It’s our sincere intention that this valuable program be accessible to all those who want to come, irrespective of their financial resources, and at the same time, we intend to cover the cost of organising the program. We want to look for creative ways to be inclusive as well as sustainable for all.To bring this to effect, at Youth Alliance we are experimenting with the trust-based sliding scale model of contribution to create collaborative, collective and co-owned spaces.
We propose a sliding scale of financial contribution between 15000-30000 INR that can accommodate varied paying capacities of applicants coming from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. We hope that your choice not just accommodates your own financial capacity but also the needs of the community that you are going to be part of.
We also invite you not to look at it as just a 10-day long program as after the program, the journey to seek change continues as we invite the participants to become a part of the thriving, close-knit alumni community of Youth Alliance. We take inspiration from the Vipassana model, where the first 10 days module(immersive journeys) is just a starting point into a deeper journey. We see this Community as a practice ground for the work of community restoration. Read more about our Alumni Work here .
Have a look at the rough breakdown of the program cost
We have a cohort size of 30-35 participants to make the experience deep and held for every person.
In order to make the program financially sustainable as well as accessible with 5 scholarship slots for people from disadvantaged backgrounds, we need contribution of at least:
15,000 INR: 10 participants
22,000 INR: 6 participants
30,000 INR : 9 participants
0-15,000 INR: 5 participants
While we fundraise to cover our remaining cost, this amount helps us to cover the major logistical costs.
Self Assessment Questions
The sliding scale of a program is 15k-30k. Spend time with the framework below to assess where you may fall on the sliding scale.
Ask yourself the following questions in order to get clarity on your contribution. Keep in mind that the overall guideline is, like Miki Kashtan puts it, to “give the most that you can do without overstretching or resentment”.
Please note that these are not all-encompassing indicators in each category. You may not relate to every indicator in any one category but we invite to look at where you find the most belongingness for yourself as it is for your own self assessment.
*These guidelines are influenced by the great work of Hadassah Damien. Graphic inspired by Alexis J. Cunningfolk.
We have 5 slots for individuals from disadvantaged communities. We encourage individuals from religion, region, ethnic, caste, gender, sexual and cultural minorities and people from other such structurally marginalised groups to apply!
We aim to build a community founded on trust, and we believe that if you're applying for a scholarship, it's because you genuinely need it. We encourage you to stay connected with your 'why' as you apply for the scholarship.
We also invite you to consider the following alternatives if contributing the minimum amount is a challenge for you:
Contribute the amount in installments until 1 to 3 months after the program gets over.
Raise part or whole of the minimum amount through Crowdfunding
Our primary intention is to creatively find ways to support and care for each other, and trust the larger process of life.
Inspiration - We are deeply grateful to the following people and initiatives whose words and way of looking have inspired us to put this document together:
Shammi Nanda ( from Ahimsagram)