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An Educational Video on Sikhism by Pearson and Blue Chalk Media in collaboration with SALDEF
As a trainer and volunteer for SALDEF’s Law Enforcement Partnership Program, I can personally attest to the impact and importance of the great work being done in local areas across the country. I have been fortunate to conduct Sikh Awareness trainings for law enforcement across New Jersey for the last 5 years. These annual trainings help build a strong partnership between law enforcement and agencies tasked with protecting the Sikh community and our civil rights, throughout the state.
In all of our trainings, the law enforcement officers and leadership took great interest in trying to understand more about Sikhi and how our beliefs relate to their specific jobs. In the beginning, we noticed a majority were unfamiliar with the religion and articles of faith. As we have conducted more trainings, we have seen the understanding and familiarity with Sikhism grow and law enforcement has had many positive interactions with the community and better understand who we are.
That being said we still have a lot of work to do. Hate crimes and xenophobia have been on the rise throughout our state as well as throughout the country. Sikh Americans deserve to live in peace, to be able to pursue opportunities, and freely practice our religion in this wonderful country we live in – the United States of America.
This is what SALDEF advocates for every day and with your support they will continue to successfully advocate for these ideals in the future.
Please consider making a year-end donation to help continue this important work across the country at www.saldef.org/donate, to ensure other cities, counties, and states have access to information about Sikhs and Sikhi and treat your sangat with the respect and understanding they deserve.
Sincerely,
Kiran Kaur Gill
Won’t you support our work to ensure we can continue these impactful programs? Please consider a monthly contribution of $21, $31, $51, or $101 or a generous year-end contribution to make sure we can continue this work in 2018.
Thank you for investing in our community!
Dear Supporters,
This past summer we interned with the SALDEF SikhLEAD program that placed one of us with a Congressman and the other with the Conference on Asian Pacific American Leadership (a national Asian American leadership and public policy organization). The SikhLEAD program was instrumental in giving us the confidence to pursue leadership roles, explore opportunities in public service, and provide us a safe space to discuss Sikhi and how it will fit in our future careers.
For many of us, these internships were our first experience working in either government or policy-driven organizations. The SikhLEAD program gave us the foundation and support we needed to both embrace our Sikhi and develop real-world skills for our futures. These internships added valuable experience to our resumes, provided us with the skills to network, and instilled confidence to pursue our careers while also embracing our Sikh identity and history.
The capstone for the Summer program was defined by our event Langar on the Hill. Hosting this event at the USSenate and seeing the response by the politicians, staff, and leaders that attended, showed us that we can, in fact; promote change, develop important relationships and lead community building events.
It also showed us how far our community has left to go, and how SALDEF and SikhLEAD are critical to that growth.
Please take the time to support this important program for the next generation.
Opportunities for Sikh American youth to both gain valuable skills and experiences and form long-lasting bonds with other Sikh youth are critical in building our future.
We are so thankful to the Sikh American community for supporting the SikhLEAD program that afforded us this opportunity and hope that more Sikh American youth can also join SikhLEAD.
Sincerely,
Raj Singh Gambhir and Simrnjit Kaur Seehra
Do you know a student that would be a good candidate? Applications are now open and spots are filling up! Click here to apply!
If you don’t know a student, consider supporting the SikhLEAD program to ensure we can continue growing new Sikh American leaders? Please consider a monthly contribution of $21, $31, $51, or $101 or a generous year-end contribution to make sure we can continue this work in 2018.
Thank you for investing in our community!
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Save the date for the 2019 SALDEF National Gala! This coming year we will be hosting the gala on April 6, 2019 at the Sheraton Tysons Hotel in Tysons, VA. The gala will include awardees, special guests and entertainment. Make sure you mark your calendars now to ensure you can attend. The gala will also coincide with the Washington D.C. Cherry Blossom festival so make sure to book your hotels and airfare early! Stay tuned for more information or for questions email info@saldef.org. As a reminder the 2017 National Gala was sold out and a great success so please make sure to get your tickets early! We look forward to seeing you there! We know that many of you look forward to our annual National Gala and this past 2018 we were unable to host our scheduled program due to critical programing and unforeseen events. We hope you accept our sincerest apologies and help us make the 2019 National Gala a truly special event that not only celebrates the accomplishments and future of SALDEF but also of all Sikh Americans. |
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Dear Gujari Singh Ji,
At SALDEF, we have worked for more than two decades to correct misconceptions of our fellow Americans about the Sikh identity. We’ve learned that one of the most effective ways to accurately represent Sikh values is by putting them in action. We have worked with a variety of organizations including media and government agencies to address these misconceptions and to help bring awareness and support to the Sikh American Community.
Here are a few of our accomplishment in 2018 that were only possible because of your support.
SALDEF Creates an Education Video on Sikhism: SALDEF worked in collaboration to create a video project that now serves as supplemental online content for two world religion textbooks, Living Religions and World Religions, as students learn about Sikhism. The video project has the long-term potential to help educate many thousands of college students about Sikhism nationwide. The collaboration was with Pearson PLC, the largest book publisher and education company in the world, along with Blue Chalk Media and Sikh Coalition. Click here to support us continuing to produce one-of-a-kind materials to create Sikh American awareness.
2018 Langar on the Hill: Every year the SikhLEAD cohort along with the SALDEF staff hosts Langar on the Hill in Washington DC. Langar on the Hill introduces our federally elected officials to the Sikh Religion and Culture. It also connects the community to their representatives and allows a dialogue to grow about Sikh American issues. Click here to support our SikhLEAD program and our annual Langar on the Hill.
SALDEF host Historic Panel at the 
Newseum: SALDEF in collaboration with the Religious Freedom Center at the Newseum hosted a talk onReligion in the National Discourse. The talk was aired on networks like CSPAN and was live-streamed across the nation. The talk was the first of its kind bringing together leaders from major religions to discuss the issues facing each individually and collectively. The timely discussion took place right before the 2018 midterm elections and allowed the audience to understand what is at stake before voting. After great reviews of the event, SALDEF will be hosting more discussions like this one in hopes to bring together people from different walks of life to discuss the issues facing us today. Give $245 to support more SALDEF Forums!
Sikh Awareness Night with the Warriors: SALDEF hosted a Sikh Awareness Night 
with the Golden State Warriors. The night coincided with California’s Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month in November. This event invited the Sangat of San Francisco Bay area to attend the event and introduced Sikhi to the community. The event included ticket prices, a photo opportunity with the players and also a gift bag with Warriors merchandise. Click here to support more Sikh Awareness events.
Wear Orange Event: SALDEF partnered with the Wear Orange campaign for the fourth annual National Gun Violence Awareness Day. We held an event in Sterling, VA that honored and remembered victims of gun violence in the Sikh and South Asian American community and celebrated their lives. The event included a performance by Sikh Captain America Vishavjit Singh, and activities and food for residents of the VA community to enjoy at the Raj Khalsa Gurdwara.
Won’t you support our work to ensure we can continue these impactful programs? Please consider a monthly contribution of $21, $31, $51, or $101 or a generous year-end contribution to make sure we can continue this work in 2018.
Thank you for investing in our community!
Are you interested in learning how Congress works? Is your aspiration to work in government? If so, apply to SALDEF’s SikhLEAD 2019 Summer Internship Program!
Since 2011, SALDEF’s SikhLEAD Summer Internship Program has placed 64 interns with members of Congress, Federal Agencies, and civil rights organizations in Washington DC. Interns receive a $1,500 stipend and get a unique opportunity to make invaluable connections, build their resume, and gain practical experience.
“This is a learning experience, more so to learn about yourself and how you function as a person, your strengths, and your weaknesses, you should know that, especially going into thinking about your career.” — Simrnjit Seerha, SikhLEAD DC intern at Conference on Asian Pacific American Leadership (CAPAL)
Over the years students have been placed at the White House, Senate and House offices, various Congressional Committees, Department of Justice, EEOC, and many more. The experiences of the SikhLEAD Alumni have allowed them to grow to become politicians, community leaders, lawyers, and much more.
Begin your career with SALDEF, we have been helping students bridge education with practical work experience for many years. Find out more about the SikhLEAD program at www.sikhlead.org.
Placements are already available! Be the first to apply to ensure you get the internship you want! All internships are limited to availability and are on a first come first serve basis.
Start the journey to becoming a more effective changemaker at www.SikhLEAD.org today!
The Holiday season is here and people are beginning to travel. November 25 is the busiest travel day of the year with over 3 million passengers trying to get home after Thanksgiving. But today, November 21, is the second busiest travel day of the year with over 2.9 million people on the way to their Turkey Day destination. We are aware that this can be a stressful time. Here are a few tips for you to make sure your travel is smooth and stress free.
The two initial screening methods prevalent at US Airports are the Walk-Through Metal Detector (WTMD) and the Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) machine. If you set off an alarm from either of these two methods you will be required to do additional screening. The secondary screening options available are as follows:
- You are allowed to conduct a self pat-down of your dastaar, followed by testing of your hands for explosives, and screening by a hand-held metal detector for non-metallic items.
- Or, you can submit to a pat down by the officer if you prefer.
- You have a right to refuse the initial screening of the AIT machine and opt for a pat-down
Before succumbing to secondary screening, you should request that the screening officer change their gloves and swabs prior to testing.
If the secondary testing yields a positive for any explosive residue, you will be subject to a final screening were TSA may ask for you to remove your turban, it should only be conducted if all other screenings have been conducted. You are allowed to ask for a private screening in a separate area.
Three ways that can help reduce chances of setting off an alarm:
- Remove pins from your turban
- When you are in the AIT machine keep your hands up and away from your head.
- Wash your hands thoroughly prior to going through security screening and make sure you have clean fresh clothes to reduce the chances of residue.
Please make sure to document any and all irregularities and report them to SALDEF and also you may contact TSA directly.
Safe Travels and Happy Thanksgiving!!
To make sure your travel is as easy as it can be also remember that to pack smart, don’t gift wrap your presents while in transit, and pack your Kirpan in your checked luggage.
On Thursday July 26th, 2018, New Jersey 101.5 radio hosts Dennis and Judi made egregious remarks against the New Jersey Attorney General, Gurbir Grewal. In their show, Dennis and Judi refused to call Mr. Grewal by his name, instead referring to him as ‘Turban Man,’ and claiming ‘if you want me to remember your name, then get rid of your turban.’
SALDEF strives to make sure that Sikh Americans are always represented accurately and with integrity in the media. In an effort to ensure that we continue this tradition, SALDEF reached out to 101.5 immediately on the morning of the incident, and got SALDEF Northeast Regional Director Amman Seehra on the air to clarify to listeners any misconceptions about Sikh Americans. Mr. Seehra, was also interviewed by ABC News about the comments that were said by the two hosts. To watch his interview click here.
After numerous complaints 101.5 has suspended the hosts for 10 days (until August 6th), and both Dennis and Judi have issued a public apology.
SALDEF is committed to empowering the Sikh American community nationwide about their rights and how to exercise them without fear or hesitation.
Join us now to support SALDEF’s critical work at this pivotal time.
SALDEF would like to congratulate Manka Dhingra, Sonny Dhaliwal, Harry Sidhu, Naindeep Chann and Simran Kaur for their 2018 election victories. In this past election, we saw more Sikhs elected into offices across the country, following on the heels of last November’s historic results. Whether it is school board, mayor or senator we are equally excited to see more Sikhs in office!
In Washington State, Manka Dhingra was re-elected to a full term as State Senate for Washington’s 45th District.
Sonny Dhaliwal was re-elected as the Mayor of Lathrop in California
Harry Sidhu was elected to serve as Mayor of Anaheim in California
Raj Singh Chahal was elected to the City Council of Santa Clara, CA
Naindeep Singh Chann was elected to serve Central Unified School Board in Clovis, CA
Sarbjit Kaur Cheema was re-elected to the Board of the New Haven School District in California
Simran Kaur was elected to a Board seat on the Tracy Unified School District, in California
We would also like to recognize: Tejinder Dhami, Lovedeep Jhamat, Bal Dhillon, Harpal Singh Mann, Sukh Sidhu, Kewal Singh, Sarb Thakhar, and J.R Thiara for running strong campaigns for local offices in California.
“SALDEF congratulates these Sikh Americans on their wins, and all other Sikh Americans that serve in elected offices’, said SALDEF Board Chair Kavneet Singh. “Each Sikh American elected official affirms the progress the community is making in public service and displays the breaking down of barriers in the United States, by showing what is achievable when we look past differences and focus on our communities, which includes accepting differences and unifying for a common goal.”
The Asian and Pacific Islander American (APIA) population is the fastest growing demographic in the United States today. Not only were there more Sikh Americans elected to office but there were also more APIA’s overall.
“These electoral victories are especially significant to SALDEF’s SikhLEAD program and its 150 young Sikh men and women alumni. The alumni who are rising leaders focused on forging new paths into politics, social justice, and economic development for all. These wins continue to mainstream the idea of Sikh leaders in the US and encourage young leaders to strive and break down more barriers.”
This above list may not be exhaustive and if there is a name you do not see on this table, please make a suggestion by emailing media@saldef.org and we will be sure to update the table accordingly.
On Monday October 29th, 2018, SALDEF organized a panel discussion on Religion in the National Discourse at the Newseum. Days before the midterm election and after one of the deadliest attacks on a religious center, the diverse panel explored some of the hardest issues related to Religion in the NationalDiscourse. One theme throughout the talk focused on the idea that, “government has to have a very good reason to interfere with religion”. This theme was discussed through topics such as the Masterpiece Cakeshop case, the Travel Ban and the allowance of religious symbols in public space. The panelists also talked about the installation of a new justice to the Supreme Court would potentially change the country, and explore the role of community building through religious networks to make change.
SALDEF Board Chair Kavneet Singh, moderated the panel and noted that, a 2007 First Amendment Center poll revealed that 65 percent of Americans believe the founders intended the United States “to be a Judeo-Christian nation”; over half of us think that this intention is actually spelled out somewhere in the Constitution.
After the great succes of this forum SALDEF is pleased to announce a regular forum series that will debate the topics of the day. The purpose of the series will be to bring together diverse opinions on topics and allow for constructive discourse between opposing narratives to hopefully create new perspectives find cooperative ways forward. To find out more about upcoming panels or to sponsor a panel email media@saldef.org.
