Dear Friends and Patrons of NuSocia,
Greetings!!
June is already behind us and with that half the 2022 is over already. Didn't it just flew by, or so we felt !
Globally, the year has already seen so many geo-eco-political incidents ranging from wars to change of regimes to signs of recession in various parts -all of which points to uncertain times. While Covid has been one big wake-up call, these geo-eco-political changes also indicate more and more that Corporates and Institutions cannot continue to function in silo in society, and rather than doing CSR as a compliance, need to start actively thinking about being an active part of driving social change.
Keeping this need in mind, I am happy to share my discussion with a global impact thought leader, Paul Klein (who has recently been named as one of the global impact leaders to watch out for, in 2022) where we discuss about what it takes to move beyond CSR Lite and also discuss about his newly released book, "Change for Good" which is already climbing up the charts. Do listen to it and share your feedback. We immensely value your feedback and its only “The conversations each of us chooses to have can change the world”.
Meanwhile at NuSocia also, these last few months have been busy, as we closely work with our esteemed clients on areas ranging from strategic CSR, CSR processes, Policy interventions besides our core expertise of impact assessments across various parts of the country. The insights that our delivery team bring from the varied landscape of the deserts of Rajasthan and from fisherman communities of TN; keeps us motivated to remain closer to the ground, to bring to you ideas for creating meaningful impact.
As we step into the second half of the year, we look forward to remaining deeply connected with you.
Best regards,
Spotlight
Socio-Economic Assessment and baseline Study in mining location
An Indian multinational mining company with its operations in Goa, Karnataka, Rajasthan and Odisha intended to undertake community developmental activities in the villages in periphery of its mining operations in south maharashtra, near Goa. NuSocia team supported the client with conducting the socio-economic assessment study for the region to come out with region apt recommendations.
The study started with multiple macro challenges like lack of telecom network, lack of sufficient and appropriate transport to reach the location villages and having a proper stay arrangement for the field research team. This was further accentuated by relationship challenges where the village headman was non cooperative to allow the research, citing different issue each time he was approached for permission. It was only after intervention of senior team members from NuSocia reaching out to panchayat and convincing them of potentially how a fair study can only go on to help the villages in the right manner. The headman was taken on board by scheduling his as amongst the first set of interview and ensuring that his inputs would also become part of inputs.
Tertiary healthcare was observed as a major concern in addition to widespread malnutrition. Higher education avenues or availability of any vocational opportunities are limited in the region. There were also limited options for livelihood other than cashew and rice farming but that is also getting impacted with water shortage. Because of these reasons, there is widespread migration of youth to cities like Goa. Based on a detailed mixed method study involving various unique set of stakeholders / interest groups, what the study clearly brought out was how various social issues are therefore interlinked. The study phase was followed by detailed intervention design wherein the framework of integrated rural development was applied. The recommendations were arranged on a timescale of immediate, short term and long term and focus was on coherence with available government schemes.
The project provided a lot of learning and confidence for the NuSocia team, to be able to overcome the challenges and do a detailed study. The client found the findings insightful and recommendations comprehensive.
Recommended Watch
While this video is slightly over 30 mins, but we found it to be in a flow and hence didn’t wanted to deprive you of any parts of the conversation- hence presenting an uncut version for you. Feel free to watch it in one shot or in parts. Hope you would gain sufficient meaningful information in it.
Recommended Reads
Inadequate Public Toilet Facilities Hamper Social And Financial Mobility of Women
The government has identified women as both “the prime beneficiaries of the safety, health and dignity afforded by safe sanitation practices, and, even more importantly, as the leaders of this movement at the grassroots.” However, despite the rapid infrastructure development, the urban spaces in India still remain largely “gender-blind”. Here's a curated article talking about this pertinent issue. READ MORE
Amendments in Foreign donation Act
The FCRA regulates foreign donations and ensures that such contributions do not adversely affect internal security. First enacted in 1976, it has been amended from time to time. Lately there have been seven new amendments in the FCRA Act. Here is a media article which succinctly summarises the changes. READ MORE
Don't judge a book by its Cover
Here is a light-hearted take on dilemmas faced by a social researcher when on field. Drafted by one of the passionate youngster at NuSocia, the blog goes into details of how the rainfall can be an instagram reel for someone or a sign of saved crop and hence livelihood for the whole of next year. . READ MORE
That's it for this time. Do let me know with a revert email which is the section you liked the most and why. Your feedback and suggestion to make this newsletter more meaningful and insightful are welcome and keenly awaited.
Regards,
Manju Menon
Co-Founder & CEO, NuSocia