[cite web | title = UNCCD | url = http://www.unccd.int/ngo/accreditationDB/institutionDetails.php?id=282 | accessdate = 2008-08-12] and also enjoys special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UNESOC).] Structure
GBS has a council of 370 members who meet every 3 years to elect the 30 member Executive Board. The Executive Board consists of five main office-bearers, president, vice-president, secretary, joint-secretary and assistant secretary. The Executive Board meets on a quarterly basis, with the purpose of: Considering applications for GBS membershipOverseeing the running of GBS sub-committeesRecruiting and dismissing GBS personnelProposing amendments to the GBS constitutionDeveloping and implementing GBS' programs and activitiesRaising funds and accepting grantsOverseeing the GBS bank account
Policy of Non-discriminationGBS maintains a policy of non-discrimination and will not be prejudiced by race, caste, gender or religious belief. In particular, GBS has a strong emphasis on gender equality, with a minimum third of its Executive Committee consisting of women. In addition, GBS is also involved in a range of projects designed to empower the women.
Projects and Activities
GBS works to improve the living standards and environment of Rajasthan. Their work can be divided into three main categories:
* Women's Empowerment
* The Environment
* HIV/AIDs Prevention and Relief
However GBS also works in the broader realms of healthcare, education, sanitation and safe water supply and research. GBS ultimately tries to provide the help that the surrounding community need and would otherwise be unable to attain.
Women's Empowerment
GBS's women's empowerment programme attempts to reduce gender inequality and improve the lifestyles of rural, impoverished women in Rajasthan.
It's main operations in this field to date are the formations of Self Help Groups (SHGs). These are groups of 10-20 women (and sometimes men) who save money together to build enough collateral to take out loans. This banking model is based on microfinance and is supported by the Indian government, in particular the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). They can then get a low interest loan, from a bank to buy income generating products or whatever else they may require. This gives women financial independence and in turn a community voice and higher social standing.To date GBS has facilitated the formation of over 750 SHGs.
In 2007 GBS opened its own not-for-profit bank, The Gram Bharati Mahila Bank (GBMB) which provides bank accounts and low interest loans to individuals and SHGs in rural Rajasthan.
The Environment
Since 1991 GBS has been working in the area of Todaladi in an effort to develop a wasteland area of 8 hectares. This area was renamed Gandhivan (meaning forest of Gandhi) and is now an agriculturally productive success.
The aim of this project was to halt desertification and work with the local people to rejuvenate the environment. It can now boast many new species of plants and trees after many years of hard work and attracts much wildlife.
GBS also works with the local communities to improve their living standards and in 2008 opened a sunday school providing free teaching and resources to children who may not go to school (especially girls) and are instead encouraged or even forced to work for their families shepherding animals.
The area is exemplery and has been recognised so by many international agencies, who have given GBS' Gandhivan project awards and recognition.
Prevention of HIV/AIDS
Gram Bharati Samiti was the first NGO in Rajasthan to recognise and react to the increasing problem of HIV/AIDS in the area. GBS started its HIV/AIDS prevention and relief project in 1991 and since has implemented programs on HIV/AIDS awareness and education, the treatment of STIs/RTIs, and care and support for women and children affected and infected with HIV/AIDS.
Awards and Recognitions
* The Ford Conservation and Environment Grant
* The Indira Priyadarshini Vriksha Mitra Award
* Prize for women's creativity in rural life
* Award for Eradication of Leprosy
* UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board
Collaborations
*Intersect Worldwide
*RIOD
*Global Youth Coalition on HIV/AIDS (GYCA)
*ActALIVE
*AIESEC
References
External Links
http://www.gbsjp.org
http://www.intersectworldwide.org
http://www.youthaidscoalition.org
http://www.actalive.org
http://www.aiesec.org
http://www.un.org
