As many of you know, GoPhilanthropic is an organization very close to my heart. About five years ago, I was introduced to GoPhil by my dear friend, Jessica Maggard, who suggested I read Lydia Dean’s book, Jumping the Picket Fence. At that time, I was in a career transition period and soul searching, and Lydia’s story spoke deeply to me. I knew I had to be a part.

GoPhilanthropic Foundation supports grassroots organizations worldwide who are truly transforming their communities and tackling some of the most challenging issues of our time; human trafficking, child labor, gender inequity, early marriage, and a lack of access to health care and education found in indigenous communities.

I have been very fortunate to lead GoPhil’s annual Journey to India the past three years, introducing small groups of travelers to the culture and sites of India, but more importantly, to the phenomenal change-makers striving to strengthen and improve their society. All of GoPhil’s partners are inspiring but our day spent visiting and learning about Vikalp Sansthan is always a highlight for me. Vikalp works to disrupt the social structures that contribute to discrimination, violence, and inequality for women and girls in India.

Vikalp has several programs working to combat gender inequality, but one that really speaks to me is their rural sports empowerment program. Vikalp uses volleyball as a method to keep girls in school. Girls experience individual physical strength, the merits of teamwork, and motivation to pursue their education, thus prolonging marriage.

Vikalp is active in 510 villages of Rajasthan, has counseled 4,500 domestic violence survivors, and has enabled 10,000 girls to pursue higher education!

Each Vikalp visit begins at their counseling center (Vikalp created the first hotline in India) and is followed by travel to a rural village. The village welcomes us with a vibrant celebration led by women and girls, sharing their traditions and dreams through speech (via interpreter), song, and dance. During my first visit, a male leader spoke of his early resistance to the program but that his heart had changed over time due to his daughter’s apparent joy in her studies. Over my visits, I have witnessed a shift. Fewer female faces are concealed by veils, and more men and boys participate. I will always carry with me a moment from last year when an elder male leader stopped me as we were departing. He took my hand and, with his other over his heart, signaled to me his thanks for visiting his village.

Despite Vikalp’s immense impact, many women and young girls are faced with discrimination and are targets of gender-based violence. COVID-19 has made this situation worse, and support is needed, now more than ever.

I have a wish as I reflect on this milestone birthday. My life has been richly blessed with an abundance of family, friends, health, wealth, access to education, a career, endless opportunities, and beautiful experiences. For my birthday, I humbly ask you, my friends and family, to please join me in supporting the powerful work of Vikalp Sansthan and the many individuals who benefit from their remarkable programs.

My 50th birthday wish is for 50 friends to make a donation of 50 dollars.

If this is too much, please know that no contribution is too small, and all donations make a real impact in supporting Vikalp’s mission! Please know that 100% of your donation will go directly to support Vikalp’s programs.

From my heart, thank you!

Amy

It’s my 50th birthday and I have a wish.

By GoPhilanthropic Foundation

It’s my 50th birthday and I have a wish.

Join me in supporting Vikalp Sansthan, an organization in India dedicated to ending gender-based violence and discrimination within their communities.