About Sosva

VOLACT (Voluntary – Action) is one of SOSVA’s unique projects that promotes volunteerism, a critical element of SOSVA’s Mission. SOSVA believes in the power of volunteerism, to nurture and strengthen community and social networks towards building social capacity within an increasingly globalised environment, vulnerable to loss of cultural identity and gross socio economic inequities.
Volact was launched in 1994 to mobilize, train and facilitate volunteers to provide their services to nongovernmental and community based organizations, to schools and other educational institutes and to agencies working with underprivileged, challenged and other marginalized groups, who are in need of voluntary support, to help them manage and implement their programs. Volunteer interests and capacities as well as the needs of agencies requesting volunteer support are carefully studied before placement is made. Regular follow-up by SOSVA staff also ensure that the volunteer agency relationship remains harmonious and productive.

Encouraging volunteerism year after year, SOSVA provided selfless voluntary services to 260 NGOs in Mumbai. The VOLACT (Voluntary Action) project inspired the volunteers to implement training workshops and activities for the development of the society. Backed by an effective partnership with the government, the civil society and its donors, the volunteers are able to successfully improvise and help the deprived sections of the society. SOSVA initiated its support service activities for other NGOs through useful training workshops on subjects such as maintaining books, gender sensitisation, etc. To further support the capacities of social service organizations, SOSVA Training and Promotion Institute (STAPI) was formed in 2001. It promotes and strengthens the contribution of other NGOs working for the upliftment of the underprivileged. In the synergy of core values – service, volunteerism, and professionalism, SOSVA aims at creating a strong voluntary sector through training, documentation, and research. The Government of India has shown appreciation to SOSVA for highlighting the concept of ‘Mother NGO’ which involves collection and distribution of funds to other NGOs working towards the betterment of the society.

Our Vision & Mission

Our Vision

To participate fully in building a strong and effective voluntary sector towards improving the life of marginalized communities.

Our Mission

SOSVA being a dynamic platform in the social service sector sets a mission to encourage the act of volunteerism amidst all the sections of the society. Sustaining lasting partnerships with public, private, corporate, academic, or non-governmental organizations, enhances the community development programmes and similar social initiatives, thus uplifting the lives of underprivileged.

Mother Unit, Maharashtra (1994-95)

The Mother Unit concept entailed selection of NGOs for financial and other forms of assistance from the Government of Maharashtra through SOSVA for carrying out various Government schemes. To this end, SOSVA carried out a detailed analysis of the working of several NGOs and invited those found suitable for workshops on government schemes. Suitable candidates were then identified and 82 cases under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 96 cases under the Department of Women and Child Development and 5 cases under the Social Welfare and Education departments were promoted by SOSVA. Subsequently, the concept of ‘Mother NGO’ has been incorporated by the Central Government in its Five-Year Plans.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed people can change the world, It is the only thing that ever has.”

Margaret Mead, Social Anthropologist

About SOSVA

Our Vision & Mission

Our Vision

Our Mission

Mother Unit, Maharashtra (1994-95)

About Sosva

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