As someone seriously considering a career in grassroots development action, Associateship provides them an opportunity to assess the opportunities and constraints of a life in grassroots work, alternative career choices, responsibilities towards and expectations of family and friends, the conditions of living, broad content and pace of work in villages. The programme serves the purpose of selecting new entrants to the organisation, so that more of the people who might join DHAN Foundation, stay and fit the organisations requirements.

Organisational Norms for DAs:

Development Associates will be paid monthly pay as per their qualifications. They are required to follow the rules and norms, both written and unwritten, of the host project. Some of these are :

1. Development Associates are not entitled to avail any leave during the period of Associateship, apart from those declared holidays by the host project

2. Development Associates are expected to maintain accounts as per rules of the organisation. They have to clear every advance as soon as the task for which it was taken is completed by submitting the your travel bills as soon as their trip is completed. Local conveyance expenses can be claimed as per the rules of the location. Travel bills will be approved by respective field guides.

3. All travel plans should be made in consultation with respective Field Guide . DHAN has evolved a set of rules for travel. Boarding and lodging will be reimbursed as per actuals, subject to a maximum. DHAN's travel rules are available at every project location.

4. Each project/team has it's own set of norms, not necessarily explicitly stated, about attendance, conduct and discipline. Development Associates are expected to abide by these norms. If there is any confusion, they can discuss with their field guides.

5. Since each Development Associate represents the outsiders as a representative of DHAN, they should not make any commitments (or) take any steps on behalf the organisation without consulting the field guide.

6. Each Development Associate should maintain daily diary which reflects their learnings from daily activities.