Its core objects at the time of formation were to intervene in various social development issues especially on health and education. Over the years, it became imperative for the organization to respond to other growing issues and concerns that caused and still continue to cause distress to the communities of Eastern Uttar Pradesh (UP) & Northern Bihar that we serve. This was a shift born out of witnessing the continued destruction on the lives and livelihoods of the poor inhabitants of eastern UP occasioned by the wrath of unrelenting and unmerciful floods that have become the number one enemy in the area. Furthermore, there was a realization that floods reversed any gains made in development and was inextricably intertwined with the low-levels of development in the area. The organization started off in responding to flood disasters in the regions. But overtime, the need to diversify to cover other hazards in the area has been realized. Disaster management has therefore become a cross cutting issue in development for PGVS as an organization. The organization has taken a lead role in facilitating a community base disaster management initiative in various districts of Uttar Pradesh & Bihar. It has also been involved in policy and advocacy work and capacity building training on Disaster Management not only at the grassroots levels but also at the state and national levels. Institutional Strength
The PGVS makes the human rights framework work for humanitarian response by relating Sphere standards and Humanitarian accountability, MDG goals partnership to human rights standards and applying human rights principles to the work process, including the programming and implementation of programmes, projects and activities. PGVS is a nonprofit making in situation, working on the issue of Community Based DRR with the provisions of National DM Act and policy. The Humanitarian Charter provides the ethical and legal backdrop to the minimum standards established legal rights and obligation. All the people affected by disaster and conflict have a right to receive protection and assistance to ensure the basic conditions for life with dignity. Though PGVS started as an initiative of a few individuals, it grew up to be formal organizations in later years with the expansion of work and its area. PGVS has always believed in creating synergy with other stakeholders and organizations working on similar issues. This belief has guided very fruitful partnerships between PGVS, government agencies, NGOs and other institutions.
· National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Government of India’s National NGO task force.
· SPHERE India: founder member of Sphere Management Committee (VASUDEVA)
· Inter Agency Groups: PGVS is holding the chair for more than 5 years.
· Uttar Pradesh Voluntary Action Network(UPVAN):Member of the network involved in research and advocacy on issues relevant to the civil society.
· Climate Action Network South Asia (CANSA)
· Humanitarian Accountability Partnership (HAP)
· Asian Disaster Risk Reduction Network (ADRRN)
· Uttar Pradesh Voluntary Health Association (UPVHA):Member of the network engaged in implementation and advocacy of community health issues
· SAHAYOG: A network of eastern U.P.organization who is working of disaster management. Over a decade of work in disaster management and preparedness and integrated development in eastern Uttar Pradesh has enabled PGVS to take up a leadership role in the area. Catholic Relief Services (CRS) are being implemented by NGO networks with PGVS in the leadership role . While the headquarters are located in Gorakhpur, there is a state advocacy and coordination office in Lucknow also. A training facility is under construction and will soon be completed. Key Themes & Functions
Working in an integrated development framework having disaster preparedness at community level as the key theme is the most effective approach for the area. The functions that PGVS execute in the abovementioned area of work are Planning and implementation of disaster risk reduction programs, facilitating Community Mobilization &conducting Research Studies, Capacity building of community and other civil society organizations. Multistakeholder Engagement
In its twenty years of existence, PGVS has worked with the community, individuals, volunteers, experts, Doctors, elected representatives, government officials, NGOs, INGOs, Donors, Media agencies etc. Though approach has always been collaborative, but PGVS has never shied away from raising voice with the community for advocacy on issues like disaster relief, compensations and other entitlements. The PGVS team is comfortable in working in multistakeholder environments and believes in creating synergies for achievement of agreed upon goals.
