I received this opportunity via email….

Greetings.  I am writing to introduce you to a noble effort in village ecotourism in rural India.  It is called the Rural Organisation for Social Elevation (R.O.S.E.)and was founded in 1981 by local residents concerned about the plight of the poor in the Kanda area of Uttaranchal, India.  In 1988 it began accepting international volunteers, eco tourists and students.  Since then it has accepted over 300 people from all over the world to work and live immersed in village life and the local culture  for anywhere from 1 week to six months.  It is a unique approach to tourism
that supports and uplifts the local community .R.O.S.E. is currently trying to reach out like-minded individuals and organisations in order to form a network to share information and bring awareness to its existence. To find out more about R.O.S.E., the work it does, and the opportunities it provides for tourists please visit http://www.rosekanda.info &  http://www.bageshwar.nic.in/excursions.htm
First Choice Responsible Tourism Award 2005 Best Volunteering programme sponsored by The Imaginative traveller, Winner-Rural Organisation For Social Elevation (ROSE)  from The World Travel market (WTM) London on 16th november 2005
http://www.presspicture.net/p247t-login.htm

Sincerely,
Jeevan Lal Verma
Director ROSE
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” -Mahatma Gandhi

International visitors from many different countries are exposed to the Kumaoni lifestyle. Since one defines himself while meetings difference, eco tourists are also a good opportunity for the locals to realize the importance of their culture. When living and talking with eco tourists, Kanda people have to explain every aspect of their culture which make them realize the beauty of their culture. Besides, ecotourism has encouraged locals to organize cultural events to share with the visitors. These are opportunities for the eldest
members of the community to share their tradition with the youngest.
Indeed, ecotourism allow transmission of the culture from one
generation to another.