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Jagrit Women's Cooperative Leadership Training

Background, progress and leadership: During a 2007 visit to the Bhotechaur Health Clinic by Bright Futures Foundation Board members and friends, a village woman named Uma Pradhan made an impassioned proposal for help in establishing a "women's empowerment center." With an initial infusion of $400 from Bright Futures Foundation and the enthusiasm of 32 women of the village, the group launched what is now the Jagrit Women's Cooperative.

This Women's Cooperative is an exciting spin-off originating from an awareness of the need for a housekeeping staff at the Bhotechaur Health Clinic, combined with the desire of the local women to become more economically vibrant and independent. Our dynamic Clinic Manager, Devi Gurung, provides steady guidance and mentoring to the Women's Cooperative, and has trained them in sound financial protocol. This has been a "win-win" for all involved, and represents a wholesome approach to community well-being and grassroots organizational development.

In addition to providing housekeeping services at the Clinic, the Cooperative is developing many small projects to empower and engage its members, such as micro-loans to purchase goats, poultry farming, pickle and candy making, and off-season vegetable farming. A portion of the proceeds from these activities is placed into the micro-loan fund that the women manage for themselves. Now numbering around 200 members, the Cooperative dreams of bringing 1,000 women into the fold.

2009 Leadership skills training: The Cooperative asked Bright Futures Foundation for help in providing leadership training for its members. Ann Betz, a friend of Bright Futures Foundation and a professional life coach and leadership trainer for "The Center for Above the Line Living," has offered to teach a two-day leadership and empowerment workshop to a select group of Bhotechaur women. Ann and Bright Futures Foundation are working closely together to develop a culturally appropriate curriculum.
The workshop will be conducted at the Bhotechaur Health Clinic. The first day of the workshop will focus on basic coaching skills such as effective listening, questioning, seeing the best in all persons, etc. The second day of the workshop will focus on leadership skills such as working in groups, finding your own skills, etc. There may also be time for additional one-on-one training and discussion.
Ann is raising funds to pay for her own expenses and is donating her professional services as a way to contribute to Bright Futures Foundation and this exciting grassroots effort. Ann will be a guest at the Clinic, camping on the rooftop terrace under the stars. In the four-day interval between workshop sessions, Ann will conduct a leadership seminar for the Clinic staff. Bright Futures Foundation will provide translation of workshop materials and a translator for the workshops. The Bhotechaur Health Clinic will provide space at the clinic for the workshop sessions.

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