IDS Places equal emphasis on the education of its North American supporters by arranging seminars and workshops where members may hear the perspectives of eminent social activists, political scientists and developmental economists.IDS's annual seminar in May is conducted around a current developmental issue related to India. 

Many of the projects are at the grass roots level providing seed money for organizations that would not get funding from other sources.Thus IDS hopes to be a Catalyst for Change, in helping people help themselves. The Catalyst is IDS's project oriented quarterly publication which keeps its members fully informed about the progress of the projects they support. 

To raise money for development, IDS has, over the years, invited a variety of world-renowned artists to present performances of the highest caliber. Because we believe in art as a medium for social change, many of our programs convey important messages of social relevance. 

To nurture the younger generations' interests in development, IDS has initiated an Externship program under which students are encouraged to participate in an IDS supported project in India.Through this program, young people from the U.S., of Indian or non-Indian origin, gain first-hand experience in the world of the poorest of the poor. They spend time at an IDS project, giving and receiving, sharing and learning about the numerous odds the poor face, and the invincible will power they possess to overcome those odds.