Get Involved

Partnership is at the core of Action Village India (AVI). It is at the heart of how we have evolved over the last thirty years, working with now eight partners from across India who are making a difference to the lives and livelihoods of women, men and children in marginalised communities.

Partnership is also at the heart of how our many supporters express their support and solidarity to partners and communities in India.

Our community of supporters includes people who have a long-term commitment to AVI; the wonderful volunteers of the peerless Madras Café; staff, trustees, volunteers, and interns of AVI. We are a vibrant and committed community.

Please sign up to our newsletter to learn about upcoming events and opportunities for getting involved with AVI.

Please also feel free to get in touch with us at any time with any idea you have to get involved.

Volunteer at or for an Event

AVI runs events throughout the year. These range from:

  • Stalls and information desks at festivals, concerts and community events
  • Educational events at universities and colleges
  • Stalls at events celebrating Indian culture in the UK
  • Market stalls selling our ethical product range

Please come and join us!

Our biggest event of the year is the Madras Café at WOMAD Festival where we look for people to help with our information desk through shifts over the weekend. It is great fun!

We keep a list of volunteers interested and able to give a hand at events or help us to prepare for events in the office. If you are interested in being contacted for volunteer opportunities for future events, please click on the volunteer button below

If you are interested in volunteering for the food preparation and service at Madras Café, please visit the Madras Café pages to register your interest.

Thank you!

Volunteer










    In what capacity would you like to be involved with Action Village India?

    VolunteerInternTrustee

    Why would you like to join Action Village India?

    Upload your CV (.pdf or .doc, max.1MB)

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    Intern with us

    Are you an ambitious and enthusiastic person looking to gain broad charity experience in a small London based charity? Are you looking to begin or extend your career in international development and are ready for a challenge?

    AVI works with interns throughout the year in our small office in Dalston, London. We are a small, friendly and committed team and we can always do with the right pair of extra hands to support with fundraising, marketing, events and research. No day will ever be the same and we will respond to your interests and skills to find the right tasks for you to work on.

    Current Internship Opportunities at Action Village India:

    Events and Fundraising Internship – Summer 2022

    • This internship will support Action Village India’s flagship fundraising event: Madras Cafe @ Womad Festival.  It is a varied and interesting role that would suit someone outgoing, energetic and flexible.  Read more.

    Fundraising, Exhibition Development and Events Support Internship – Summer 2022

    • This internship position supports the AVI team and the Events and Fundraising Intern with our fundraising events through the summer.  It is a varied and interesting role that would suit someone interested in international development and someone who wants to learn more about the projects of our partners.  Read more.

    Sales, Product Development and Marketing Internship – Ongoing Deadline

    • This role is for an intern to support the small AVI office team in developing our products and sales in the Action Village India ethical gift shop.  The role will involve a mix of independent work and creative collaboration with staff and suppliers.  Read more.
    More Info

    What we offer:

    • A committed and friendly work environment with lots of learning opportunities
    • AVI will cover travel expenses (from within London) to the AVI office in Dalston and lunch costs for days worked in the office (up to £10 a day – negotiable).
    • A designated trustee link as well as named manager to help you learn and grow in the role

    Potential tasks may include:

    • Helping organise a fundraising event
    • Office administration
    • Working on social media or crowdfunding campaigns
    • Developing fundraising proposals and undertaking research
    • Working on our annual flagship event, meeting the public and fundraising at WOMAD Festival
    • Developing our shop and product opportunities

    What we look for:

    • Passionate and enthusiastic team players who enjoy getting stuck into a wide range of tasks
    • Self-motivation and organisation
    • Strong interest in the charity and international development sectors
    • Interest and experience of travelling and/or working or volunteering in India
    • Ability to commit to at least 1 day per week for a minimum of 8 weeks, or 2 days a week for a minimum of 6 weeks
    • Ability to work well in a team with a flexible approach
    • A good communicator
    • Proficient IT skills (word, excel, social media)
    • Commitment to the values and ethos of Action Village India

    Prior experience in office administration, marketing, fundraising or event management for a small charity or similar organisation is desirable but not essential.

    If you are interested in interning with us please register your interest by filling out the form below, or emailing a note outlining your experience and attaching a CV or LinkedIn profile to [email protected].

    Contact Us
    Register Interest










      In what capacity would you like to be involved with Action Village India?

      VolunteerInternTrustee

      Why would you like to join Action Village India?

      Upload your CV (.pdf or .doc, max.1MB)

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.


      Organise your own Fundraiser

      Please visit our events page for upcoming events at Action Village India. However, we will be delighted to hear your ideas for a fundraiser and provide you with all the support you need in terms of marketing and/or any materials you may need. Simply click the ‘Contact Us’ button below and let us know. Here are some ideas of what supporters have done in the past:

      • Run the Great North Run and taking part in many other sponsored events for AVI
      • Organise cake and bake sales
      • Drive a tuk-tuk from one side of India to the other!
      • Run a cookery class for AVI
      • Organise school and college fundraisers

      We have prepared free, downloadable fundraising kits below to help you with some of the more accessible and popular fundraising activities. This includes:

      • Hosting a virtual or in-person Supper Club
      • Hosting yoga classes with all funds raised going to AVI
      • Hosting a quiz night
      • Hosting a virtual or in-person Chai Morning
      Contact Us Fundraising Kits

      Join our Trustee Board

      AVI has an active Board of Trustees, typically comprised of 8-10 women and men, which is responsible for the overall governance and strategy of the charity.

      AVI is always keen to hear from prospective trustees who are interested and passionate about development issues in South Asia, who have ideally travelled in or lived or worked in India.

      More Info

      We are looking for women and men who are able to bring skills and experience to the following areas:

      • Project management
      • Project monitoring and evaluation
      • Fundraising through trusts and foundations
      • Fundraising events
      • Individual giving
      • Corporate fundraising
      • Marketing and Social Media
      • Charity law
      • Charity finance
      • Organisational policies and procedures
      • Recruitment and human resources
      • Campaigning
      • Office systems
      • Strategic planning
      • Meeting Facilitation
      • Rural development

      Trustees are expected to attend four Trustee meetings a year (quarterly), held on weekday evenings or on weekends, as well as our AGM. There are other events throughout the year which Trustees will be involved with and each Trustee can take a specific role or responsibility (linked to the above areas) which they can provide additional support and time for.

      Please meet our current Trustees here.

      We will post specific Trustee vacancies here (i.e. for secretary or treasurer) but please register your interest at any time by filling in the form below, or emailing a note outlining your experience and attaching a CV or LinkedIn profile to [email protected].

      Contact Us
      Register Interest










        In what capacity would you like to be involved with Action Village India?

        VolunteerInternTrustee

        Why would you like to join Action Village India?

        Upload your CV (.pdf or .doc, max.1MB)

        This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.


        Meet Our Team

        Join our Staff Team

        Action Village India has a very small, dedicated team working from our office in Dalston, London. Details of any paid vacancies will be posted here.

        Stay in touch

        Please sign up to our newsletter to keep informed about our partners, projects, events and ethical products’ range and discover ways to get involved with our work.