Voluntary Action Network India (ALVA) is an apex body of Indian NGOs. It is a network comprised of : 553 Organization Members It has a strong base of 10000 non-governmental organizations, spread out in 29 states of India. ALVA has been working as a catalyst between central and state governments and their machineries on the one hand and Indian NGOs on the other. It represents NGOs' concerns and issues through policy advocacy, networking and sensitizing the government and other stakeholders. |
ALVA is a member of CIVICUS Affinity Group, an association of national NGOs. In October 2000, the United Nation's Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) granted ALVA a special status on their Consultative Committee
OBJECTIVES
As a platform, it promotes voluntarism and creates space for voluntary action.
As a network, it attempts to bring about a convergence of common sectoral issues and concerns for building a truly National agenda of voluntary action in the country. It also facilitates linkages of various efforts and initiatives of the voluntary sector in the country for a multiplier effect, to create and sustain the process of change in an organic manner.
As an apex body of voluntary organisations, ALVA works towards fostering value-based voluntary action and long-term sustainability among its members.
CORE VALUES
Justice and Equality - ALVA believes in equity and justice for every individual in the society. This necessarily includes, gender, social, economical and physical marginalisation.
Participation, Accountability and Transparency - ALVA believes in promoting accountable, transparent and participatory governance system among voluntary agencies.
Reciprocity and Mutual respect- ALVA believes in mutual respect and relationship of equality among voluntary organizations and other partners in development.
Knowledge: ALVA recognizes Knowledge as the key to social change and hence believes in creating, demystifying and disseminating knowledge to voluntary sector and about voluntary sector.
IDENTITY
ALVA is a non-government, not-for-profit, apex body of voluntary organizations, playing a proactive role in India's development process.
ALVA is India's premier voluntary sector association, with membership from almost all states of India, including networks, research, grass roots implementing organizations and Community Based Organizations.
ALVA catalyses change by working closely with government, donors and other stakeholders on policy issues, enhancing participation, accountability and transparency and expanding engagement opportunities for voluntary sector through research, information dissemination, advocacy, public education and global linkages. It also provides a platform for sectoral consensus building and networking. Major emphasis is laid on projecting a positive contribution of voluntary organizations in socio-economic development and nation building.