Introduction 〉

SOCIAL (Strategic Organizational Collaboration for Improvement and Advancement of Lives) is a national collaboration of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) operating from India or having its registered office in India. Established in 2020 and registered in 2024, SOCIAL aims to foster strategic partnerships among NGOs to collectively address the socioeconomic challenges faced by communities across all states and union territories2. Our mission is to establish an authentic national and international voice for the entire social sector community of India.

Our Vision 〉

Our vision is to create an inclusive India where every citizen has access to opportunities, basic needs, and dignified living standards3. We strive to build a thriving and inclusive India by assisting NGOs in achieving their goals, thereby eradicating poverty, improving well-being, and fostering self-reliance among marginalized communities.

Our Mission 〉

SOCIAL’s mission is to provide a platform for both budding and established organizations to come together and assist each other in various fields such as financial organization, capacity building, policy discussions, and protecting the rights of member organizations5. We aim to help organizations work together to improve the lives of the underprivileged by overcoming disease, illiteracy, hunger, unemployment, and other social challenges6. Our mission also includes promoting national-level coordination among NGOs, civil society organizations, government bodies, and corporate entities through seminars, symposiums, conferences, and research.

Key Objectives 〉

• Self-Employment Generation: We aim to foster entrepreneurship and create sustainable self-employment opportunities for underprivileged and marginalized communities.
• Education: Enhancing the accessibility and quality of education for marginalized children and youth, especially in rural India.
• Healthcare: Improving healthcare infrastructure, services, and awareness, including mental health, to ensure better health and well-being.
• Community Empowerment: Empowering marginalized communities through skill development, vocational training, and capacity building to ensure better livelihood opportunities.

Key Initiatives 〉

SAAPLING (SOCIAL Aid Assistance Program for Local Initiatives and National Growth):

Simplifies administrative burdens for NGOs by offering cost-effective solutions for essential tasks and capacity-building measures.

NEGC (National Employment Generation Campaign):

Promotes agricultural goods and products manufactured by women-led SHGs, trains farmers, and facilitates greater export opportunities.

Mission MARS (Market Analysis, Research, and Survey):

Conducts comprehensive market analysis and surveys to identify challenges and provide solutions within agricultural and SHG markets.

Yuva Sangam:

Festival of Youth: An annual youth festival that promotes arts, culture, music, and literary skills, fostering personal growth and community development.

Parivartan: Shaping Future Together:

An annual intellectual conclave that empowers youth and women voices through transformative discussions on various societal issues.

Josh:

We Are One: A national platform for youth to showcase athletic talents in various sports, providing career opportunities and fostering talent recognition.

Nibandh Sangam:

India Writes Together: A nationwide essay writing competition aimed at college-going students to promote literacy and intellectual engagement.

Bhoomija:

Eco Action Summit: An annual summit that addresses critical issues related to environmental conservation, wildlife preservation, and green energy.

Organizational Structure 〉

SOCIAL operates within a collaborative framework, fostering seamless communication and coordination among its member NGOs. The structure comprises several key components:

• National Executive Committee (NEC): The central guiding entity responsible for making pivotal decisions for the advancement of marginalized communities.
• National General Body: Comprising all member NGOs, it holds authority over decisions of national significance and coordinates various projects and initiatives.
• State Executive Committees (SEC): Ensures regional representation and engagement, addressing localized challenges effectively21.
• Steering Committees: Sector-specific committees dedicated to addressing particular areas of focus.
• SOCIAL Change Makers: A nationwide cohort of dynamic college students and professionals who amplify SOCIAL’s message and support local initiatives.
• National Advisory Council (NAC): A diverse assembly of seasoned professionals from various backgrounds that enrich SOCIAL’s initiatives with multifaceted perspectives.

Challenges Faced by NGOs in India 〉

NGOs in India face a variety of challenges, including funding constraints, regulatory compliance, lack of institutional capacity, political interference, public perception and trust issues, limited access to marginalized communities, inadequate collaboration and coordination, capacity building needs, sustainability of interventions, and vulnerability to external shocks. SOCIAL acknowledges these challenges and views them as potential stepping stones to resilience and innovation.

Benefits of Joining SOCIAL 〉

Joining SOCIAL offers numerous benefits, including collaborative networking, capacity building, resource sharing, fundraising support, advocacy for policy reforms, international collaborations, visibility and recognition, and peer support. Membership in SOCIAL is an invitation to be part of a dynamic community that believes in fostering positive change through collective efforts.

Our Recent Ventures 〉

Tree Plantation Drive: Leading multiple nationwide tree plantation drives to contribute to environmental conservation and combat climate change.

Ration Distribution Drive: Addressing food insecurity by organizing drives to distribute essential supplies to vulnerable communities.

Stationary Distribution Drive: Ensuring underprivileged students have access to essential educational materials.

Assam Flood Relief: Engaging in relief efforts to support communities affected by natural disasters.

Menstrual Awareness Drive: Promoting menstrual hygiene in multiple regions.

Self-employed Marginalized Women Empowerment: Empowering marginalized women in the Sundarbans through self-employment initiatives.

Reusable Sanitary Kit Distribution: Distributing reusable sanitary kits to women in marginalized communities.

Workshop for Farmers on Organic Farming: Educating farmers on organic farming practices and sustainable agriculture.

Kelawade Rainwater Harvesters Eco-friendly Project: Supporting communities affected by natural disasters through eco-friendly initiatives.

Contact Us 〉

Contact Us For those seeking to connect, partner, or embark on a shared mission with SOCIAL, please reach out to us at socialforindia@gmail.com or call us at +91-76549-47547 or +91-98738-92261. We welcome your engagement and look forward to fostering connections that contribute to positive social change.