We hope you are running for a cause in the Mumbai Marathon on January 18. Even if you're not, Vinay Somani of Karmayog.org, shows you how to achieve your personal marathon

PEOPLE have been expressing concern after the Mumbai terror attacks, and several of these are focused on issues of better governance. To get an idea of how government works, and to understand the ground realities of various issues that affect society, it would be useful and important to get involved with NGOs.u00a0

Most people have unrealistic and high expectations of NGOs. This perception also hinders people from helping out and supporting NGOs in small ways, because they wrongly assume that such small contributions do not make a difference.

It is important for all of us to realise that NGOs are not powerful organisations. They are struggling, daily witnessing the brutal reality faced by their beneficiaries and trying their best to help them. Here's where to individually contribute our time, intellect, services, space and money.

Experiences with NGOs would give rise to a greater clarity about what exactly to focus on, and the suggestions and action steps that emerge through this process would be more practical and likely to generate results.

A to Z of social causes

Adoption is critical to ensure that every child has the love and support of family life.
Indian Association for Promotion of Adoption and Child Welfare undertakes programmes in adoption, foster family care, family support programme and educational assistance for underprivileged children and a child guidance centre.
http://www.iapacw.org/

Blood Donation is important as this simple act can prevent people from dying needlessly.
Think Foundation helps organise voluntary blood donation drives and create awareness about thalassaemia and platelet donation.
vinay@thinkfoundation.org