On May 1, 2005 Nikhil Aziz joined Grassroots International as its new Executive Director. Most recently Associate Director at Political Research Associates (PRA) in Somerville, Massachusetts, he has spent many years analyzing the workings of social movements. At PRA, he led a team that studied the conservative movement and the political right in the United States, and for his doctoral dissertation and subsequent work, he researched popular movements and indigenous rights groups, focusing on India’s National Alliance of People’s Movements, an alliance of progressive movements for human rights and social and economic justice.

As a gay, progressive, immigrant person of color, Nikhil has built collaborations with progressive activist and advocacy organizations nationwide and is a dynamic speaker, teacher and writer on human rights, development and social change. He is a member of the board of RESIST Inc., the Massachusetts Asians and Pacific Islanders for Health and Africa Today Associates.

“Joining Grassroots International and our international partners — social change movements that are ‘reinventing revolution’ through their struggles for global justice and land, water and other human rights — is a great honor,” Nikhil said. “I am delighted and excited about returning to international solidarity work in these very challenging times.”

“Nikhil brings astute political analysis, a keen understanding of systems of oppression and a passion for human rights and social justice,” Shalini Nataraj, Chair of the Board of Grassroots International said. “We are very excited to have him lead GRI in this new chapter of its history.”

Nikhil will be replacing former Executive Director Kevin Murray, who successfully stewarded Grassroots for six years.

Grassroots International promotes global justice through partnerships with social change organizations. We work to advance political, economic and social rights and support development alternatives through grantmaking, education and advocacy.