Capacity Building and Development Unit

CAPACITY BUILDING DIVISION

REGIONAL RESOURCE FORUM
A SELF HELP INITIATIVE OF NGOS IN BIHAR

In the year 1998-99, a group of grassroots level NGOs of then Bihar and now Jharkhand approached ASK for resources. One of the major struggles for them, just as any grassroots NGO was to mobilize resources. As they realized that ASK provides capacity building support and not financial resources, they had to make a decision. It was creditable on their part that in spite of the economic constraints, they decided to build their capacity and even agreed to bear the financial burden for it. Thus was born RRF, through which for the last three years these 12 NGOs have been coming together to learn and build their capacities. A camp is organized once every 3 to 4 months to discuss and frame policies and programs for any particular issue. The issues discussed have included NGO management, Gender and development, institutionalization and sustainability of development initiatives, education for all, project formulation and management.

ASK has the responsibility for facilitating the camps and the members host the event by volunteering to do so. Besides the camps, ASK provides one-to-one guidance and support with ideas and concepts as and when solicited. Finally, a set of relevant news clippings is compiled by ASK and circulated to all members.
Despite this truly genuine effort, RRF and the member NGOs face difficulties, lack of financial resources being a major constraint. Bihar as a state and grassroots NGOs are usually branded as inefficient and insincere. They are extremely poor communities in need of support and are deprived due to withdrawal or reluctance of donors. In such circumstances it is difficult for some very committed and capable grassroots level workers to take on the responsibility for development tasks.

We continue to search for support to these grassroots NGOs and for the RRF.

We would like to an appeal to the donor agencies to come forward to support this unique forum. Support can be provided in the following forms

Supporting Capacity building Camps for the Forum
Grants/ donations for addressing water shed related development programs jointly by two – three agencies
Support for providing latest information updates and links to the Forum
Providing computers or other office equipment for their efficient functioning

RRF Members include the following NGOS
Mukti Niketan,Bhagalpur Sewa Bhagalpur, Bhagalpur Jan Pragati Sanstan, Jamui Seva Bharti Sewa puri, Banka	Chetna Vikas, Deoghar Parivar Vikas, Jamui Kasturba Sewa Kendra, Banka Shraddha Niketan, Munger	Pragati Luiadih, East Singh Bhum Gram Jagat, Banka Jan Astha Gram jyoti , Deoghar