The Power of Connection: An Exclusive Interview with SJU Nari
The non-profit space relies on connection. As a sphere of influence where the primary motivation for many community groups is service, relationships will inevitably be formed. However, the quality of relationships is determined by the quality of collaboration. A crucial part of the Mai Soli Foundation and our mission is to foster strong relationships so that the elevation of young girls’ and the eradication of child marriage can be achieved. There is strength in numbers, and our community network is no stranger to that.
The Mai Soli Foundation is blessed with incredible community partners. To name a few, BD Development, Children of 1971 and Bengalis of New York. All who have supported the Mai Soli Foundation can be fundraisers or other forms of collaborations in their own unique way. We are proud to introduce a new community partner, SJU Nari, who blew us away with an incredible fundraiser in aid of the Mai Soli Foundation.
Introducing SJU Nari
In April 2021, SJU Nari held a fundraiser for the Mai Soli Foundation and, through their passionate community, raised an astounding $1200. This is no small victory, and we wanted to take a moment to convey our gratitude to SJU Nari for their kindness and hard work.
So, our Content & Community Coordinator, Sejuti Mansur and Marketing Strategy Coordinator, Amisha Chowdhury, sat down with three of the SJU Nari Executive Board members. We explored how university community groups transform the non-profit sphere for the better. Suppose you are interested in collaborating with the Mai Soli Foundation as part of our community building. In that case, we hope this inspires you and empowers you to stay faithful to your mission. Every moment in history starts with a grassroots movement, and no matter where you are, every community group matters.
What They Bring to the Table
For more information, SJU Nari is a university-based organisation at St. John’s University, New York City. It is the only organisation for South-Asian women on a predominantly white campus. It has created a vital safe space for South-Asian students. Raysa Chowdhury, Founder of SJU Nari, was inspired by a conversation with a dear friend about how there were all-encompassing groups for the brown community. Still, there was no space for South-Asian women specifically. As important as these groups were, it was intimidating as there were no platforms to speak on women-only issues. Therefore, an idea was born that such a space needed to exist.
“We wanted a place where women could simply come together, and rely on each other”
- Raysa Chowdhury, Founder of SJU Nari
A university can be a daunting experience, and to have a community where people simply understand each other would be imperative for a person’s happiness and safety. One of the ways SJU Nari brings this to life is by inviting guest speakers on mental & sexual health. Khadija Zahid, another Executive Board member of SJU Nari, spoke on asking South-Asian gynaecologists to open conversations about women’s healthcare. Despite the fact some women were initially uncomfortable with the subject topics, it was enlightening to witness how many became empowered in their own sexuality. These conversations are deemed taboo in the South-Asian community but are vital for wellbeing.
“It was important to us that someone could be themselves in our space. There was no pretence of having to change themselves to fit in.”
- Minaal Ali Khan, Executive Board Member of SJU Nari
As the conversation developed in the interview, we delved deeper into the masks we may wear to fit into the status quo of society. Minaal Ali Khan, an Executive Board member, spoke on the importance of having a place where someone could simply be themselves. As many university students are introduced to a particular way of living, for instance, in the American university system, fraternities and sororities are a common social pathway. However, these are primarily caucasian traditions. That being said, it can be intimidating if you are not familiar or comfortable with these traditions, creating a sense that you have no place to simply belong.
Changing Tides
As you can imagine, there was a procedure to creating a university-based community group. One may assume that there would be a hostile reception to the creation of SJU Nari on a predominantly white campus. However, that was not the case. The board responsible for approving university societies were positively receptive to the idea. As we are in a tide of change, the board members recognized that such groups needed to exist if the university sought to expand and grow with the rest of the world. They are as good an example as any that creating a group like this is worth trying, even if there is hesitation in fear of backlash. In the current times, safe spaces have never been more critical, and higher education institutions recognize the need. The SJU Nari Executive Board was surprised by the blanket approval from their university. Still, academic staff are acknowledging there is a need to uplevel in the educational sphere.
It may not come as a surprise, but donations are vital for non-profits. Fundraisers are game-changers in creating buzz around a cause, and SJU Nari does not disappoint when it comes to delivering on its promises. For those who may be confused about fundraisers and do not know where to begin, it is best to keep it simple. Minaal stated that when SJU Nari started, they noticed that “bingo board” fundraising was deemed successful for grassroots campaigns. The purpose of bingo fundraising is to create momentum as each donation builds to reach a financial target.
“As college students, we have a desire to be part of the greater good. An innate part of the younger generation is the wish to be on the right side of history.”
- Khadija Zahid, Executive Board Member of SJU Nari
SJU Nari has a social media presence; they would post “bingo cards” with varying amounts of potential donations. All the Executive Board members would share the fundraising bingo cards to their individual social media accounts, and so would their community group members. The benefit of social media is that there tends to be a viral effect; as one person donates, another person will follow suit. Due to COVID and the way organizations have pivoted their approach to fundraising, digital fundraising has become an integral part of the process. Therefore, embracing social media has never been more critical. In addition to this, it is essential to create a dedicated following with a collective effort to bring change. University community groups ultimately have the potential to be at the forefront of radical change.
On behalf of the Mai Soli Foundation, we are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with SJU Nari. Our foundation would not be the same without our incredible community partners. These partners have embraced our mission as their own, and we are fortunate to be affiliated with such kindred spirits.
If you are interested in collaborating with the Mai Soli Foundation, we would be honored to work with you. All social ventures are welcome to join our network of non-profit partners who are committed to empowering young women. In addition, if you wish to fundraise on behalf of the Mai Soli Foundation, we would be more than happy to join forces!
