Meet SAMBAA, NetIP’s Alliance Partner

Recently, NetIP North America formed an Alliance Partnership with SAMBAA – the South Asian MBA Association.  SAAMBA is based in California and on Thursday July 29 will be co-sponsoring a professional networking event with NetIP SFBA.

Professional development is one of NetIP’s four pillars and is reinforced by forming alliances with organizations such as SAMBAA that strive to create an environment where South Asian professionals can learn more about climbing the corporate ladder whether they have an MBA or are simply interested in pursuing the degree.

SAMBAA’s mission is to provide a platform to foster the next generation of corporate executives and entrepreneurs who have an interest in South Asia and to enable them to become successful global leaders.

SAMBAA offers Executive Coaching programs as well as programs geared towards women and the unique challenges they face as they strive to excel at their careers.

So, if you’re interested in understanding what opportunities an MBA can afford you, or you have your MBA and are trying to understand how best to employ your skill set to excel at your career, SAMBAA has specially geared programs and events that will help you maximize your potential and become a leader with your organization.

It strives to provide a forum where South Asians can share knowledge and experience while growing their network as they are employed in key roles within major corporations and comprise the fastest growing MBA education segment of the population.

For more information on SAMBAA please visit www.SAMBAA.org

To learn more about our Alliance Partner program, please email Kanika@NetIP.org

From Bottom Billion to Next Billion

Republished with permission from The Grameen Foundation

Luckshmi Sivalingam is a Program Officer for Grameen Foundation’s Solutions for the Poorest program.

Before joining GF, I interviewed fifty clients of a Nepal savings and credit cooperative as part of an impact assessment. I saw that particularly for those living in extreme poverty, the solution to changing their situations can’t be limited to providing access to microfinance’s traditional product: an enterprise loan.

THP client on her new farm in West Bengal

Nearly all the clients I spoke with said that if they’d undergone appropriate skills development or received training on value addition for the goods and services they were selling, then their microenterprises could have generated the additional income required for them to progress out of poverty.

The Solutions for the Poorest team at GF is joining a small but growing group of microfinance practitioners that are looking at how the industry can better meet the needs of the very poor.  One approach we are testing couples livelihoods support with microfinance in a financially sustainable manner, contributing to what has been termed the “double bottom line.”

Solutions for the Poorest has partnered with BASIX/The Livelihood School India, a pioneering livelihood promotion institute, to design an integrated and sustainable methodology to provide financial and non-financial services to the extreme poor—individuals that BASIX wouldn’t typically serve through its everyday microfinance activities.  Also, my colleague, Malini, and I recently travelled to Calcutta to visit Bandhan’s Targeting the Hard Core Poor (THP) program.  THP targets female-headed households, like Shahida Bibi’s, with no or very erratic opportunities to make income. The program provides these women with the skills and assets required to jumpstart a microenterprise.  Supplemented with confidence-building measures, this support cultivates a seemingly limitless entrepreneurial spirit.

Shahida, her seven children, and her disabled husband survived on just $2 a week. Shahida was a housemaid, but without any productive skills and regular income, she wasn’t considered creditworthy by other MFIs.  THP provided her with four goats to help generate a more consistent income stream. This income has allowed Shahida to provide for her family while also nurturing the habit of saving.  In eighteen months, she sold one goat for $43 and diversified her income stream by buying chickens, selling eggs, and later selling coconuts and vegetables to her neighbors.   Shahida has now grown into a real business woman, generating a weekly income of Rs. 2,000 (about $42 dollars).  She’s already planning for additional ventures.

Shahida and her children share their story

Addressing the issue of global poverty in a holistic and practical way has made the past month’s immersions in Solutions for the Poorest initiatives an intellectually stimulating and inspiring experience for me.  I look forward to continuing our work to propel the bottom billion into the next billion.

Vote for Grameen Foundation & help us win a $200,000 grant to fight global poverty! Learn more about how you can help!

To make a donation to the Grameen Foundation, NetIP North America’s 2010 Philanthropy Partner, click here.

Gandhi statue sought for Zilker Park

Local Indian community leading effort for memorial in Austin

When Nehal Sanghavi thinks of Austin, he sees a community that embraces diverse cultures and values progressive ideas and public service a model place, he says, for a memorial honoring one of the world’s iconic figures of peace, Mohandas Gandhi.

If Sanghavi and supporters realize their dream, the tranquil, bespectacled face of Gandhi will gaze upon the Zilker Park lawn, perhaps as soon as next year. Members of Austin’s rapidly growing Indian community are leading the effort and submitted a proposal to the city’s Parks and Recreation Department board. Sanghavi said supporters have financial commitments from the community to cover the estimated $35,000 cost for a bronze statue. He said they prefer a Zilker Park location but are open to suggestions from the city.

The campaign corresponds with supporters’ plans for an annual day of service in Austin. This year’s event is set for Oct. 2, the birthday of the late leader .

Be the Change Day will be patterned after traditional observances in India, where the date is a national holiday and a day of service, said Sonia Kotecha, president of the Network of Indian Professionals of Austin.

Supporters hope to unveil the Austin memorial on Be the Change Day in 2011.

Known to his worldwide followers as “Mahatma,” or “the Great Soul,” Gandhi galvanized millions in India’s nonviolent struggle for freedom from British rule. With his philosophy of civil disobedience, Gandhi influenced the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and South African leader Nelson Mandela, who used his principles to cultivate their own nonviolent struggles for equality, Sanghavi said.

“A Gandhi memorial would just serve as a reminder to the human community of the humanity that he brought to us, especially his principles of nonviolence,” said Sanghavi, 36, a local attorney and president of the India Community Center of Austin.

He said he’s puzzled why Austin doesn’t already have a Gandhi memorial — by his count, at least 30 U.S. cities have one, and there are countless others around the globe.

“It doesn’t matter what religion, what generation, nationality, race, you’re usually going to be for nonviolence, peace and progressive change. Gandhi represented all of those things,” he said.

A Gandhi memorial has the support of Mayor Lee Leffingwell, who said he first heard about it at a meeting with Asian American residents earlier this year.

“Gandhi is an international hero and did so much good in the world,” Leffingwell said. A former airline pilot, Leffingwell said he flew often to India and visited the Gandhi memorial in New Delhi. He has a photo of himself standing beside a stone marker at the entrance to Gandhi’s home, he said.

A memorial on city parkland would require approval from the city Parks and Recreation Board and the City Council, said a city spokeswoman.

Sanghavi said supporters are collecting proposals from sculptors and hope to choose one by the end of summer. The memorial will consist of a 2-foot granite pedestal base and a 7-foot cast bronze statue of Gandhi with his walking stick in his 1930s protest march against the British salt tax. It’s an easily recognized image, depicted in memorials in San Francisco and elsewhere.

Kotecha, a community liaison with the nonprofit Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children, or CASA of Travis County, said Be the Change Day is an attempt to build on inaugural events last year that drew a few dozen people. “We started planning a little late in the game,” she said.

This year, supporters, including the local network of Indian professionals, are planning early and reaching out to other racial and ethnic communities, including organizers of Martin Luther King Jr. Day activities.

Events are likely to include service projects across the city, a lunchtime picnic with speakers and children’s performances, and possibly a children’s essay contest about Gandhi’s legacy.

“We really want to inspire people to learn more about the ways they can give back to the community on an ongoing basis,” Kotecha said.

A self-described second-generation South Asian American who moved to Austin with her family in the 1990s, the 34-year-old Kotecha said the local Indian community “wants to feel like it’s a part of Austin.”

“Having a Gandhi statue just kind of symbolizes what we’ve contributed in this country as well,” she said.

The Austin metro area’s Indian population is the fastest growing segment of the area’s Asian population, said city demographer Ryan Robinson.

According to American Community Survey 2008 estimates from the Census Bureau, Indians made up 20,685, or about 28 percent , of the 73,375 total Asian population. Asian residents comprise the fastest-growing ethnic community in Austin by percentage, Robinson said. They represent about 6 percent of the city population.

———————
Sonia Kotecha is the president of NetIP Austin. NetIP North America commends Sonia for her selfless efforts and for galvanizing support in her community. We our very proud of her and wish her the very best in all endeavors.

Subsequent to the original publishing of this article on Statesman.com, there was a slew of commentary that prompted two follow up editorials, they can be accessed by clicking these links:
1. http://bit.ly/9UqdFT 2. http://bit.ly/aYExeK

NetIP’s 3 City Tour – First Stop, Chicago

NetIP Chicago has teamed up with NYC and LA to host a 3 city tour, highlighting the best each city has to offer. The tour arrives in Chicago the weekend of July 16th so clear your calendar and buy your ticket for a 3 day party! Re-connect with old friends from across the country and make new ones while partying with a purpose. All proceeds from the event will be benefiting the Cancer is Colorblind campaign.

The Cancer is Colorblind (CiC) campaign seeks to raise awareness and funds for pediatric and adult cancer prevention and treatment, while honoring cancer survivors and fighters who have made an impact in the local community.

Goose Island Tour & Tasting w/ After Party

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Friday, July 16th @ 6:30pm

Located in the heart of bustling Lincoln Park, Goose Island has consistently brewed Chicago’s finest hand-crafted ales and lagers. Sample their award-winning beers and get a behind the scenes tour of how they create their seasonal and specialty brews. After the tour, the festivities will continue at Y-Bar with a Belvedere Vodka hosted open bar party at Y-Bar 10:00 pm to 11:30pm!

Afternoon at Navy Pier
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Saturday, July 17th @ 11:30am

Enjoy all that Navy Pier has to offer! Bring out your inner child at Pier Park with the historic Ferris wheel, carousel and miniature golf (2 rides included). Take a stroll through the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows. Finally, cool down with a cold beverage and a good conversation with old friends and new at the Beer Garden.

Party on the Water (Boat Party)
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Saturday, July 17th @ 7pm

Everything needed for an unforgettable night, encompassed in one unforgettable event. Join NetIP Chicago for a glamorous night aboard the Summer of George. Mix and mingle with other savvy professionals against the backdrop of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Afterward, join us at Crescendo for an exclusive after-party to keep the momentum going.

Sunday Walk/Lunch
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Sunday, July 18th @ 12pm

Savor the traditional and innovative fine Indian cuisine at Gaylord Restaurant. Don’t fall asleep just yet; take a stroll down the famous “Mag Mile” where shopping, the city sites, and the historic Water Tower await you.

******************ONLY WAY TO REGISTER FOR THE WEEKEND****************
Purchase a 3-day pass for an entire weekend of festivities
Members $90 http://bit.ly/cV7vCV
Non-member $110 http://bit.ly/axQyjT

A la carte tickets also available.

NetIP announces the launch of Dollars for Doers Program

Trying to balance work, life, and NetIP volunteering?  Get rewarded through the Dollars for Doers Program…

Are you constantly logged into gmail at work to answer NetIP related emails?  Do you check your IPhone/Blackberry Facebook app during work meetings to see how many people are RSVP-ed for that evening’s NetIP event?  Is HarrisConnect bookmarked as a favorite on your work desktop?  Are you constantly marketing NetIP events to your co-workers?  …Sound familiar?  Chances are yes if you are a young working professional who volunteers or serves on the board for the Network of Indian Professionals.

This quarter, NetIP is participating in the Dollars for Doers Program, an initiative that rewards YOUR local chapter for your NetIP and work efforts.  Specifically, if you volunteer for NetIP and work for a large company, then you may be eligible to receive funds from your employer to benefit NetIP-NA, your local chapter, or a NetIP philanthropic cause!

What is the Dollars for Doers Program?

The Dollars for Doers is a national program utilized to recognize volunteers in their community. If you volunteer a minimum amount of time with a non-profit or charitable organization, participating employers will complement your volunteer with a grant to a non-profit organization of your choice. For example, if you are serve on the board for your local 501(c)(3) chapter, then your employer will grant up to $500 (per calendar year) to your local chapter. Alternatively, if you volunteer for another community organization (e.g. school or local park), you may still be eligible to grant funds to your local NetIP chapter (based upon your employer’s program guidelines). Applications for Dollars for Doers grants will be honored if the request adheres to your employer program’s guidelines.

How can you get involved?
To enroll in the Dollars for Doers program, please contact your employer to determine if they participate in the Dollars for Doers program. Participating companies include (but not limited to):

• IBM
• CitiGroup
• AAA
• Microsoft
• Morgan Stanley
• Bank of America
• Fannie Mae
• KPMG
• Pfizer
• Cisco Systems
• World Bank

If your company participates in this program, then you will need to complete an employer-provided application for a volunteer grant and indicate which organization you would like to grant the funds to. Based upon your company’s terms and conditions, you may not be able to allocate funds to an organization that is not a 501(c)(3) non-profit. If you are uncertain of whether your local chapter is a 501(c)(3) organization, please contact your local chapter board or financeadmin@netip.org.

If you would like more information or have any questions, please contact Rita Bagai, Communications Chair (rita@netip.org).

NetIP responds to Joel Stein

Network of Indian Professionals of North America (NetIP-NA) Invites Joel Stein and TIME Magazine Editors as Guests on the Radio

The Time to act in responsible and informed dialog is NOW.

July 8th, 2010, New York, NY: On July 2, 2010, TIME Magazine featured an editorial commentary written by Joel Stein entitled, “My Own Private India”. Mr. Stein’s views about the Indian American community and immigrants from India were perceived negatively and as derogatory. The Network of Indian Professionals of North America (NetIP-NA) finds Mr. Stein’s commentary unacceptable and is deeply disappointed that TIME.com, an internationally-reputed news outlet, would choose to publish this article.

In response to the article, NetIP-NA has received requests to have Mr. Stein explain his remarks to their audience of progressive South Asian professionals. In light of his appended statement explaining his views, NetIP accepts Mr. Stein’s solution and welcomes him to “debate people on the other side of the immigration issue”. The Network of Indian Professionals of North America (NetIP-NA) cordially invites TIME magazine editors and columnist Joel Stein to its radio show, Prime Time with NetIP, which has a reach of over 200,000 South Asian listeners. Prime Time with NetIP broadcasts on HD radio with NetIP-NA’s media partner, HumDesi Radio. Podcasts of previous shows can be heard on http://www.netip.org/primetime

Celebrating 20 years of history this year, NetIP-NA was founded on a platform of social responsibility and respect for all individuals regardless of one’s gender, race, ethnicity, background and religious or political beliefs. Mr. Stein’s article goes to the heart of what NetIP-NA believes are its responsibility, its vision and mission being to embrace the diversity within our heritage, culture and community while empowering members of the South Asian community to challenge any form of discrimination or prejudice.

Far from invoking thought by using humor, Mr. Stein’s article used several stereotypical and inaccurate descriptions that have been perceived widely as racial slurs. When Mr. Stein chose to encourage the creation of a better insult than “a group of people whose gods have multiple arms and elephant nose,” the article failed to be witty and reflective as Mr. Stein may have intended. The overwhelming response to Mr. Stein’s article shows it to be demeaning, hurtful and sacrilegious. The public statement issued by TIME was insufficient at best and Mr. Stein’s apology on Twitter “Didn’t meant (sic) to insult Indians with my column this week. Also stupidly assumed their emails would follow that Gandhi non-violence thing” has not been well received as it further exacerbates the use of stereotypical remarks. NetIP-NA hopes to engage both TIME magazine editors and Mr. Stein in a dialog with young professionals, both first and second generation South Asians, in an effort to alleviate the anger and hurt that the article has caused. “Mr. Stein’s egregious article is disrespectful to Indian Americans and other South Asians and disregards the tragedy of hate crimes that underscored life in Edison in the 1980s. We hope Mr. Stein and TIME magazine’s editors accept our invitation to engage in dialog with us. NetIP-NA is committed to supporting the community we call home and our members deserve an explanation.” -Sundip Arora, President, NetIP North America.

The stage is ripe for a responsible and informed dialog. “It is vital that NetIP educates the community about the invaluable contributions and presence of South Asian Americans. As the third largest immigrant group in America, South Asians cannot be siloed into a specific stereotype or bias and we hope to present concrete facts corroborating this to Mr. Stein. It is a key part of our mission to support South Asians, contribute to the educational awareness of the larger community, and above all, increase appreciation for the value that South Asian Americans bring to society” Rita Bagai, Internal Affairs chair, NetIP North America

NetIP-NA members have described the article as being inaccurate and a misrepresentation of South Asian Americans, especially as it pertains to the economic status and educational successes of the community. The radio show will provide Mr. Stein an opportunity to set the record straight and to further educate the greater community about South Asian Americans and their versatile contributions to society. Several petitions have gained traction since the publishing of Mr. Stein’s article. NetIP supports the SAALT petition which can be accessed here http://bit.ly/bDW7JW.

About The Network of Indian Professionals

The Network of Indian Professionals of North America (NetIP-NA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the overall achievement and advancement of South Asian professionals. A premier networking organization for South Asians promoting professional development, cultural awareness, community service and political awareness, NetIP-NA has the largest reach of young South Asian Professionals in North America.

Today, the organization has a reach of over 350,000 people between its radio show, subscribers, members, partners and affiliates in 24 cities across the United States and Canada. NetIP-NA is the unequivocal voice for an emerging group of South Asians, who excel in every aspect of western society, from business, to politics, to the arts. The rise of NetIP-NA and its affiliated chapters reflects a general “Coming of Age” by South Asian professionals. For more information visit www.netip.org.

# # #

For more information, contact Pooja Dhawan, Brand Strategy, NetIP North America at pooja@netip.org.

NetIP San Diego Awareness and Fundraiser for Cry

NetIP San Diego Drum Day event : Awareness and Fundraiser for Cry

With much anticipation and change of venues finally the day of the event that we were all kind of waiting for had arrived. The drum circle was something we had all only heard about and seen videos of some place. It seemed like a lot of fun and a perfect stress buster, but to experience it was something we had all been looking forward to.

This event essentially was an awareness and fundraiser for Child Rights and You (CRY) – an organization dedicated to restoring the rights of underprivileged children. Netip also collaborated with ‘The Green Elephant’, a small start up company that deals in fair trade, hand made and environmentally friendly products. TGE distributed beautiful handmade gifts to all the donations for free that afternoon.

Kat Fulton – a multi talented musician, was our drum circle lead. She has done her masters in Music Therapy from Florida State University and has also provided thousands of rhythm-based events for various corporate and professional groups, wellness retreats, staff development workshops, team-building events and retirement communities.

Kat had bought in a truck load of drums; big and small, thin and fat, short and tall, all kinds. There were shakers for kids, a guitar and other really cool instruments, some of which we hadn’t ever seen before. The event location was at Balboa Park, amidst nature, trees and a pleasant quiet with a few kids around.

Cry and Netip volunteers helped set up chairs and the drums under the shade of a tree, in a circle along with a couple of tables holding information fliers for Cry , the free gifts from The Green Elephant and some yummy cake for our guests.

Initially, under the lead’s guidance, three to four people started learning basic drumming techniques and playing. We were taught how to compose & pass the beat, calling and responding without really talking and few other world beats. Before we realized our group grew to a bigger circle of 15 to 20 people including a few passer’s by and kids. They were so infected by the fun we were having with music that they felt compelled to join in! This actually was one of the intentions behind holding the event in a public place – to introduce outsiders to our group and our cause.

I must admit, Kat was very patient with all of our “curious George” queries put forth to her one after the other during the entire duration of the event. At the end of it, everybody was a wee bit wiser than before about drums, drumming and music on the whole.

In between, Cry volunteers introduced the organization to the group, spoke about its work around the world and answered queries. It was a small 20 to 25 minute discussion but very informative and engaging. All the participants shared their ideas and thoughts with keen interest on the work of Cry.

In the last half hour, the group took over the drums in Indian style! Bhangra and Garba rhythms were played on Kat Fulton’s drums. By now the teacher had swapped places with us and was learning new beats from us! Having the Indian beats playing in now, it was inevitable to end the event with a round of few bollywood songs. The group seemed like it could go on singing and drumming all day. Kat says “I feel so energized after this experience, you guys are awesome!” And from our end, we are all so thankful to her for introducing us to the fun of music and drumming!

The last few minutes were dedicated to Cry fundraising, membership enrolment and cake eating. We all went our ways thereafter, revitalized, energized, with fond memories and many new friends! May be we will do it again soon!

Cancer is Color Blind

What is “CiC” and Why NetIP for $100,000?

Our first blog launching the Cancer is Colorblind (“CiC”) campaign simultaneously responds to two questions we’ve heard throughout the course of the last six months while developing and planning our fundraising campaign benefiting pediatric and adult cancer patients at Children’s Memorial Hospital and the Sinai Health System:  What is CiC? and Why NetIP?

Everyone wants to help the kids (i.e. our pediatric cancer patients at Children’s Memorial Hospital) and adults fighting cancer (i.e. our partnership with the Sinai Health System).  But why NetIP?  Is cancer NOT colorblind?  What does cancer have to do with a group of 5,000+ South Asian professionals?  Does cancer uniquely affect South Asians?  Are various types of cancer more prevalent in the South Asian community?

It’s true that researchers compile information about cancer diagnoses and track cases using a number of variables including ethnicity and gender to understand the factors affecting cancer risk and how cancer impacts society.  It’s also true that rates of certain cancers, such as liver and stomach cancer, are relatively higher among Asians than certain other segments of the general population.  (See, e.g., USC Comprehensive Cancer Center, 2006 Cancer Report).  But it’s equally true and voluminous statistical data support the proposition that cancer affects all races, genders, and ages.  (See American Cancer Society, Illinois Cancer Facts & Figures 2008-2009)  Since no subset of the population is immune, the theme and direction of our campaign focuses on the “colorblind” nature of cancer.  It’s also our namesake.

But many potential supporters may still wonder why a group called the Network of Indian Professionals of Chicago (“NetIP Chicago”) would invest significant resources, time, and money launching a six-month campaign dedicated to raising funds for cancer-related programming and research and honoring cancer survivors and fighters. After all, there are numerous “South Asian-specific” charities and causes ranging from Apna Ghar (domestic violence shelter catering to immigrant populations) to Akshaya Patra (meal program for hungry school kids in India) to the Association for India’s Development (movement promoting sustainable and equitable development in India).  And these are just a few South Asian focused community groups starting with the alphabet “A”!

While NetIP Chicago partners with and/or supports each of these noted organizations, we designed the Cancer is Colorblind Campaign, which includes our signature year-end gala, to highlight the new and improved NetIP Chicago.  Our mission entails fostering the development of all segments of the Chicago professional community, who have an interest in South Asian culture.

Cancer is Colorblind provides a unique opportunity to achieve our mission by mobilizing and leveraging the success of the entire Chicago community, while recognizing and supporting the cancer struggle shared by all.  Individual participants are presented with an avenue to make an impact, help save lives, and work with like-minded professionals throughout the course of the CiC Campaign.

Getting involved is easy. Participate and start making an impact today.

Charlotte Walks Together – 2010

by Hardik Shah, Marketing Chair, NetIP North America

The Network of Indian Professionals North Carolina Chapter was recently one of the leading organizations at Charlotte Walks Together.  This event, touted as one of Carolinas’ most human-engaging events, was held on Saturday April 17, 2010.  This annual gathering utilizes a non-competitive walk to provide an opportunity to join hands with all and promote unity in diversity.

Each year the Charlotte Coalition for Social Justice (CCSJ) organizes this event with a variety of major partnerships including corporate giants such as Bank of America, Wachovia, JPMorgan Chase, Lowe’s and Nascar, as well as entrepreneurs and political leaders.  NetIP North Carolina was present representing the South Asian community. CCSJ has been able to engage senior leadership at partner corporations and integrate large crowds to pass on a strong message of unity, which accounts to a stronger community of Carolinas’ corporate as well as entrepreneurial world.  The key note speaker for this year’s walk was the CFO of Wachovia/Wells Fargo, Mr. Howard Atkins.

This year’s walk was a tremendous success as it engaged more than 500 people from a variety of ethnicities and backgrounds and also raised eyebrows by collecting more than 50 thousand dollars for charity work. These donations, as in the past, will be utilized for uplifting children’s education and giving them equal opportunities for betterment.  This event also presented an opportunity for people to reach out and connect with other participants regardless of their background and status, allowing them to learn about one another, their views, lives & cultures, in a casual way.  There were many friendly scenes during the walk which eventually ended with ethnic and cultural presentations and food and refreshments for the walkers.

This was NetIP North Carolina’s 4th year of affiliation with CCSJ in the form of community representation and donation generation.  Event’s such as these continue to promote NetIP’s mission and integrate South Asian Professionals with other mainstream professionals, thus NetIP North Carolina will strive to participate in Charlotte Walks Together every year moving forward.

To learn more about NetIP North Carolina and their upcoming events visit www.NetIPNC.org or send an email to info@netipnc.org

Edited by Latha Nehru, VP of External Affairs, NetIP North America

www.NetIP.org

NetIP Chicago’s Sinai Health System Volunteer Event

By Marina Isaac, Community Partnership Liaison, NetIP Chicago

Chicago’s Sinai Health System is used to seeing diversity on a daily basis.  The health system was originally founded to serve the needs of Eastern Jewish immigrants in the community.  Currently, it primarily serves the African-American and Latino population.  However, on April 3, 2010, Sinai welcomed a strong presence of volunteers from the Network of Indian Professionals, Chicago Chapter eager and willing to dedicate their time to support Sinai’s Kids Club Easter Event.

NetIP Chicago  recently partnered with Sinai Health System as part of their community outreach efforts.  Sinai Health System, located on Chicago’s west side, has been serving the surrounding community’s needs for over 90 years.  Over 72% of the patients have no coverage or utilize Medicaid.  Yet Sinai continues to uphold the belief that all individuals deserve to be treated according to the same standard of care, regardless of socio-economic status.

In addition to volunteer hours, NetIP Chicago seeks to provide a number of professional services such as financial consulting, short-term marketing projects, and pro bono legal support to Sinai as requested.  Furthermore, NetIP Chicago will be providing fiscal support to Sinai as one of the beneficiaries for the upcoming annual gala on November 20th.  The theme for this year’s gala is Cancer is Colorblind (CiC).

NetIP Chicago’s first volunteer event with Sinai was a marked success.  Over 55 children had the pleasure of working with volunteers to make crafts, color, and play games for Sinai’s Kids Club Easter Event.  Sinai Health System promotes these Kids Club Events for children from the community to enjoy the holidays like many of their peers across the nation.

The day started with volunteers working on Easter baskets and crafts for the children to take home to decorate their homes.  As the children worked diligently on their masterpieces, NetIP volunteers distributed refreshments and supplies and assisted the aspiring, young artists and their parents.  As the morning progressed, volunteers gathered children to play games such as “Simon Dice” [Simon Says] and “Sillas Musicales” [Musical Chairs].  Above the cacophony of voices shouting in different languages and bodies moving in different directions, it was clear that regardless of age, all who were present enjoyed their time together.  After all, fun is colorblind too.

For more information on NetIP Chicago including their upcoming events please visit www.netipchicago.org.

www.NetIP.org