"While working with 1Well I came to realize that it is unlike any other non-profit because of the way that it fosters personal connections between volunteers and fundraisers - the Citizen Philanthropists - and the people and groups that are being impacted abroad. Also, the organization does an amazing job of designing projects that are manageable for small groups and individuals to accomplish so that individuals can see the direct impact that they are making. For example, when I raised $2,500 with other students to build biogas plants in Sonalnagar, India, we knew exactly where those plants would go. We were even able to send pictures and cards to the village. The experience was immeasurably more meaningful for me because I was able to have this connection to the results of my work. After doing more volunteer work and research throughout the summer of 2009, I realized that this concept of personalized projects is a key to 1Well’s success. Volunteers are much more excited to get involved and are more enthusiastic about their projects when they can see firsthand how their work is improving the lives of others. Therefore, 1Well will continue to grow and be successful because maintaining this level of personal connection is a high priority and will continue to draw in new Citizen Philanthropists."

"1Well is also unique because the impact of a simple project, like a biogas plant, goes far beyond its state purpose. A biogas plant provides clean energy, but it is also reusable and sustainable (because it converts cow manure into a useful resource). A biogas plant also allows its users to spend time with their families, work, or receive an education because they no longer have to spend their days collecting firewood. 1Well is a uniquely valuable organization because it focuses on individual impact and personal connections and its projects address and solve multiple issues simultaneously."

"Through my visit to Sonalnagar, a small village in Gujarat, India, I have realized the impact that 1Well has had on the lives of several families. I held a fundraiser for 1Well with some friends in spring of 2009, and the proceeds went to build bio-gas plants, providing heating and cooking gas for the village. The bio-gas plants were ready to use by summer of 2009. After visiting Sonalnagar, I became aware of 1Well's vision and initiative to improve the lives of villagers in simple but effective ways. I was able to talk to the families who felt fortunate to have these bio-gas plants. They would no longer need to cook using a wood-burning stove in a musty, smoky hut. Instead of collecting firewood, they could spend more time with their families, and cook using an environmentally friendly stove. Small undertakings such as building bio-gas plants or wells can make a huge difference in rural areas."

"With the help of 1Well I partnered with Dungra Village in Dungrapur District, Rajasthan India. I raised funds through my offering of coaching & yoga workshops (something I love to do) at Flow Yoga Center in Washington, DC. $1100 raised went directly to the village to help complete build out, staffing, instruction & supplies for the village's first childcare center. The center serves 27 children. It not only provides the children with a safe & nurturing environment where they can play & learn, but also enables the mothers to seek employment, go to work and earn additional income for their families.

I recently had an opportunity to travel to India and experience first hand how our investment dollars are being put to work. I personally met with SEWA District Coordinators (1Well's field partner in India), teachers, assistants, mothers and children of the school. They shared with me what they have learned since the school opening in January (i.e., morning prayers, Hindi & English alphabets, poems, songs, numbers 0-50, 50-100, 100-200, etc). They also reviewed with me the lesson plans and nutrition logs the staff keeps for the school. The children are now guaranteed to receive a nutritious meal each day and have been maintaining or growing in weight and size. An impressive number of children report perfect attendance since the school's opening date. The mothers shared with me their delight in their children relaying (& in some cases teaching) what they learned in school that day. I was also impressed with how well run and organized the school is as well as the accountability structure that is in place between the village and SEWA's District Coordinator.

As a member of the Citizen Philanthropist community, I found working with 1Well extremely easy and fun. With a well planned and run meeting with the Program Manager, I was able to review and pick my project, design my fundraising approach, and then execute. I received support, project updates and information just in time and as needed. I appreciated the level of support I received from 1Well throughout. So much so that I have decided to continue this partnership with 1Well and Dungra and raise funds for my second project - a well repair project for this community in need.

What has impressed me most over the course of my involvement with 1Well is the leadership both here in the states and on the ground in India, the level of communication and organization, consistent growth of programs and staff. Every person (team member) I have dealt with is committed to the vision/mission, personally vested in the work, holding self and each other accountable for results. I highly recommend this organization on many fronts including the vision, value and the impact partnering with them will yield. If you have any additional questions or curiosities regarding my involvement, please don't hesitate to contact me directly. I will gladly speak on their behalf."