ADVOCACY :
Vikash has identified the following issues for advocacy.

While working for the rights mentioned above, Vikash stands by Grass Root Democracy, Universal Human Rights, Media Freedom, Independent Living, Sustainable Development and Millennium Development Goals.

In order to systematically advocate for these causes, Vikash facilitates the following activities:

Vikash believes in developing specialized civil society groups who will play specific role in a sustainable manner to contribute to the vision. These institutions would be broadly working on subjects like leadership development, community action, media support, legal support, research etc.

Promotion of Citizens groups / Interest groups : Vikash believes in the philosophy of “Nothing about us without us”. Hence, it facilitates formation of citizens groups for good governance and specific interest groups for protection of interest of vulnerable communities. To forcefully advocate for the cause, Vikash works with organizations like local / neighbourhood citizens groups, citizens apex committee, disabled people associations at village, block and state level, women’s groups and federations at village, area, district and state level.

Community leader development : To carry forward the cause for protection of rights of every citizen and life forms, Vikash facilitates institutionalized process for community leadership development. It extends fellowship and capacity building support. It works along with specialized civil society bodies and NGOs for achieving the goal. The goal is to have social leaders who are energetic with commitment and liberated. Liberated means they are liberated from negative concepts of race, religion, caste, sex, nationality etc.

Study and policy review : Vikash supports specific research assignments to strengthen the advocacy movements. It also promotes policy review by citizens groups and professional agencies.

Facilitating mainstream media support : edia has an important role in protecting democracy, liberty and human rights. It has also been playing critical role for sustainable development plans. The role of media will grow in the future. One of the most important tools for advocacy is media. Vikash supports the civil society organizations in accessing media support.

Promotion of alternative media : Media has become a multi national entity. Its control by big business houses is growing very fast. Free media which can protect the interest of common man while countering powerful forces is slowly becoming extinct. Hence there is a need to develop alternative media networks and community media institutions which will have vested commitments to speak for the common man and for sustainable development. Vikash facilitates processes for achieving this objective.

NGO networking : NGOs’ role and presence in achieving the objectives of millennium development role is growing. Everyday it is creating more space for itself. There is a need for collaborative action and a continuous requirement for strengthening the networking process. Vikash will continue to play a significant role in formation of networks and strengthening of networks. Vikash is a member of the following networks:

Legal action : The scope for law and legal bodies is growing in democracies. It is playing more important roles in governance systems, protection of human rights and even protection of culture. Legal institutions are also becoming more and more pro-active on humanitarian and environmental issues. Legal action is a very good tool for advocacy. Vikash would facilitate a process to take advantage of it.

Facilitation of community action : Community action is the strongest and most dependable operation for protection of interest and rights of the common man. Citizens groups and interest groups adopt various strategies like organizing meetings, workshops, rallies, round tables, street action and cultural activities to put forth their perspective. Vikash stands by citizens actions.

PHOTO: Group dance, meetings, Mask :

Street corner dance on Equitable & Quality Education for all	Dream mapping to develop a perspective for habitat	A round table on quality education