locations worldwide. "India is quickly becoming a strategic epicenter for our global, knowledge-based economy.

Our partners are actively seeking investment opportunities here. Our intent is to simply connect their philanthropic aspirations with sustainable, life-changing investment opportunities," said Bartels. As the oldest United Way in India, established in 1987, United Way Baroda is another ideal partner for these interests. The Global United Way leadership team met with a number of active community supporters hoping to build on their efforts. The group witnessed their good work directly during a moving visit to a few of their partner agencies.

The Shram Mandir Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre for Leprosy affected people; Shram Mandir, which provides avenues of livelihood and shelter for the residents and their families as well; and The Shroff Foundation Trust, which works in the tribal belt of Gujarat, providing all round economic, social and cultural development of the people. The Trust’s activities reach 47,500 families in 162 villages of Gujarat state. "United Way Baroda is not only an example for the rest of India to follow, it serves as a strategic model for all United Ways around the world seeking to best engage communities to meet their most pressing needs," said Gallagher.

United Way Expansion in India Initiative was launched in 2007 with the objective of expanding United Ways across India. Led by Roma Kapoor, Director, India Initiatives, United Way is increasing awareness and support for regional communities across India amongst non-resident Indians (NRIs) and with North American businesses with interests in India.

"India United Way Expansion Fund has been created to invite and encourage multinational corporations and NRIs to contribute," said Kapoor, "and the United Way Friends of India Program is an easy way for all friends of India, be it NRIs or not, to become a part of the process for strengthening local communities and improving the lives of the citizens of India."