Mission - Seva Foundation

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Vision
A world of healthy and self-reliant communities.

Mission
Seva is a Sanskrit word meaning service to others.

Seva's work is made possible by the generosity of donors and volunteers inspired by the spirit of service.

Since 1978, Seva has been a leading innovator in building partnerships that deliver cost-effective, culturally-informed health services for some of the world's most vulnerable -- including women, children, and indigenous peoples. Seva finds and strengthens dedicated, capable partners. Seva's goal is project sustainability and self-reliance so our partners continue delivering services long after our involvement has ended. In Asia, Africa, and Latin America Seva helps end preventable blindness, and in the United States supports Native Americans in re-building healthy, diabetes-free communities.

Guiding Principles
Turn compassion into action: We are professionals, volunteers, and donors drawn to this work by the spirit of service.

Value different ways of knowing: We respect both the analytical and intuitive in all our work.

Serve the underserved: We work with communities worldwide to achieve health equity--especially those that are vulnerable and economically marginalized including women, children, and indigenous peoples.

Promote a comprehensive concept of health: We recognize that spiritual and cultural renewal, economic self-sufficiency, environmental wellness, and medical services are important to well-being.

Create long-term partnerships: We are responsive to the changing needs and conditions of the people and programs with whom we work. By developing close relationships with local organizations and community leaders, we build trust, mutual respect, and cultural understanding.

Expand self-reliance: We promote self-reliance and aim to reduce dependence on outside assistance. We seek sustainable solutions that come from within individuals and communities so our partners continue delivering services long after our involvement has ended.

"Helping out is not some special skill. It is not the domain of rare individuals. It is not confined to a single part of our lives. We simply heed the call of that natural impulse within and follow it where it leads us."

Ram Dass
Co-Founder and Honorary Lifetime Board Member
Seva Foundation

Critical Impact Award
The Council on Foundations presented Seva with this prestigious award for "revolutionizing" community based eye care programs by helping to launch Aurolab.

Ram Dass on Seva
Watch a 5-minute video with Ram Dass, Larry Brilliant and Wavy Gravy telling the story of how Seva began.

Larry in TIME 100
Seva co-founder Larry Brilliant was chosen as one of TIME Magazine's 100 Most Influential People.

Seva Concerts
Dozens of artists have raised millions of dollars to support Seva's work over the past 30+ years.