Rural Voices Rising - Empowering Youth for Social Change

In grassroots organizations like Atmashakti, expanding the network and engaging various stakeholders are vital strategies. When local communities take ownership of the movement and volunteer to advocate for their concerns, it fosters a sense of right and responsibility. This, in turn, increases the likelihood of achieving positive and sustainable results in rural areas.

The "Rural Voices Rising" project, initiated by Atmashakti, is a dynamic endeavor aimed at amplifying the voices of rural youth for social change. Atmashakti boasts a robust network of volunteers who are pivotal in driving this movement. The project is multifaceted, employing three distinct types of volunteers, each with a unique approach to bridging the gap between government and remote communities in India:

1. Urmi - Wave of Change: This group comprises 30 dedicated women representatives who have taken the lead in connecting government agencies with remote communities. They aim to facilitate collaboration and bridge the gap between these two vital stakeholders. Furthermore, they are actively learning and building a network of 180 Urmi representatives, expanding the project's reach and impact.
2. Young Eagles: These volunteers leverage sports to engage and mobilize rural youth. By using sports as an entry point, they inspire and empower young people to take action within their communities. This approach not only promotes physical fitness but also encourages social change and community involvement.
3.  #Warriors: This group harnesses the power of social media, specifically Twitter, to highlight critical issues rural communities face. They utilize e-governance tools to advocate for change and facilitate action on pressing matters.

For this "Rural Voices Rising" project, we would like a Fels student to develop a comprehensive volunteer engagement program. The student should provide recommendations for how Atmashakti can effectively harness and structure its extensive volunteer network. The organization seeks to maximize the network's potential and enhance its ability to complement Atmashakti's grassroots actions.

The success of the "Rural Voices Rising" project hinges on collaboration with various stakeholders, including:

•    Community Members: The core beneficiaries and active participants in the project.
•    Line Departments: Government agencies responsible for addressing rural issues and concerns.
•    Atmashakti Team: The organization's dedicated staff and leadership.
•    Political Representatives: Elected officials who can advocate for policy changes and allocate resources.
•    Media: Key partners in disseminating information and raising awareness about the project's goals and achievements.

 "Rural Voices Rising" is a holistic initiative by Atmashakti that leverages a diverse network of volunteers to empower rural youth and amplify their voices for social change. This capstone project aims to structure and optimize the volunteer network to complement Atmashakti's grassroots efforts, fostering ownership among rural communities and engaging various stakeholders in pursuing a brighter future for remote areas in India.

Potential Skills Gained for a Master of Policy Administration Student:

•    Policy Skills: Students will engage in policy development and analysis, gaining practical experience in policy administration.
•    Volunteer Management: They will lead and manage a diverse volunteer network, building leadership and organisational skills.
•    Grassroots Engagement: Students will work closely with rural communities, understanding local challenges.
•    Cross-Cultural Competence: Collaborating in a diverse team enhances cross-cultural communication skills.
•    Project Management: They will learn project planning, resource allocation, and goal tracking.
•    Advocacy and Social Media: Students in the #Warrior group will gain advocacy and social media skills.
•    Data Analysis: Experience in data collection, analysis, and reporting.
•    Global Perspective: The project offers a global outlook on policy and development issues.
•    Leadership and Teamwork: Building leadership and teamwork capabilities.
•    Social Impact: Demonstrating commitment to social impact on their resumes.

In summary, students gain policy, management, and leadership skills, a global perspective, and a strong social impact story for their resumes through active involvement in this project.