Resource Institution:
AVARD has also been functioning as an informal resource institution on voluntary action, rural development, Panchayati Raj, micro-planning, networking, etc. Accordingly, it has assisted a large number of voluntary organisations, Panchayats, academics, researches, donors, mediapersons and others from all over India and abroad with useful knowledge, information and materials during the period under review. About a dozen persons on an average visit its Delhi office for this purpose on every working day.
Networking:
AVARD, as a national network, promotes and strengthens a dynamic relationship and process of Friendship (SAKHYA), Cooperation (SAHAYOGA) and Interaction (SAMVADA) among the voluntary organisations, like the one sustaining the universe. And the process has continued during the period under review as well. Networking of Panchayats, especially at the primary unit level, has been an integral part of this process.
In Indian context, the networking has to be and hence has been multi-level and multi-pronged. Multi-level conferences/seminars/consultations/workshops organised during this period have been highly helpful in expanding and strengthening the networking.
Policy advocacy done during the period has already been discussed earlier.
As mentioned earlier, in Eastern UP in collaboration with the State-level network SATHI and local organisation PANI, improved agricultural/horticultural implements and technologies for small holders have been dovetailed with the networking. Besides, a process of creating and maintaining data-base on the member organisations has been initiated and is in the process.
Not the least, multi-dimensional information sharing in various ways has been an integral part of the networking during the period under review as well.
