I am looking for information on an NGO called AMURTEL, is it a legitimate volunteer aid org?

Question

AMURT and AMURTEL are soliciting volunteers for overseas programs, specifically Kenya. I am interested in knowing how reputable and how safe the program is.

Answer 1

1. Unusually, AMURTEL and AMURT are international NGOs which began in the developing world (India).
a) AMURT
"AMURT (Ananda Marga Universal Relief Team) is one of the few private voluntary organizations of Third World origin, being founded in India in 1965. Its original objective was to help meet the needs of victims of disasters that regularly hit the Indian sub-continent. Over the years AMURT has established teams in eighty countries, to create a network that can meet development and disaster needs almost anywhere in the world. In 1985 we broadened our goals to include long-term development. We feel we can play a useful role in helping the poor break the cycle of poverty and gain greater control over their lives. For us, development is human exchange: people sharing wisdom, knowledge and experience to build a better world."

b) AMURTEL
"AMURTEL was formed in 1975 as a sister organization to respond specifically to the problems faced by women and children in their struggle to develop. AMURTEL is managed by women and initiates programs that raise the standard of health and education of women and their children. The programs also permit women to gain greater self-determination and economic independence."

"AMURTEL (Ananda Marga Relief Team Ladies) is an international NGO headquartered in India. AMURTEL, along with its brother organization AMURT cares for those who society has abandoned. Destitute women, orphans, the handicapped, victims of war or natural calamities or crippling disease, addicts, the elderly - all need loving care and a chance to change their fate. AMURTEL's programs provide a healthy and nurturing environment that meets the needs of all individuals. It provides education, training, and motivation to them, encouraging and guiding them along a new path of self-reliance, self-determination, and self-esteem."
http://www.amurt.net/about/aboutus.html
http://www.amurtel.org/default.htm

2. It has provided humanitarian relief in many places around the world, including:
a) Africa (various countries)
http://www.abhalight.org/amurtel/projects.html
b) Romania
http://romania.amurtel.net/
http://homepage.mac.com/anandadevapriya/Personal20.html
c) Kosovo
http://amurt.net/kosovo/amurtel.html
d) Ghana
http://www.kidsworldwide.org/ghanaclinics.htm
e) Mongolia
http://www.amurt.us/gifts/asia.htm
f) Indonesia
http://www.amurtel.org/SEAsia/default.htm
http://www.id.amurt.net/amurtel/welcome.htm
g) Baton Rouge, Louisiana (!)
http://www.amurt.net/newsletters/october8.htm
h) Venezuela
http://amurt.net/venezuela/esp.htm
i) Haiti
http://www.amurt.net/haiti/index.html
j) West Bengal
http://amurtworld.org/
k) Nicaragua
http://www.wwd-f.org/proyects/nicaragua.htm
etc. etc.

3. It has established groups in various countries, including:
a) USA
http://www.main.nc.us/amys/index.htm#contents
b) Italy
http://www.amurt.it/
c) The Philippines
http://manilasector.org/
d) Switzerland
http://www.amurt.ch/
e) UK
http://www.amurtel.org.uk/
f) and more.
http://www.anandamarga.org/

4. Beliefs
This webpage gives some details of the belief system that underpins the Ananda Marga organisation, and I think that it might be a consideration for you to take on board.
http://religiousmovements.lib.virginia.edu/nrms/anan.html

Answer 2

It looks like AMURT is considered legitimate by the American Council for Voluntary International Action
http://www.interaction.org/members/detail.php?id=65

From a google search it looks like they have partnered with FEMA, the UN and USAID

http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/cross-cutting_programs/private_voluntary_cooperation/volag06.pdf
(search the PDF for AMURT)