If you innovate, they will come..

The following poster snap is taken at Dallas Texas Airport. I really like the way it depicts the importance of innovation……

Are you a victim of Cyber Crime? Complain to NR3C Pakistan

It is such a relief to know that “National Response Centre for Cyber Crimes (NR3C) “ (FIA) , Pakistan (http://www.nr3c.gov.pk/index.html) , is combating online crimes . In simple words , they are sort of cyber police whose duty is to monitor , track and catch the criminal involve in online abusive activities. In case you happen to be a victim of cyber/online crime such as identity theft, hacking, child pornography, stealing of sensitive online information, Dos attacks , mis-use of mobile phones etc you can easily file a complain with NR3C. This is just like filing at complain to law enforcement in an offline world and once the complained is filed, you will be assigned a unique tracking number. Be RESPONSIBLE citizen and act upon it. The procedure is extremely simple.

- Online Procedure

Write down your problem, with complete details… and in the end mention your name, contact numbers and addresses.

Fax: 051-9266435
Email: helpdesk@nr3c.gov.pk

-Offline Procedure

Simply write down your application (in English or in Urdu), narrate your complete problem, provide as much evidences, details as you can and send it to FIA National Response Center for Cyber Crimes(NR3C).

Address this application to,

To Director Cyber Crimes,
FIA Headquarters, Islamabad

Lets Work together to combat CYBER CRIMES in Pakistan.

Can Risks be Opportunities???

This Friday we had an amazing training session on Fiscal Management and one of the components we covered was the Risk Management or in other words recognizing and mitigating the risks in business and projects. There is no magic formula to avoid risks and in fact every successful venture have had list of risks and failures with the nickname “Experience”.

I must admit that unforeseen risks always make me panic but during this training I learned that the Risks can sometime be opportunities, which positively reshaped my perspective. During the execution of Jaroka Tele-Healthcare project we came across myriad risks (predicted as well as unforeseen) and the most recent one was the sudden monsoon floods in Pakistan marked as the worst natural disaster of the century. At that time, we were ready to launch the Lady Health Workers training on ICT and mobile software module. With this catastrophic situation in the country we knew the priority should be on providing emergency relief to flood victims rather than planned training. It was obvious that delay in trainings may jeopardize our credibility in front of Jaroka’s funders but our team decided to put an action plan to mitigate the risk rather than to face a failure. Free medical camps and tele-healthcare services on the go were arranged for the flood victims. Our team managed to reach and serve the victims with medical services in completely disastrous areas. This also gave us opportunity to test our software which would otherwise have taken months. Due to the consistent hard work and efficient system many international agencies contacted us and we were also able to train the Community and Lady Health workers on the software during the emergency situation.

I believe that risks are always there and what matter is the actions we take to mitigate the risk. In most situations with effective management the few risks if not all can be your best opportunity.

Starting a Non-profit ?

Are you thinking to start your own NGO? Trying to figure out the steps it takes to do so? If “YES” then following guidelines may help you to efficiently plan for your organization:

Step 1: The Board of Directors:

The very first step is to have board of directors for you non-profit. They vary in number (usually smaller than five and no larger than twelve) according to the rules of the country and state. It is vital that the members of boards are highly dedicated, enthusiastic and sincere to the social cause. They can come from various backgrounds but their main focus must always revolve around the mission and vision of the non-profit. They work together for making the rules/policies, fundraising, processes and decision making for continuous services by organization. Through their mutual consent an Executive director of the non-profit is selected.

Step 2: Strong Background Research:

A comprehensive background research on the issue, problem, geography, people, community, media contacts, need assessments, funds etc is required. The board of directors shall make sure to look into every possible issue and challenge.

Step 3: Service Plan

Once the background research is complete, the services that your non-profit will provide must be evaluated. It is humanly impossible to provide all the solutions for the problem, so during this step them organization must evaluated its services with respect to its resources and need assessments on the ground. Emphasize on the “Value added services”. It is highly recommended to start my small and then grow big. Keep in mind that the services of the organization may change according to the demand for services.

Organization at this point must define ways to document the data e.g if its a healthcare non-profit then the number of patients, their gender, their diseases, process of NGOs etc must the documented. This documentation shall be reviewed frequently in order to improve and evaluate.

Step 4: Staffing and Training

A proper recruiting plan to hire volunteers and staff must be in place. All the vacancies must have a well-defined job description and properly published through offline and online media. All employees must be trained (training manuals) according to it. These training should be as focused and detailed as possible.

Step 5:- Publicity of Non-profit

Now its time to publicize non-profit through the media contacts that were developed during earlier steps. The power of social media can be leased to publicize it on larger ground. This process is a re-occurring process and it is critical to update the contacts, volunteers and local community about the progress and updates.

What a social Entrepreneur should do? My point of view

So what are the key elements of being a successful social entrepreneur? How to make a social venture successful? What does social entrepreneurship means to you? What steps a social entrepreneur should take? I repeatedly hear these and many questions of the similar nature especially during the interaction with YOUTH…[[ I don't feel any reluctance in admitting that our youth has amazing ideas and they are not afraid of taking risks. Ahhh ! I am sure if we keep motivating and providing them with focused sense and direction, they can do wonders to make this world a better place.]]

Following are few lessons that I learned during the implementation of social projects namely Jaroka, environmental buddy , Social Entrepreneurship Club and workshops with STEPS . I hope they give our youth some clarity on the concept of being a social entrepreneur.:

Lesson 1: Permit yourself to dream BIG.

( Listen to your heart as social venture is a game of heart ..Sometimes its ok to say “NO” to mind…Is it Difficult ???? Not at all, give it a try)

Lesson 2: Think what can you do for other??

(No complains and think optimistically…What others can do for you is not the question rather you making a difference counts…… )

Lesson 3: 1,2,3 …Start… Go for your idea

(Hurdles, Nicknames, criticism , and the list goes on……… SO WHAT !! start it now or wait for the rest of your life )

Lesson 4: Always start Small.

(small is not always very small…..Gradually grow big because in reality you are thinking BIG)

Lesson 5: No Problem is small . Overcome your ignorance

( Ahhhhh !!! I only want to solve BIG issues…..”Problem” is a “Problem” so don’t worry about its SIZE )

Lesson 6: Highlight the actual Problem on the ground and NOT what you think is a problem

(Do you assume you know actual problem?? How are you so sure???? Did u get the community feedback?)

Lesson 7: Listen and Reflect

(The hardest things in life is to listen, Yet it is the most important thing you need to do…..why is it soooo hard?)

Lesson 8: Design the realistic solution model and Focus on moving forward

(HIT and TRAIL….HIT and TRAIL …HIT and TRAIL… keep innovating)

Lesson 9: Challenges and Risks will always be there

( No Problem.. There is no FUN without them so let them motivate you and opportunities will “knock”)

Lesson 10: Let people witness your work and let them own your cause

( Invite them … Let them choose to participate and they will do half of your marketing)

Lesson 11: No one is Perfect…..

(one time is no time …Make mistakes as an imperfect person and you will do wonders)

Lesson 12: Earse the word “IMPOSSIBLE” from your dictionary and NEVER give up.

( Can I do it? YES, YES, a BIG YES…Impossible is NOTHING )

Suggestions & Tips on Proposal Writting

I believe that everyone has unique ideas which if implemented can truly change the world in solving its suppressing problems. The fun (few says problem) begins when ideas are to be expressed in the form of project proposal.

So……… how do we write a convincing Project Proposal??? What are the ingredients of a good project proposal and how do we integrate them? These are the common questions that one is likely to come across when writing a project proposal. Below are few suggestions/tips from my experience of proposal writing.

-Problem Statement:

The problem statement depicts the problem you are trying to address. It is vital to be crystal clear about the problem and its scope, as the solution must mirror it. For example: if the problem is “unaffordable, inaccessibility and poor quality healthcare in rural areas of Pakistan ” then our solution shall be “affordable, accessible and quality healthcare to rural areas of Pakistan”. It should be precise, focused and to the point.

- Background and Introduction :

This heading usually requires the research on the background of the problem and then introduces the solution to address the problem. The background information must justify the problem statement. Remember to talk in NUMBER rather than words. Your funder is only interested in authentic statistics and not assumptions or word of mouth. For example: stating the statistics on maternal and infant mortality rate , types of healthcare problems, death occurred due to unavailability of proper health-care system etc shall support the problem statement.

In introduction describe the proposed solution in one to two paragraphs. Try avoiding saying “We will……….”, instead say “We propose……. or we plan………”, stating “We will” confirms that you will achieve it and it’s not the case all the time.

- Goals and Objectives:

The section shall state the goals and objectives that the proposed solution will fulfill. Make sure that the goals are realistic, achievable and compliment the solution. For example: stating that you plan to “completely eradicate poverty from the world” is a highly UNREALISTIC goal and will taken as a non-serious attitude by funder. Stay focused on a particular niche and DON“T PROMISE anything undo able.

- Outputs
State the expected outputs of the project in this section. For example, number of patients expected to be treated, training sessions, number of volunteers, and number of workshops to be conducted etc.

-Outcomes
“Change” is the key word for outcomes. This section shall summaries the outcomes in the form of impact/change the project will make on particular group. Impact can be long term, short term as well as socio-economic. For example: The healthcare project will bring awareness about health issues to the community.

- Methodology and Approach
In this section, you will comprehensively describe the approach and methodology that is to be followed for the proposed solution. You must walk the user through all the steps for the implementation. If needed draw flow charts or other visual information for user to fully comprehend the implementation flow.

- Monitoring and Evaluation
It is a critical section of the proposal document as it reflects the progress of the project for future. This section shall state the ways the project will be monitored, measured and evaluated throughout its life. For example, conducting surveys, using project management tools, meetings, evaluation tools etc.

Wish you Good Luck for the project proposal.

Nonprofit Leaders: Apply for a Paid, Overseas Fellowship Position with Atlas Corps

Atlas Corps is an international network of nonprofit leaders and organizations that promotes innovation, cooperation, and solutions to address the world’s 21st century challenges. Our mission is to address critical social issues by developing leaders, strengthening organizations and promoting innovation through an overseas fellowship of skilled nonprofit professionals.

Atlas Service Corps seeks nonprofit leaders from around the world to apply for a Spring 2011 Fellowship position in the U.S. Expenses are paid in this prestigious 12-month fellowship program, including a living stipend, health insurance, and training.

Eligibility Requirements:

• 3 or more years of relevant experience in the nonprofit/NGO/social sector
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent
• English Proficiency (oral, writing, reading)
• 35 years or younger
• Applying to volunteer in a country other than where you are from
• Commitment to return to your home country after the 12-18 month fellowship

Candidates from around the world are placed at outstanding host organizations in the U.S. including Ashoka, Asian American LEAD, Grameen Foundation, International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children, Population Action International, and the U.S. Peace Corps. In addition to volunteering full time at their host organizations, Fellows participate in a management development training program and join a growing network of nonprofit leaders from around the world.

For more details about eligibility requirements and the application process, please visit: http://www.atlascorps.org/apply.html. Applications are due October 15th.

Questions? Email apply@atlascorps.org for more information.

Scholarships for Muslim Countries

The Crossing Borders Global Studies is a unique programme designed for internationally-minded and socially-committed applicants from around the world. The programme focuses on current institutional, cultural, environmental, conflict and citizenship dimensions of globalization, including the UN 2015 Millennium Development Goals. The programme includes introduction to Danish society and culture and study tours around Denmark.

The scholarship covers full tuition, food, accommodation in double room during the semester period 9 January to 11 June 2011, including 2 week study tour around Denmark.

To be considered, scholarship applicants must be
• from Muslim countries
• aged between 20 and 30 years old
• active in youth, grassroots or civil society organisations in their countries
• interested in contributing to the peaceful development of their communities
• eager to contribute with articles and/or other media production about their countries
• willing to share experience, knowledge and exchange ideas with fellow youth from different cultures.

• Fill out the online application form:
http://krogerup.dk/Application-Form-in-English
• Send by email a motivation letter of 250-300 words to
garba@krogerup.dk together with 2 recommendation letters from two
different youth, public or civil society organisations and an update
CV.

Application deadline is 15 October 2010

For more information on:
Visit: http://krogerup.dk/Crossing-Borders-Global-Studies,175 and
www.crossing-borders.org
For more information on the Foundation, visit:
http://www.davidmus.dk/en/information.

For further information, contact
Garba Diallo
garba@krogerup.dk
Krogerupvej 9, 3050 Humlebaek, Denmark

Support UM Healthcare Trust in Flood Relief Efforts

UM Healthcare in close collaboration with its partners and stakeholders have been at the forefront of providing relief to flood victims in Northern Pakistan.




In the month of August, UM Healthcare working with partner relief organizations especially CDRS, DRIP and DMC have treated over 6,500 patients in Charsadda and Nowshehra districts. We have also provided food rations to over 3,000 families in the area.

We are really thankful to our partners and ordinary citizens from Pakistan and abroad who have donated generously for the cause. Their efforts have enabled us to make it possible for us to help those in need.

A complete list of our partner organizations can be found on the following web link

http://umtrust.org/news/partners-in-relief/

Water is Precious, Water is Abundant

We take water for granted. We get to drink it whenever we want. There is plenty available everywhere and in all forms, shapes and even flavors. We are told to drink at least 8 glasses a day. We use water to make our coffee, our tea and our juices and all those energy drinks and fizzy drinks. But today, we learned a new meaning of this commodity. See this video



See it closely and notice what we are doing. As our medical van moved from Noshehra to Pabbi in NWFP for medical relief, we found literally hundreds of people stranded on the road after their homes were swept away by the floods.

Notice their clothes, which are wet up to their waist. They have recently waded through water to reach dry ground. Even after 6 days, people are struggling to get to dry land in NWFP. So we did what we had never thought we would do. We started distributing fresh water to anyone that seemed needy on the road. We did not wait to get to a relief camp, we just started distributing impromptu.

Most of these people have not had a chance to drink any fresh and clean water since last week when their lives were devastated by floods. And this short clip that we shot is testament to the devastation that is faced by Northern part of Pakistan.

Our relief efforts are meager compared to the crisis that is out there. Over 5 million stranded and one small Suzuki van with a few dozen bottle of Aquafina mineral water. We will be back tomorrow and will repeat this process till we get to our destination.

Maybe, everyone should donate one bottle of fresh water for every affectee. Maybe, we can again make this precious water a commodity for these poor and needy people.

For more information on our activities, please visit our website at

http://www.umtrust.org/relief

Assitance Required for Flood Relief Efforts in Pakistan

The monsoon has hit Pakistan particularly hard this year and there is already much devastation because of it. Here is a description of what is going on with the flood in the NWFP, Pakistan and our relief efforts. Please do spread this email and reach out to your network for supporters.

UM Healthcare Trust is setting up a medical relief camp in out skirts of Risalpur, where the flood water reached its maximum, to treat and help victims of the flood disaster.

On July 31, 2010, our needs assessment team visited the region to get detailed information of the crisis. We quickly realized that no major relief effort has begun so far and only Abdus Sattar Edhi has showed up. The situation is dire on the ground. No relief effort has begun by the government or internal agencies like Red Cross, United Nations or anyone. So far, everyone is helping each other. All victims are helping the new ones being rescued. Yes, even after three days of floods, new survivors are found and brought in. Click survey Analysis for the report of what we found out today.

Survey Analysis

A Photostream of Flood Devastation can be seen here

Our (UM-Healthcare) Plan of Action

After completing our survey, here is what we plan to do:

• We are setting up a field medical clinic in a closed up Children’s play school immediately.
• A medical team from UM Healthcare will start treating patients immediately and will man the clinic untill the crisis is over.
• We estimate to be there for at least a month since the local facilities will not become operational anytime soon (even when the flood waters recede).
• Todd Shea and CDRS have pledged to join us and we will work together to help the flood victims get better care. We are encouraging other organizations to join us in this time of need.

What We Need Urgently

A list of all the items that we need is listed here.

http://tinyurl.com/umrelief

How To Donate

The instructions of how to donate are listed here. Please download this document to get details of various methods for making a donation.

UM-Healthcare Background Information

Please spread the word as we need your help and assistance at this time.