2008 NetSAP Initiatives - Mentor Xchange & Community Consulting Programs

NetSAP Boston continues on its innovative initiatives in 2008. We are happy to announce that we are planning on launching 2 new programs next year.

Mentor Xchange Program:

The dinner circle series in 2007 was an overwhelming success. We hosted 3 events which connected over 60 professionals from diverse fields such as health-care, finance, technology, and social entrepreneurship with 9 mentors. We intend to expand and continue this initiative in 2008. However, as a group of successful professionals ourselves, it becomes our responsibility that in addition to getting mentored, we should in-turn go back into our community to mentor our younger generation.



Keeping this in mind, we are glad to announce a partnership with TiE-Boston which has been a great source of mentors for our dinner circle events. TiE also has a younger group within their organization called "TiE Young Entrepreneurs" or TYE. TiE-Boston is mentoring these kids between the ages of 14yrs - 18yrs to become the entrepreneurs of tomorrow. While some kids will undoubtedly launch their own ventures, there are many other kids who are looking for advise on career options and strategy. They need a "big brother" or "big sister" if you will... someone who can relate to them, talk to them and provide them the inspiration they are looking for. This is clearly an area where NetSAP Boston members can come in as mentors and share their experiences and advise.

Therefore, on one hand as mentoring moves down the hierarchy, we also hope that the membership will move up the hierarchy. Young members of TiE will become NetSAP members who will then go on to become members of TiE again.

Please contact our Professional Chair, Jigar Patel, at professional@netsapboston.org to learn more about this initiative and participate actively .

NetSAP Boston Community Consulting Program:

In 2007, NetSAP Boston focused a lot on the community. Through more than 4 fundraisers, we were able to donate over $3000 to different charities working on initiatives in India. We also brought teams of NetSAP volunteers together to serve local causes. All in all, we contributed over 800 man-hours of labor, through 6 volunteering events which involved farming, sorting/preparing food, working with the blind and so on... While these activities provide much value to local non-profit organizations, we at NetSAP Boston think that there is much more value in providing help in areas where core strengths of our members lie.



With the Community Consulting program in 2008, NetSAP Boston will move beyond just fundraising and providing physical help. Our goal is to build a platform where South Asian non-profit entities and our members can come together to share ideas on growth/fundraising strategy, core domains (healthcare, finance etc), streamlining administrative tasks and more. We also hope that leaders from different non-profits will join us and use this platform to share their best practices with each other.

This new initiative will not only allow our members to contribute their expertise to those who need it, but on the other hand it will allow them to learn how corporate theories can or cannot be applied in the non-profit world. More importantly, the joy in giving back to the community will supersede everything else.

The "NetSAP community consulting" program is still in the formative stages. We would like to invite members to join us in shaping this program. Please contact Siddharth Pandit at Siddharth.Pandit@netsapboston.org for more information.

There is a different kind of joy and a feeling of satisfaction, and accomplishment when you make a difference in someone's life. We are hoping that you share our sentiments and will join us in these endeavors.

Tushneem Dharmagadda
President, NetSAP Boston

Thank you for making the Annual Gala a Success!

We would like to thank you for making the NetSAP Boston Annual Gala a success. The event which was attended by over 150 professionals was sold out (second year in a row). We received some great feedback about the event. Everyone seemed to have enjoyed the Stand-up Comedy by Corey Manning, Jazz Music, Dinner, Dance and not to forget the company of other elite professionals from the Boston area.

Pictures are posted on our website. If you have any feedback on the event please feel free to email us at board@netsapboston.org.

We look forward to seeing you at more NetSAP Boston events in the future.

Nominees for 2008 NetSAP Boston Board

NetSAP Boston Annual Elections

Nominations are still being accepted for chair positions. If you are interested please send in your letter of intent.

The Network of South Asian Professionals of Boston (NetSAP-Boston) announces nominees for the 2008 Board. NetSAP is still looking for dynamic, creative and motivated members to take up leadership positions for the Chair roles under different pillars (Social, Cultural, Professional, Political and Community Service). If you are interested in becoming part of the NetSAP Board, please read our blog article "Nominations now Open for NetSAP 2008 Executive Board!" to know more about the Job responsibilities of different positions and find one that suits your interests and talents. Elections will be held on Saturday, November 17th, 2007 at the NetSAP Annual Holiday Gala.

Volunteering on the NetSAP-Boston Board allows you to enhance your resume, expand your professional network in the Greater-Boston area and be recognized in the community for your contributions. Read our blog article "Five Great Reasons to Volunteer for NetSAP-Boston".

Position Responsibilities & Duties The following positions on the 2008 Executive Board are contested (Click on the Icons to read Letter of Intent) President Tushneem Dharmagadda Vice President Pallavi Chhabra Treasurer Swarupa Purandare Secretary Sheila Rajan National Liaison Pratyush Vaishnavi The following positions on the 2008 Executive Board are Nominated by the President Website Director Multiple Openings Tanmay Kumar Membership / Marketing Chair(s) Multiple Openings Sanjay Tamhane Sponsorship Chair(s) Multiple Openings Munish Gupta Social / Networking Events Chair(s) Multiple Openings Priya Sathy Manoshi Vin Vijay Daryanani Kalyan Bemalkhedkar Professional Development Chair(s) Multiple Openings Jigar Patel Kiran Ganda Cultural/Theatrics Chair(s) Multiple Openings Bharathi Patimalla Usha Govindarajulu Community Service Events Chair(s) Multiple Openings Chindu Satheesh Political Awareness Chair(s) Multiple Openings Open NetSAP Forum Moderators Multiple Openings Open
	If you are interested in any Chair Position above (including those that are filled), please send your nominations to elections2008@netsapboston.org
Thank you and we look forward to seeing you at the NetSAP Annual Gala. If you have questions on any of these positions or need to discuss more, email Tushneem Dharmagadda, President, at tushneem.dharmagadda@netsapboston.org Sincerely, The 2007 Executive Board Network of South Asian Professionals of Boston (NetSAP-Boston)

A Memorable Year Thanks to YOU!

NetSAP Boston would like to say A BIG THANK YOU for your enthusiasm to mingle at our happy hours this year... So many friends, so many smiles for your generosity to give back to the community this year... So many causes, so much fun for your eagerness to learn through our seminars this year... So much knowledge, so many contacts for your support to our art, culture & theater this year... So much heritage, so many values for your guts to be adventurous this year... So many risks, so much thrill It has been a truly memorable year thanks to you! Please join us at the Annual Gala & Formal on Saturday, 13th December, 2008, to share the joy and relive the memories from 2008. The gala is an upscale, elegant, classy night of entertainment, networking and fine dining. An experience like never before that you will cherish for long! www.netsapboston.org/events/gala Thank you for contributing to our community and to the success of NetSAP Boston! NetSAP-Boston was awarded the "Best Large NetIP Chapter Award for 2008", for the third consecutive year. Sincerely, 2008 NetSAP Boston Executive Board Members [NetSAP Boston is a volunteer run 501(c)6 Not-for-Profit organization]

Fundraiser Thank you Note from India School Fund

NetSAP Boston thanks its members and patrons for attending the Happy Hour at Whiskey Park on October 18th and contributing to a genuine and much-needed cause. NetSAP's fourth fundraiser event this year raised $325 for India School Fund. These funds will be used for ISF initiatives in India. Below is a note from the President of ISF.

We thank you for your generosity in giving back to the community this year. In all NetSAP Boston raised over $3000 in 2007 for 4 different charities focusing on various causes. This is in addition to the hundreds of man-hours that NetSAP volunteers spent in local soup kitchens and organizations. Do read The Human Face of NetSAP Boston to know more about NetSAP Boston's community initiatives in 2007.

Thank You Note from ISF
NetSAP Boston generously dedicated its Happy Hour in October to the India School Fund (ISF), helping spread the word about a nonprofit organization recently founded by five Harvard Business School students to ensure effective delivery of education in rural India to break the vicious cycle of poverty.

For a non-profit organization like ISF, NetSAP Boston events represent a wonderful opportunity to connect with young, bright and driven professionals and explore new ideas that have a real impact on the ground! We hope that with small contributions and support from this powerful network, will not only ensure sustainability of our innovative education system but also expand education, entrepreneurship and health across rural areas over time. If you are interested in visiting our first education center in UP, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Thank you again to the whole NetSAP Boston team.

Annie Bertrand, ISF President & Co-Founder
India School Fund (ISF), www.indiaschoolhousefund.com

Nominations now Open for NetSAP 2008 Executive Board!

NetSAP Boston Annual Elections

Update (November 6th): Nominations are still being accepted for chair positions. If you are interested please send in your letter of intent.

The Network of South Asian Professionals of Boston (NetSAP-Boston) invites dynamic, creative and motivated members to take up leadership positions in the 2008 Executive Board. If you are interested in becoming part of the NetSAP Board, please send in your nomination for a position that suits your interests and talents from the list below. Elections will be held on Saturday, November 17th, 2007 at the NetSAP Annual Holiday Gala. Other Chair positions on the Board will be nominated soon after.

Volunteering on the NetSAP-Boston Board allows you to enhance your resume, expand your professional network in the Greater-Boston area and be recognized in the community for your contributions. Read our blog article "Five Great Reasons to Volunteer for NetSAP-Boston".
If you cannot commit much time but still want to get actively involved with NetSAP-Boston, join our volunteer group. Email Sheila Rajan, Secretary at sheila.rajan@netsapboston.org

To declare your candidacy, submit one-page letter of intent addressed to Rajiv Laroia, Advisor, NetSAP-Boston & Elections Officer at elections2008@netsapboston.org by Sunday, November 4th, 2007.

The letter of intent should address the following and should be limited to less than 500 words.

• Your professional background
• A brief history of your past extra-curricular activities and achievements.
• Why should you be chosen for the position?
  • Your motivation to join or continue on the NetSAP-Boston Executive Board
  • Ideas and Vision that you will bring to NetSAP-Boston and how they can
    contribute to the growth of the organization

Please note that all Executive Board members are required to attend monthly Board meetings. Executive Board members should also be willing to take an active and helpful role in all the activities and events that NetSAP-Boston has to offer.

Position Responsibilities & Duties Avg. Time Commitment The following positions on the 2008 Executive Board are contested President Provide leadership, vision and guidance to the team in all areas.Manage the overall flow of activities and events; 8-10 hours / week Vice President Responsible for creating alliance partner relationships, external communications and building the NetSAP-Boston brand. Coordinate all teams (social, professional, community, cultural, membership and sponsorship). Work hand-in-glove with the President in all these activities 6-8 hours / week Treasurer Oversee and manage finance for NetSAP-Boston, including generating periodical reports. Maintains all financial records. Work hand-in-glove with Sponsorship Chair in building the financial status of NetSAP-Boston 4-6 hours / week Secretary Responsible for, managing internal communications, board meetings and newsletter. Keep an on-going record of all activities and events. Help President and Vice-President coordinate all teams. 4-6 hours / week National Liaison Coordinate communication between NetIP-NA and NetSAP-Boston. Attend all meetings and conference calls and represent NetSAP-Boston in the National organization. Work with respective Chairs and develop initiatives at NetSAP-Boston with National significance. This includes membership incentives and sponsorship opportunities 2-4 hours / week The following positions on the 2008 Executive Board are Nominated by the President Website Director Multiple Openings Maintain, update and develop the NetSAP Boston website; Assist with all web-related NetSAP activities including forums. Requires knowledge of basic HTML and JavaScript. Knowledge of PHP scripting language preferred. 3-5 hours / week Membership / Marketing Chair Multiple Openings Take a proactive role in constantly increasing membership base by devising new strategies; Manage all marketing-related activities for the organization and Alliance partner relationships. 3-5 hours / week Sponsorship Chair Multiple Openings Responsible for securing sponsors for NetSAP-Boston. This key position involves building relationships and securing sponsorships from corporations and other potential local organizations to achieve annual sponsorship goals to support NetSAP-Boston 3-5 hours / week Social / Networking Events Chairs Multiple Openings Develop and manage all social & networking events; Organize all monthly social events; Organize an additional 4 to 6 networking events per year. 3-5 hours / week Professional Development Chairs Multiple Openings Develop and manage all professional development events which include panel discussions, speaker series, and mentoring events; Organize 6 to 8 professional events per year. 3-5 hours / week Cultural/Theatrics Chair Multiple Openings Develop and manage all cultural/theatrics events which include Gala events, celebration of festivals, Chai chats and plays; Organize 3 to 4 cultural events per year. 3-5 hours / week Community Service Events Chair Multiple Openings Develop and manage all community service initiatives which include volunteering events, fund-raising initiatives and social entrepreneurship panels; Organize 3 to 4 community events per year. 3-5 hours / week NetSAP Forum Moderators Multiple Openings Moderate and maintiain User-Forum on the NetSAP website. 3-5 hours / week
	Please Submit your nominations by Sunday, November 4th to elections2008@netsapboston.org
Thank you and we look forward to your declaration of candidacy. If you have questions on any of these positions or need to discuss more, email Tushneem Dharmagadda, President, at tushneem.dharmagadda@netsapboston.org Sincerely, The 2007 Executive Board Network of South Asian Professionals of Boston (NetSAP-Boston)

2008 Membership Promotion ends on January 31st, 2008

Dear NetSAP Boston Members & Patrons,

NetSAP Boston's membership promotion for 2008 ends on January 31st 2008. A typical member in 2007 received over $300* of benefits for a fee of just $40.

There are numerous benefits and advantages of becoming a member. Moreover, 2008 promises to be a great year, filled with numerous exciting events, including the "17th Annual NetIP Conference" in Boston.

NetSAP Boston Membership also gives you:

• Access to member-only events, preference and discounts at all NetIP events
• Discounted access to events of 23 NetSAP Boston Alliance Partners
• Discounts at Museums, Professional coaching organizations and other vendors
• $5 referral bonus for each new member that you refer to NetSAP Boston

For a comprehensive list visit www.netsapboston.org/join

As a token of our appreciation, we are offering discounted rates for renewing the 2007 membership. An email with a link for discounted purchase was sent out recently. If you are a 2007 member and have not received this email please contact Sanjay Tamhane, Membership Chair at membership@netsapboston.org ASAP.

Please note that Membership prices are scheduled to increase to $50 and $80 for Individual & Couple memberships respectively from January 31st 2008.

If you sign up for membership now, the following promotional rates will apply:
New Members
Individual Membership: $40
Couple Membership: $70
Students: $20
Click here to Sign Up

Existing 2007 Members ('07 members renewing for '08)
Individual Membership: $30
Couple Membership: $55
An email with the Online Renewal Link was sent out recently to 2007 members. We also encourage renewal at our events.

Our referral program still continues. If you are a current member and refer a new member to NetSAP Boston, you will immediately get $5 in referral benefit.
[when you ask your friends to sign up for membership online on our website www.netsapboston.org/join ask them to provide your name in the "Referred By" box and we will send you a referral check for the total number of new members referred by you at the end of every month.]

We hope that you will take advantage of this exciting offer. In addition to supporting a non-profit organization and it's programs, you will also become part of one of the most influential South-Asian communities in New England.

Sincerely,
NetSAP Boston Executive Board

NetSAP-Boston & Princeton Review Partnership for Discounted GMAT Classroom Courses

6th September, 2007, Boston MA: NetSAP-Boston and Princeton Review have established a partnership to offer customized GMAT Classroom Courses at discounted prices for NetIP/NetSAP members.

These courses are customized for Professionals of South Asian / Indian descent focusing on nuances of the verbal section as well as advanced math. Considering the intense competition among people of Indian origin, the program will allow NetSAP members to focus on areas that will enable them to crack the GMAT. The classroom size will also be kept small to allow individual attention to each student.

More importantly, the agreement provides a NetSAP member upto $300 off on any classroom course. NetSAP-Boston encourages members to take advantage of this exclusive deal which gets you the best GMAT Classroom course at the lowest price ever!

Contact Munish Gupta, sponsorship chair at NetSAP-Boston at sponsorship@netsapboston.org or Kyle J Matis, Director of Marketing, Princeton Review at KyleM@review.com (617 558 2828) for more information.

Course information for October 2007 is up on the NetSAP website.

Visit our table at the World MBA Tour in Boston on September 20th to find out more about how NetSAP-Boston can help you with pursuing top MBA Programs

NetSAP-Boston does it Again - Wins NetIP's Best Large Chapter Award for 2007

Dear Member & Patrons,

Thanks to your unconditional support towards the organization, the tons of new initiatives, and exciting events in our Chapter, we were able to win the NetIP's Best Large Chapter Award for 2007. This is the second consecutive year that NetSAP-Boston has won this award.

Considering that we had to compete with 22 other NetIP chapters in the US & Canada to win this award it is no ordinary feat. This obviously could not have possible without the extra-ordinary efforts of the many NetSAP board members and volunteers who worked very hard this year. Kudos to each of them for making this happen.

We are also excited to announce that the venue for the 17th Annual NetIP National Conference in 2008 will be the home of NetSAP-Boston, Boston. More details on this will follow soon.

As always we are looking for motivated volunteers to help us out. Read more about benefits of volunteering and feel free to contact us for more information.

Here are some pictures from the NetIP National Conference in Miami. More will be posted on our website soon

Five Great Reasons to Volunteer for NetSAP-Boston

We are always looking for motivated and driven people to volunteer for NetSAP-Boston... Join us at our Board meetings, typically held on the first Tuesday of every month and learn about different volunteering opportunities on the Executive Board as well as the volunteer group. Contact Sheila Rajan at Sheila.Rajan@netsapboston.org for more information.

Note: Next board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, 2nd October at the Brookline library. If you are interested in attending contact Sheila ASAP.

Here are Five great reasons to Volunteer for NetSAP-Boston:

5. Follow and promote your passion by organizing initiatives which get like-minded people together. Be it Socio-cultural events, Professional, Community service, Politics, Theatrics or others... NetSAP-Boston encourages them all

4. Enhance your skill-set and resume through extra-curricular activities. Develop leadership, management, interpersonal, and communication skills. Use them in your regular jobs or for pursuing management degrees

3. Get access and connections to a network of top leaders from various fields

2. Be part of a growing and influential non-profit organization... get known and recognized for your work in the community

1. Give back to the Community, Build a close-knit social network of great friends and Have fun

NetSAP-Boston Executive Board and Volunteers