Dear friends

We are grateful for the support received on this campaign so far. Over 30 people have funded the campaign and many more have extended their support with encouragement, kindness and faith.

So far, we have shortlisted the following movements for the workshop. Here is a brief description of the kind of work they are involved in:

Jan Jagaran Shakti Sangathan (JJSS) (formerly Jan Jagaran Abhiyaan) is a registered trade union of unorganised sector workers in Bihar. This movement has taken on an uphill task of working on the Right to Work, via MGNREGA and also ensuring that other entitlements provided by the state reach people who live under abject poverty. JJSS mobilizes rural poor to demand better services from the government and to get the existing entitlements as laid down by the various legislations. JJSS aims to bring about a larger change in the lives of rural poor by means of “sangharsh” (struggle) and “nirman” (constructive activities). To know more about JJSS, click here

Chhattisgarh Mukti Morcha (CMM) was founded by Shankar Guha Niyogi and has been an inspiration for workers and political struggles in India. They work in the Bhilai-Durg region of Chhattisgarh. In conjunction with other trade unions, CMM has organized industrial and mine workers, agricultural workers and adivasis of the region to raise economic demands and transformative politics. CMM has been able to secure better wages and working conditions for the workers. It has also set up Shaheed Hospital (a workers led institution) and has led campaigns on various social issues. To read more about CMM, you can click on this link

Sarvohara Jan Andolan (SJA) is working in more than 750 villages in 7 talukas of Raigad district, Maharashtra. SJA started out by taking up the issue of Dali Land (land on hill slopes) and then moved on to take up other land issues, atrocities against tribals and proper implementation of government programmes. In the process, SJA has been able to build the self-esteem and collective strength of the Katkari tribe and other oppressed sections. To know more about SJA, click here

Chetna Andolan (CA) is a people’s organisation in Uttarakhand.  For the last twenty years, Chetna Andolan has fought against the illegal takeover of natural resources by private companies; against corruption and extortion by officials; and for the rights of women, forest dwellers, workers and others.  From 2012 onwards Chetna Andolan has been organising workers in and around the city of Dehradun. To know more about Chetna Andolan, click here

Safai Karmachari Andolan (SKA) is a national movement committed to the total eradication of manual scavenging and the rehabilitation of all scavengers for dignified occupations. Manual scavenging, an occupation which involves cleaning the dry latrines and carrying human excreta, is considered as one of the lowest, polluted and most degrading occupation. The caste system dictates that those born into a particular Dalit sub-caste should engage in manual scavenging and should remain doing so throughout their lives, prohibiting them to lead a dignified life in the community. SKA works on addressing these structural issues of caste and labour. To read more about SKA, click here

What's next?

We are excited and currently in the process of getting in touch with the participants from the above listed movements (and more). Another idea that we are toying with is to conduct a series of regional workshops as we slowly work up to this one at the Sambhaavnaa Institute. Fingers crossed!
 
What you could do?

Please share this crowdfunding link with all your friends. You could write in to us with any suggestions you have as well! Drop us a message on the comments section and we will get back to you.

We are eagerly looking forward to meet our goal!