Sustaining Inspiration and Aspiration
An AVI USA Training Workshop with Binah and Matthew
“Bringing your project’s mission to life day to day is hard work. Service work requires consistency, discipline, and perseverance. And fundraising easily becomes another thing to add to an already full time job. We will explore strategies for staying inspired, which also means finding fulfillment in your everyday work!”
A Special Gathering of AVI USA Partners
On March 12, we had 30 AVI USA project partners gather at SAIIER Hall in Auroville for a very special training session. Matthew started things off with a short meditation, inviting everyone to reflect on the moments that first inspired them to start their projects. He guided everyone to remember times when they were fully in the flow, feeling deeply connected to who they are and the work they do. It was a beautiful moment of reconnecting with the core inspiration behind each and every project, including for the AVI USA participants.
After the meditation, everyone was encouraged to express what they had experienced—whether through writing, drawing, or any other form that felt right. It was a chance to truly capture those feelings.Then, we paired up to share our experiences with the person next to us. This step was all about deepening the connection to what we had just felt and experienced in the meditation. By voicing their thoughts and feelings out loud, everyone could hear and reflect on them in a new way. Sharing these moments with someone else often helped bring out new insights and strengthened the inspiration everyone had tapped into.
After that, the group came together to further solidify that sense of inspiration. In this part of the process, hearing everyone’s reflections and stories created a powerful collective energy. It wasn’t just about one person’s experience—it was about everyone connecting to the shared purpose and passion that brought them together in the first place. This group sharing allowed the inspiration to expand beyond the individual, creating a stronger, more grounded sense of collective motivation. It helped all leave the session feeling not only personally inspired but also united in the shared vision and commitment to the work ahead.
Meditations & Inspiring Conversations
The Nuts and Bolts
The second part of the workshop focused more on the practical side of things. AVI USA helps guide projects through the sometimes tricky landscape of rules and regulations, both from India and the US. Since AVI USA is a US-based 501(c)(3) organization supporting Indian projects, we’re always working with a combination of Indian and US regulations around charitable contributions. It’s a learning curve for both new and long-standing projects, but we’re here to provide guidance every step of the way.
We also keep our partners updated with the latest information from Auroville services. Our goal is to increase transparency and make communication smoother, so we can all continue working together more effectively, with fewer obstacles in the way. We’re committed to supporting every project as it grows and adapts to new changes, ensuring that we all succeed together.
Building a sense of Purpose and Inspiration for Project Supporters
Binah presented about transmitting and communicating project inspiration and aspiration for future goals to project supporters. Below are some of the concepts she touched upon:
When it comes to project supporters, it’s all about making them feel like they’re part of something real and personal. Forget the long, formal emails—what works best is staying in touch in simple, warm ways. A quick “thinking of you” message or a short, handwritten note can make a world of difference.
One of Binah’s favorite ways to connect is by sending photos with a personal touch. Maybe it’s a picture of the Matrimandir, or a moment like kids having fun as they start their summer break in Auroville. If a donor knows your family, like your mom, sending a photo of you two together makes it even more special. It’s all about showing them that they’re part of something bigger, something that feels real and personal.’
Also, it’s great to share things supporters care about. If they’re passionate about the school project, for example, send them a photo of the kids celebrating the start of their summer break. These little moments are what make the work feel meaningful, and they remind donors of why they support the cause in the first place.
When things get tough, it helps to stay grounded in what keeps you going. For Binah, it’s the gratitude she feels for growing up in Auroville, surrounded by kindness and freedom. Finding your own anchor like that—something that keeps you connected to the work—is so important when challenges come up.
Donors are our partners and friends. By keeping them involved and showing them the difference they’re making, we build a connection that’s strong and lasting. It’s those little personal touches—a quick message, a photo, or a reminder of what they love about the project—that make all the difference.
At the end of the day, our relationships with donors are like growing friendships. We started our journey under the Banyan trees, but it felt like we’d known each other forever. Together, we connect in the present and build something for the future. No matter what challenges come our way, the bigger picture and the work we’re doing together will always help us keep moving forward.
