| | | | | | TagOn Talks A monthly newsletter on student volunteering, community service and service learning Issue 10 | October 2024
| | | | We're delighted to bring you the latest edition of TagOn Talks! In this issue, we feature an insightful interview with Dr. Srinidhi Parthasarathi, Director at NSB Academy in Bengaluru, who shares exciting initiatives happening at their institute. In our Learning Bytes section, we throw some light on if one should promote Service Work on Social Media or not and how we can strike a balance between them. Additionally, we highlight an NGO that actively works in the space of women empowerment and is based out of Ajmer, Rajasthan. Finally, we wrap up with an exciting update from LetsTagOn! We hope you enjoy reading this edition and find the content both engaging and thought-provoking.
Happy reading, Team LetsTagOn | | Leadership Logs Conversations with visionary education leaders shaping tomorrow's minds
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NSB has been a leader in driving sustainability initiatives. Could you highlight some of the institution's efforts and programs focused on sustainability? At NSB, we recognize the vital importance of incorporating sustainable practices into all facets of our operations. Sustainability is one of our core values, and we are continuously working towards minimizing our environmental footprint while promoting sustainable growth within our community.
We have implemented a range of sustainable practices, importantly our regular conferences and seminars on sustainable practices in business. Additionally, we are committed to educating our staff, students, and community members on sustainable practices and fostering an environment where these values can thrive.
We also encourage input from our stakeholders as we continuously seek innovative ways to improve our practices. We believe that by working together, we can make meaningful contributions towards a sustainable future. | |
Dr. Srinidhi Parthasarathi Director, NSB Academy Bengaluru | | | |
In addition to sustainability initiatives, how are students involved in community service? Along with sustainability, we also encourage our students to participate in service learning activities. Recently, NSB's Sahaay CSR club hosted an impactful workshop "Changing the Narrative in Suicide" at the convention hall. The session focused on raising awareness about the importance of self-love and offered essential guidance on providing Psychological First Aid to those facing mental distress. This event served as a vital reminder of the power of compassion and the significance of mental health support within our community.
Our other CSR club initiatives include fundraising for various causes. Recently, Sahaay has raised ₹75,000 for the Waynad Relief Fund. In a heartwarming ceremony, our student coordinator handed over the relief funds to the Honourable minister joined by MP, MLA and District Collector.
We believe in teaching and making students practice community service, volunteering while contributing for a better community living and all our initiatives are planned in this direction. | | Learning Bytes The Debate on Promoting Service Work on Social Media: Finding the Right Balance
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In today’s digital age, many students are eager to showcase their achievements and contributions to social work on social media platforms. However, this enthusiasm has sparked a lively debate among peers. While some students embrace the opportunity to share their experiences, others express reservations, believing that promoting such work can come off as boastful.
During recent discussions in class, a variety of perspectives emerged. On one hand, some students argued for the importance of sharing their service work online. They emphasized that social media serves as a vital tool for staying connected and demonstrating their commitment to making a difference. “I want to show the world the good work I’m doing,” one student stated, highlighting the desire to inspire others through their achievements.
Conversely, other students voiced a more traditional viewpoint. Drawing from cultural values, they argued that acts of kindness and service should be kept humble and private. “In our culture, we believe that the left hand shouldn’t know what the right hand is giving,” one student remarked, suggesting that publicizing acts of service undermines their sincerity.
To navigate this debate, we explored a middle ground: the significance of intention behind promoting service work. If the goal is to seek validation or to boast about accomplishments, it may not resonate positively with others. However, if the intention is to inspire and encourage others to engage in community service, then sharing such experiences can be incredibly impactful.
Ultimately, the decision to promote service work on social media should be guided by the intention behind the message. When the focus is on motivating others and fostering a sense of community, social media becomes a powerful platform for spreading awareness and encouraging collective action.
As we continue to engage in discussions about service learning, it’s essential to remember that each perspective is valid. The key lies in understanding our motivations and using social media thoughtfully to create a ripple effect of inspiration and service within our communities.
However, students also gain many things out of it: Awareness and Inspiration: Sharing experiences can raise awareness about important causes and inspire others to get involved. It can highlight the impact of volunteering and encourage peers to contribute their time and skills to similar initiatives.
Building a Personal Brand: Documenting volunteering experiences can help build a student's personal brand. It showcases their commitment to community service, leadership skills, and social responsibility, which can be appealing to future employers or educational institutions.
Reflection and Growth: Writing about and sharing experiences can serve as a form of reflection. It allows the student to process their journey, recognize their growth, and articulate what they’ve learned, which can be valuable for personal development. Networking Opportunities: Engaging with others on social media can lead to networking opportunities. Other volunteers, organizations, and community members may connect with the student, fostering relationships that could lead to future collaborations or mentorship.
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Cause Spotlight
Livelihood
| | Approximately 85 percent of India's workers are employed in the unorganized sector and more than 90 per cent in informal employment. Such employment is not covered under the majority of the labor laws, and these workers consequently lack access to benefits like safety standards and minimum wage. Higher dropout rate in secondary education leaves youth with limited opportunities for stable employment opportunities. The NGOs in the space work towards developing a skilled workforce, creating meaningful livelihood opportunities, career development, vocational courses and promotion of entrepreneurship. Key areas of work of different NGOs are listed below. Design and delivery of skill development workshops for better employment opportunities. Conducting vocational courses and helping in placement of youth in decent jobs. Supporting youth through their career journey and development. Promotion of job creation and entrepreneurship. Supporting youth with employability skills.
A student volunteer interested to work in the area of livelihood and entrepreneurship development has many opportunities to contribute and make an impact by offering to conduct career related workshops, helping in setting up and running small-scale businesses, training in employability skills, etc. | |
NGO Showcase Rajasthan Samgrah Kalyan Sansthan (RSKS) | |
RSKS was founded in 1993 and is active in the space of women empowerment and is based out of Ajmer, Rajasthan. It works on many beneficial initiatives with a special focus on women and girls such as livelihood, microfinance & enterprise, women & child education & development, gender equality, children welfare, human rights and environmental and water issues. Its primary objective is to uplift the lives of two lakh women from the underprivileged sections of society towards better livelihoods, health, education and self-reliance.
RSKS Vision is Attainment of Healthy, Educate & Self Reliant Community Through A Process of nurturing, Sustainable Livelihood, Solidarity & Peace. RSKS Mission is to help alleviate Illiteracy, Poverty, Violence Against Women, Social Evils By Facilitating Empowerment of Women's & Girls From Deprived and Marginalized Communities. Rajasthan Samgrah Kalyan Sansthan's main objective is that One Million women and girls of marginalized section may get graceful life, better livelihood, self-reliance, education and better health. Rajasthan Samgrah Kalyan Sansthan has empowered more than 50,000 women, trained 11,500 men and women, educated 550 women, 200 children and distributed study material to 700 children. | | | |
LetsTagOn Highlight ISBR Students’ visit to NGO
| | Our students, as part of their credit course assignment, had the incredible opportunity to visit local NGOs, witnessing the transformative power of compassion and community service. Through meaningful interactions, engaging activities and heartwarming stories, they learned the value of empathy, teamwork and making a difference in the lives of others. Students volunteered at Shelter homes, Old age homes, Animal shelter homes, Tree plantation drives and many other NGOs according to the cause they connect to. This visit not only broadened their perspectives but also ignited a passion for contributing to society and understood that together, we can build a brighter, kinder world! | | | | | | | | | | Our mailing address is: info@letstagon.com
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