Dear Friends

We have 'agonized' a lot about this decision: should we register TISA or let it be a private association of Indian citizens? Finally, we decided to go ahead. Let me list out some of the reasons which have pushed us in this direction:

1. On at least two occasions our regional chapters / SHGs have requested for details of registration number etc. of TISA, so that they could apply and receive benefits of being a member of a registered charity. In Pune, it was a simple matter of getting permission to use a meeting hall from a senior citizen's association, for the weekly SHG meetings. In Banglore, it was a case of giving an ad about weekly SHG meetings in the local daily for free. There can be many more such instances. Once we have that legal status, TISA can do much more for its SHGs across the country. And you can do much more through TISA's help.

2. Only when we have a legal and formal existence, can we apply for grants form corporate / state agencies for holding bigger conferences, to promote awareness and correct knowledge about stammering. Such conferences cant be organized from our own contributions.

3. If we ever wish to take legal recourse against unfair discrimination in matters of employment etc., having a legal entity will be an advantage.

4. A legal entity will ensure that our commitment is more enduring and structured, to our cause of ensuring “Better attitudes through knowledge”.

So, considering the above practical matters, Nitin (Coordinator, Delhi chapter) and I have registered TISA as a Public Charitable Trust in Vikasnagar (Dehradun) on 13^th November 2009. It is entitled to work all over India. Very soon we will receive the registration number. We have already started to think about inducting a third woman trustee, who can volunteer, participate and help. We plan to revamp the core group, clarify the roles, duties, procedures, protocols (of course, without becoming too bureaucratic) and long term vision and objectives.

After registration, two more steps need to be taken: registration under Act 12A and 80G, which ensures tax exemption both for TISA and its potential donors. This and related procedures require an expense of Rs 55,000. So, if you agree with this cause and approach, you may please start fund raising in your group and through your contacts. If one were to go by our last fund raising drive for website and related expenses, it should not be difficult. People who come to your group, tell them, that TISA, as an association representing them, will accept even Rs 5 gratefully. And will be ACCOUNTBALE for it.

We will be following the same format as for last fund raising: the amount received and expenses undertaken, both will be put on the donor page, accessible to all the donors. If it is more comfortable for you to donate online, please send a mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and we will direct you on how to do it.

Last thought: TISA will remain responsive and thankful to all those who contribute in kind, labor and good will and not necessarily cash.

Thank you and best wishes!

Sachin & Nitin

Trustees, TISA