Applications Open for SikhLEAD Internships!
There has been a dramatic rise in hate crimes across the nation. Fear has fueled xenophobia, hateful rhetoric and attacks, in the name of patriotism. You can help the Sikh American community hold elected officials accountable. While SALDEF has been working tirelessly to increase policies that document hate crimes and protect ALL Americans, we cannot do this work without you. Politicians and political organizations respond to Sikhs more meaningfully when they get to know us intimately as co-workers, activists, and participants in the electoral process! Over the past four years, SALDEF has placed more than 25 interns on Capitol Hill, at the White House, and across Washington, D.C. through it’s 8-12 week D.C.-based SikhLEAD Internship Program.* These competitive positions have advanced the Sikh policy agenda and given students or recent graduates unique opportunities. Interns learn about the landscape and workings of the government while networking with the most powerful people in the country. Whether you want to gain insight into health care, walk the halls of the White House, or march at a rally on the National Mall, SikhLEAD is a great place to further your interests, and become a leader for our Sikh American community! The application deadline is Monday, January 31, 2016 but early applications will be given priority. Last year, SALDEF’s SikhLEADers brought a record number of Congressional leaders together for “Langar on the Hill.” It was the largest Sikh American Congressional gathering in history. The event was on the cover of Roll Call, a newspaper read by ALL of D.C.’s top power brokers and staff! Langar on the Hill was a great way to share our values and traditions with our nation’s leaders and our American community to create awareness and understanding!
*SALDEF awards all participants with a $1,500 stipend upon completion of the program. Additionally, with the success of last year’s New Jersey pilot program, SALDEF will be placing Sikh American youth in the New Jersey state capitol and with state level agencies. If you are interested in the New Jersey program contact Amman Seehra for more information. For additional information or to apply visit SikhLEAD.org.