Faculty, Freelancers, and Fairness: Rethinking How We Value External Experts

Faculty, Freelancers, and Fairness: Rethinking How We Value External Experts

In academia and healthcare, inviting external experts to speak or facilitate sessions is a common practice. These engagements add richness, new perspectives, and practical value to learning. But it is worth reflecting: Do our systems of honoraria and reimbursements really acknowledge the different situations of invited faculty? Sharing an Experience Not long ago, I was invited by a reputed institution to deliver a talk and facilitate a group activity. There was no honorarium given to speakers. Happens off and on. I accept that in the spirit of sharing.  But when it came to travel reimbursement, things became unexpectedly complicated. Since…
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What do you do when you are not doing workshops or lectures?

What do you do when you are not doing workshops or lectures?

I have often been asked this question, especially after a full day workshop. Recently a young student asked me "You have recorded your ELearning programs and put them up. What else do you need to do? Why do you need more funds?" It always reminds me of the fact that many believe that women who are home makers have nothing much to do. In fact the term "sitting at home" is often used, to talk about this population! No one knows how much a home maker does. Rarely do people see the efforts that precede "any success, achievement or even…
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The challenges of fundraising

The challenges of fundraising

Raising funds to run a not for profit organization is a challenge. Sounds pretty obvious? Okay - maybe if you are an expert fundraiser you may disagree, but that applies to experts. Who may have fundraising abilities in their blood , or developed them over years. Over the years, my colleague and I have learnt several things about how to fundraise - thanks to inputs from several people including those from other NGOs, and people like Dhaval Udani , Noshir Dadrawala and more. We implemented many of these great strategies - including softer aspects like how to stay in touch…
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