More than 8,350 families in India were able to eat in 2010, thanks to the efforts of Michigan State University's Students Advancing International Development. The groups one-time donation will serve as a self-replenishing fund that will ensure food to about 30,000 people below the poverty line in rural communities.

"When MSU students put their mind to doing something and truly commit themselves to doing something, they can do remarkable things," said Dan Dutkiewicz, the faculty advisor and study abroad coordinator for SAID.

The organization started in 2009 after the first group of students returned from their study abroad in India, said Dutkiewicz. SAID served as a way to stay connected with, and give back to, Shanti Ashram, a center for international development and learning that was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi.

"The great thing about Shanti Ashram is they have tons of programs that we could do that are all awesome," said Kevin Pietrick, a member of SAID and participant of the study abroad program in 2010. "So you cant lose with any project you pick to fund."

Shanti Ashram started in 1986 as Operation 100%an intensive literacy campaign to help the population of Perur, Coimbatore. The campaign was successful in raising literacy rates to nearly 80%.

Twenty-five years later, Shanti Ashram reaches 40 villages and over 200,000 people. The organization also carries out countrywide programs and collaborates with international agencies.

For more on Shanti Ashram, visit http://www.shantiashram.org

"SAID is different than a lot of groups we have on campus because our group is very open to hearing ideas, having different people lead meetings, and making sure everyone gets their opinion in when we do have to make choices," said Amanda Battani, another 2010 participant. "Its not as structured either and its a very relaxed group to be in."

The groups first project, an MMR immunization fund to protect young children against measles, mumps, and rubella, was successful in raising $20,000 to vaccinate nearly 10,000 children.

Samantha Meyer, the student leader of the group, said she worked extensively to fundraise the year before visiting India.

"All my work actually paid off for something and it is helping real people," she said. "You know that the hours you're putting into fundraise will directly help somebody and you cant compare that it's amazing."

SAID raised $10,000 in the 2010-2011 school year, but the international development and markets study abroad to India was canceled due to a low number of participants, said Meyer.

"The goal for SAID this year is mostly just keeping it alive because most of the people graduated," said Meyer.

Meyer and Pietrick were participants of the study abroad in May 2010. The couple said the journey brought them closer together.

America doesn't have a smell and I never realized that before, said Meyer. But you step off the plane in India and the first two things you notice are the unbelievable heat and then the air just has a smell.

The group must steer away from fundraisers that will have little interest to the community, such as environmental projects, said Meyer. One project the group is considering is early childhood education facilities--a close second to food security last year.

"Because fundraising is very challenging and does not play to everyones strengths, we plan to take a more entrepreneurial approach to achieve multiple development impacts," said Meyer.

This year, the group will try a two-fold strategy to generate more success. SAID will coordinate with the Kottapuram Integrated Development Society (KIDS) in Kerala, India, to market a line of high quality, fair trade goods that were produced by local women. The second step will be to sell KIDS products at a premium and use the surplus to fund a Shanti program, said Meyer.

Dutkiewicz, who travels to India twice per year, said his experiences have left a lasting impression on him.

"I had lunch with a group of boys who were battling HIV. We were just dancing and singing in a place called Combatore, India. I frequently reflect on their smiles and I think to myself there is a lot that we can take for granted in life and it is a great perspective for me."

It is these types of experiences that make Dutkiewicz and the students of SAID so passionate about what they do.

The groups biggest fundraising event is the MSU SAID Gala Celebration that houses music, dancing, henna, food, a silent auction, and much more, said Meyer. The event generated over $2,500 in profit.

"Its a relatively small group but it does these unbelievable, amazing things and I dont think you can compare it on the same level with other groups," said Pietrick.

For more on MSUSAID, visit http://www.msusaid.org/ or contact Dan Dutkiewicz (dutkiew1@gmail.com)





You can also find my article at:

http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20111107/COMM06/111070319/Michigan-State-University-s-Students-Advancing-International-Development