Derrek Xavier

Derrek Xavier-Image

Derrek Xavier is an editorial associate at IDR, where he is responsible for writing, editing, and publishing content. He previously worked in editorial positions at Cactus Communications and Firstpost. He holds an MA in Media Studies from the University of Amsterdam and a BA in Sociology and Anthropology from St Xavier’s College, Mumbai.


Articles by Derrek Xavier


a cartoon billboard saying,

October 13, 2025
What if nonprofits wrote ads?
Are you selling me a product or writing a grant application?
A hi-res image of a computer laptop and a Lego miniature figure holding the CTRL tab-technology for nonprofits.

September 23, 2025
Your burning tech questions, answered
Three nonprofits share insights on what worked for them (and what didn't) as they navigated tough choices around tech.
The image shows a man and a woman riding bicycles down a broad concrete path. There is grass growing on either side of the path and there are lush green trees lining growing behind the grass patches. There are people sitting on a bench on the side._Urban planning

September 10, 2025
Urban India must invest in blue-green infrastructure
WRI India’s Jaya Dhindaw on why blue-green infrastructure—from green corridors to wetlands—must be seen as essential to urban planning.
an abstract illustration of interlinking silhouettes of lizards-global collaboration

August 7, 2025
Co-creation at scale: Lessons on global collaboration
The leaders of a global coalition reflect on building and sustaining a multi-stakeholder collaborative in the social sector.
The image is a close-up shot of a person holding a smartphone in their hands. On the screen, a WhatsApp chat is open in the background. In the foreground, there is a white text window with the title 'options'. Below it are the following prompts: 'about snakes around me', 'myths about snakes', 'avoiding snakebite', 'snakebite first aid', and 'none of the above'. At the end, there is an option that says 'tap an item to select it'._WhatsApp chatbots

July 25, 2025
Making chatbots work for nonprofits
What happens when nonprofits use WhatsApp chatbots? Two leaders reflect on its impact, challenges, and what it takes to make this tech work on the ground.
Cartoon of two people with a presentation screen that says Capacity = BIGGER, Systems = Everything!!_nonprofit humour

June 16, 2025
Explaining social sector concepts to my parents (poorly)
Bridging the gap, one bad analogy at a time.
Oscar trophy on red background_Nonprofit humour

March 10, 2025
Oscar nominated movies reimagined: Part II
What if 2025’s best picture nominees were about the development sector instead?
red, orange, and yellow coloured powder--persons with disability

December 5, 2024
Designing inclusive programmes for persons with disabilities
Advancing the rights of persons with disabilities through grassroots initiatives can only succeed when their voices and wisdom are placed at the centre.

November 25, 2024
Who is applying for this?
Combining the sage advice of every workaholic exec into one job description.
A vector of a pyramid of people_organisational capacity

October 30, 2024
Case study: Embedding capacity building into organisational culture
The need for nurturing organisational capacities is well-known, but how can a nonprofit integrate capacity building into its value system? Universe Simplified Foundation's journey presents a roadmap.
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