Getting by With Help From Our Friends

by Elizabeth Guzman

Remember how you felt getting that dream job thanks to an excellent job reference? Maybe you were set up on a date that led to your lifelong partner and happiness. Imagine the quality of your life without trusted colleagues or high value friends. You’d rather not, right?

This is human connectivity – and however it is defined, we cannot live without it. We are wired for relationships. We need each other. It is not only necessary for achieving important life goals but it leads to increased emotional well-being. 

And when human connectivity is taken to its most altruistic level, we really hit the heights.

Interestingly, this is how and why Sambhali U.S. was started just one year ago. Sambhali board president Shereen knew vice-president Elly; vice president Elly knew board treasurer Esther; board treasurer Esther knew… and so on and so on.  Through word-of-mouth, this volunteer group came together to take charge. Possessing high-level skills and knowledge plus backbone and vision to effectuate badly needed change for the women and children in Rajasthan, India, each Sambhali U.S. board member also brought important business and personal relationships to the table for financially advancing the Sambhali U.S. mission –  to support the courageous women and girls of Rajasthan, India who seek to raise their voices with dignity and self-confidence, build a road to economic independence, and ultimately determine their own destinies.” 

Today, Sambhali U.S. stands behind the women and girls of Sambhali as they make important decisions for themselves – something denied to women for centuries. “Just owning a basic, no frills sewing machine can give a life of empowerment,” said Elly Brtva. “I am continually amazed at how the women are able to pivot from making stuffed elephants to life-saving masks.” So, whether it’s learning a trade and English as a second language or escaping domestic violence, Sambhali’s work is changing lives.

The need is growing, as is the need for additional funding.

Now circling back to human connectivity. Humans are, by nature, social creatures. We naturally share our experiences with friends and family, especially when something is worthy of support. Today, it is in the spirit of humans helping humans that the Sambhali U.S. Board of Directors encourages you to tell your friends and colleagues about Sambhali. Talk us up! Spread the word! 

In looking to expand its relationships, Sambhali U.S. is also particularly interested in connecting with private foundations that fund women’s issues – especially in India – as well as corporations that align with our values and support women and children in India. Without a doubt, Sambhali U.S. is in a distinct position to share cultural expertise, local Indian connections, and an impeccable reputation with affinity-groups that wish to collaborate toward furthering our impact.

So, for starters, find a quiet place with a pen and paper. Write down who you know sitting on a foundation board that could help Sambhali U.S. or who you know working at a corporation with interests in empowering women or supporting small non-profit organizations. Let your mind wander or peruse your phone contacts. Look at your LinkedIn profile. Is there someone there who could help us? Write down at least five names but don’t stop there.

Now that you have found these connections, email Elly at EllyBrtva@Sambhalius.org  to review and discuss the names. Together, you will design a creative engagement strategy. It might be as easy as passing the name along or it might be more involved. Either way, a wonderful and rewarding opportunity awaits us as we engage more people here in the U.S. to help women and girls in India. 

“Shereen knew Elly. Elly knew Esther, Paula, Elizabeth, Shumaila, Naila, Edith and so on and so on…” Who will be your connections? We are excited to know!