The 3rd Rang De Field Partner Meet took place on the 7th and 8th of March at the serene Fireflies Ashram in Bangalore. 13 Field Partners, Social Investors and Guest Speakers from all across India were a part of the two day event. This year’s meet acted as a platform for all of us to learn from each other and also see how our collective impact can be increased to fight poverty in India.

The two days involves interactive sessions, workshops, brainstorming sessions and saw the group network extensively. Each day began with a Yoga session that was unconventional but helped us connect with each other and emphasized on ‘keeping the mind open’.

One of the key highlights of the meet was the Rang De’s Field Partner Presentations on unique activities their organizations do. They spoke about their work in the areas health, education and employment among other things. While most of them provide micro credit to rural entrepreneurs, most of them also concentrate on other areas that help uplift the communities they serve. The meet also saw the Rang De Team sharing their plans for the upcoming year and the group brainstormed on these plans and provided feedback and direction.

Guest Speaker Aruna Subramaniam of CSIM (Centre for Social Initiative & Management) introduced the concept of ‘Social Accounting’ to the group and spoke about the benefits of employing it in organizations. Innovation Evangelist Pavan Soni conducted a workshop on ‘Everyday Creativity’ that re-introduced the group to creativity. His session left the group charged with positivity and creativity before returning to their organizations and teams.

The two days gave all of us an opportunity to meet, interact and share experiences with the “real” change makers. At the end of the two days, the group collectively wanted to work harder towards turning the dream of making poverty history in India into reality with a new commitment, vigor and enthusiasm!

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An account of the meet from the point of view of a Rang De Social Investor coming up soon.