Grassroots domestic violence advocacy still exists

Having worked in the non-profit social service arena, one of the biggest concerns I have is that is has become bureaucratized. In some cases, it seems as though procedure and protocol have trumped passionate concern about human rights.

Yet I know grassroots advocacy is still alive and well, because I am currently immersed in it. No More Tears (NMT) is a non-profit that provides individualized assistance to victims of domestic violence and their children.

Although not exclusively, the bulk of the women we work with are immigrants, many of whom were brought to the US in arranged marriages. NMT was founded by Somy Ali, former Bollywood actress and model and now humanitarian and clothing designer of So-Me Designs. Our mission is to treat these women like human beings, and to help them transform their lives. As such, we provide any and all kinds of services, including my recent trek seven hours with a car full of stinky clothes to help a survivor move.

We are currently helping nine women and their kids. I think the core to our success is twofold: 1) No one involved with No More Tears, not even our founder and the hardest working individual Somy Ali, receives any compensation for their work; and 2) We are creative in utilizing the very small amount of money we have (from donors and small fund raisers) as well as our personal skills, talents, passions and network of supporters. In essence, rather than get mired in bureaucracy and red tape, we do what is needed, when it is needed.

I am thrilled to be part of an endeavor like this, one that truly takes the best of humanity to help others. I encourage readers to check out our web site, www.nmtproject.org