ECONET works with 5 thematic leaders in Akola, Satara, Pune and Amaravati districts. There are 4 women thematic leaders who have chosen to engage with local women belonged to NT & DNT and other vulnerable social groups on the issues of violence against women, livelihoods, education, health and women empowerment/political participation. The male thematic leader is working with school going children from Phasepardhi community on education – access, quality and overall improvement in the school education system in the rural areas. The key role and responsibility of the thematic leaders is to gauge gaps & issues related to the specific theme chosen emerged after need assessment & dialogue with the NT & DNT community, mobilize and educate the community & target audience (women, children, teachers, asha workers, panchayat members, etc) and through group formation strategy at the local level evolve a model or a methodology or a process that changes the situation for the NT & DNTs. Close and consistent coordination with the government and other institutional stakeholders is core to the tasks undertaken by the thematic leaders.