Team One Future | Vivek D’souza - One Future Collective

Get to know the fabulous people behind the magic at One Future Collective.

Vivek D’souza, Advocacy Officer, One Future Collective

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am an urban practitioner, a researcher, and an advocate for youth. As a student and queer rights activist, I am passionate about creating meaningful and positive impact through social justice. My work looks at gender, sexuality, public health, and human rights from an interdisciplinary urban lens. Previously, I have had experience with several grassroots movements locally, regionally, and internationally, including UN youth networks. My experience enabled me to work on advocacy projects (on human rights issues of marginalised communities, sustainable development, and LGBT+ rights) that provide mentoring and build capacities of university students in Mumbai. I have recently begun to watch and appreciate Netflix – some amazing series + more to watch. I know a bit of swimming, learnt two levels of German, like travelling and absolutely love music – because it has helped me get through tough and confusing times. I am currently working at the Institute of Public Health (IPH), Bangalore. I have a background in Economics and Politics from the University of Mumbai. I also completed a 9-month fellowship in urban research and practice at the Indian Institute of Human Settlements (IIHS).

Tell us about what you do at One Future Collective?

As the Advocacy Officer at One Future Collective, I assist in communications, outreach, and facilitation by promoting OFC’s vision and work to educational institutes and corporates. I also assist OFC’s Queer Resource Centre in research relevant to gender, sexuality, queer rights, and advocacy.

Why One Future Collective?

OFC is one of the very few (in fact, rare) organisations that works and strives towards valuing people. No matter where you are from, what background you have, what industry you work in, what skill sets you have, OFC always takes an effort to see how you can help create a meaningful impact. I have learnt so much and am grateful to OFC for being such a positive learning space (for self growth and personal development) because of its super warm, welcoming, and supportive team.

Your favourite One Future Collective memory.

My first Youth Meetup at 91 Springboard, Mumbai and the OFC sendoff party before I relocated to Bangalore.

What inspires you?

Taking a step back and reflecting inspires me. I have learned that when I am feeling unproductive, or lost, or confused, or just overwhelmed with thoughts and ideas, I allow myself to step back and pause till things are clear. I also write down stuff that keeps going on in my head. I listen to music, go for a walk, treat myself with some yummy food, and indulge in self care (it can be as simple as taking a nice cozy nap). I have also learned (well, the hard way) and made peace with the fact that things always don’t really work your way, that sometimes the outcomes are not really what you expected or anticipated or hoped for. And sometimes the best work comes in the most unexpected ways, when outcomes really don’t matter. That is what inspires me.

Top three book/song recommendations or both!

Mother’s Daughter – Miley Cyrus
This Is America
Childish Gambino
Kattey
Ram Sampath, Hard Kaur, Bhanwari Devi (Coke Studio @ MTV Season 3: Episode 2)