India 2016
Pollinate Energy Young Professionals Program
Young professionals worked with community change agents in Hyderabad’s settlements to understand local needs, then applied that learning to Pollinate Energy’s strategic projects. Build dates March 28 to April 8, 2016.
- Nutrition & Healthcare
- Families & Children
- Education
- Economic Growth & Stability
Communities Lead. We Partner. Together we build.
What we built
Strategic project work supporting Pollinate Energy’s business and future growth.
Building Humanity joined Pollinate Energy's Young Professionals Program to learn how community-based social enterprise can address poverty and environmental challenges in underserved communities. Volunteers spent time with families living in informal settlements, learning about their needs while supporting Pollinate Energy's model of training local change agents to distribute affordable, sustainable household products. The experience helped shape Building Humanity's early approach to community-led development.
Pollinate Energy Young Professionals Program, Hyderabad 2016
Who Is Pollinate Energy?
Now known as Pollinate Group, their teams in India and Nepal identify, train and develop change agents in urban and rural communities to serve their peers who live on less than $1.50 a day. Community change agents earn respect and meaningful income, and become role models who raise awareness about better alternatives. Unlike other last-mile distributors, our change agents can earn up to seven times the informal wage. To make products affordable they offer cash-based payment plans to families in transient and overlooked communities. The default rate is a meagre 2%. Their customer service focus, including after sales support, is also a key differentiator to help break the cycle of poverty in the communities they serve.
Why Did We Partner With Them?
In 2016 our CEO, Erin Colshan participated in the Hyderabad fellowship program which is designed to foster tomorrow’s leaders and bring together young people from all backgrounds who have a passion for improving lives through social business models and environmentally sustainable solutions.
We spent 4 weeks on the ground in Hyderabad with a team of aspiring young changemakers. We learned about the lives of families living in India’s slums and spent time interacting with them to understand their challenges and needs. We will put that learning into practice and worked alongside Pollinate Energy's team on strategic projects that helped improve their business.
During our time in India we helped to create a lasting impact, both for ourselves and for the communities that we served.
What Did We Learn?
This experience helped Erin learn and develop ideas for future projects. This experience was invaluable to the development of Building Humanity and all the future projects.
Photographs 15
What's next
Help the Next Community Build
India is complete, but the need continues. Every project begins with a request from a community or local partner, and there are more communities waiting for the opportunity to bring their ideas to life.
FAQs
Answers to common questions
Learn more about how Building Humanity selects projects, works with communities, funds construction, and engages volunteers around the world.
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Do I need construction experience?
No. Previous construction experience is not required. Our volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds and skill levels. A positive attitude, willingness to learn, and commitment to teamwork are the most important qualities for a successful build experience. Volunteer teams typically range from 10 to 20 participants.
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What does it cost to join a build?
A $250 deposit is required to reserve your spot on a build team. Volunteers are encouraged to fundraise the remaining trip costs, and we provide fundraising resources and guidance based on strategies that have helped past volunteers successfully meet their goals.
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What skills are most useful on site?
We regularly seek volunteers with backgrounds in architecture, engineering, construction, education, STEAM programming, healthcare, communications, photography, videography, fundraising, and nonprofit administration. However, many projects require general volunteer support, so anyone can provide meaningful work.
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How are communities chosen?
Communities typically approach us directly, or through trusted local partners. We work collaboratively to assess needs, define project goals, and ensure community members lead decisions about priorities and implementation.
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Who designs the projects?
It depends on the project. Some community partners already have designs, or rough plans in place before reaching out to us. When design support is needed, our network of volunteer professionals, including architects, engineers, planners, landscape designers, and other specialists, assists in whatever capacity the community requires. Whether providing full design services, technical guidance, fundraising support, or project review, we work alongside communities to help bring their vision to life.
Something we have not answered? info@buildinghumanity.org