SALDEF Encourages All Sikh American Citizens to Register to Vote Before Deadlines

The November 2nd General Elections are only weeks away, with many initiatives and candidates that need your voice and input.  The election process is a celebrated institution at the root of our democracy. SALDEF urges all Sikh American citizens to take this opportunity to ensure that every Sikh American fulfills this vital civic duty and VOTE! Still need to register to vote? No problem, do it here!

Unable to get to the polls on November 2nd? Click here to get an Absentee Ballot! During elections, less than 60 percent of the American public actually utilizes their right to vote.  This means that less than 60 percent of American citizens influence and contribute to the laws and decisions the entire country must adhere to.  Sikhs have a history of ensuring that our voices are heard so we urge you to continue that tradition.  Today’s votes affect tomorrow’s decisions; it is our responsibility to vote! If you need to register to vote, locate your polling place, or need more information regarding absentee ballots, please take the opportunity now to explore the links here.  Most state deadlines are coming up over the next week, and if you miss the deadline, you won’t be able to vote in this election cycle. Information regarding the voting process is also available in Punjabi. SALDEF is a registered 501(c)3 organization, and does not endorse any political candidates, ballot measures, or initiatives.  If you would like more information regarding the current 2010 elections, please visit the above linked sites for nonpartisan perspectives.

Welcome to our new online home! SALDEF is pleased to announce the launch of our new website, a resource for the Sikh American community.  Through the new website you will learn about our latest programs, find out about the issues facing the community, and share your thoughts. Here are some ways you can interact with us on the site: * Learn about Your Rights * Report an Incident of harassment or discrimination * Watch our videos * Leave a comment at the SALDEF Blog * Connect with us via Facebook * Join us on Twitter @ SALDEF * Use the tools in the Resource Center Let us know what you think!  Send us ideas about what you would like to see via email, fill out the poll on the homepage, or comment on this posting below. Stay tuned for additional features and resources coming out in the next few months.

SALDEF Seeks Executive Director, Community Relations Associate/Manager and Part Time Grant Writer The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) is pleased to announce the opening of three new positions. We are looking for experienced and dynamic candidates to fill the positions of Executive Director, Community Relations Associate/Manager and Grant Writer. Candidates applying must be able to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, and have a passion for working towards the strengthening of the Sikh American community. Organizational Description: SALDEF is the nation’s oldest Sikh American civil rights and advocacy organization. Its mission is to protect the civil rights of Sikh Americans and ensure a fostering environment in the United States for Sikh Americans. SALDEF provides services and programs to empower Sikh Americans through legislative and legal advocacy, educational outreach and media relations. SALDEF’s vision is to create an America where:

  • Sikh Americans are recognized and respected as an integral part of American society
  • Sikh Americans take a leadership role in shaping public policy and strengthening civil rights for all Americans
  • Sikh Americans are represented at the highest levels of government and in the media

    • EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (Full-Time) The Executive Director will report to the Board of Directors, communicate the vision and direction of SALDEF to lead its full-time staff, numerous volunteers and interns, and seek out, identify, and nurture relationships with the organization’s donors and stakeholders. The Executive Director is charged with implementing the organization’s strategic vision; overseeing SALDEF’s direct services, advocacy, and other programs; leading the annual fundraising process along with donor relations; and serving as a public voice for the organization. She/he will serve as an advocate on issues of civil rights related to Sikh Americans in the government, media, and the community. Annual salary range will be commensurate with experience. Benefits include, vacation, holidays and sick days and medical and dental insurance. The full job description of the Executive Director position is available here. COMMUNITY RELATIONS ASSOCIATE/MANAGER (Full-Time) The Community Relations Associate/Manager will report to the Executive Director and the Executive Committee, work to conduct programs to educate and empower the Sikh American community, serve as a resource to government and civil officials, coalition partners and the media on issues related to Sikh Americans and outreach to local organizations to develop partnerships. Annual salary range will be commensurate with experience. Benefits include, vacation, holidays and sick days and medical and dental insurance. The full job description of the Community Relations Manager position is available here GRANT WRITER (Part-Time) The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) is seeking a part-time Grant Writer to identify grant opportunities for a small non-profit organization to support the growth of the organization; research grant requirements and proposals; complete grant applications, write grant proposals and reports. The full job description of the Grant Writer position is available here To Apply: Send cover letter (referencing qualifications above) and resume as attached Word or PDF documents to careers@saldef.org with the position you are applying for (example, “Executive Director Search”) in the subject line. Review of resumes will begin immediately upon receipt. APPLICATION DEADLINE: TILL FILLED

    Yesterday the civil rights community, and the country lost a pioneering voice for civil, women’s, and human rights.  Dr. Dorothy Height, passed away at the age of 98 from natural causes.  She will be remembered for her legacy of empowerment and over seven decades of community service. Throughout her distinguished career, she served as President Emeritus of the National Council of Negro Women and Chair of The Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, where she worked closely with a broad coalition of groups for several decades. Dr. Height was a leader in the civil rights movement beginning in the 1930s, when she participated in local protests in Harlem, NY.  Among the issues she initially worked on included efforts to prevent lynching of African Americans in the South, desegregating the armed forces, reforms to the criminal justice system, and establishing free access to public places.  Throughout her career, she worked alongside such lumiaries as the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Eleanor Roosevelt. For her dedication to fighting inequality she garnered many accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Nation’s highest civilian honor, by former President Bill Clinton, and the Congressional Gold Medal, in 2004 by then President George W. Bush. “Dr. Height is a truly historic figure in the civil rights community and her loss is one that will be felt in hearts across the county,” stated SALDEF Managing Director Kavneet Singh. “Her legacy though will live on through the countless people she has mentored and inspired to follow in her path to make sure that we truly do have an American where all people belong and are equal.” In 2004, as part of an effort to honor and acknowledge her tremendous service and pioneering spirit,  SALDEF inaugurated the Dorothy Height Coalition Building Award which recognizes leadership and collaborative efforts to achieve equality for all by an individual or organization.

    Repealing an 87-year old law is hard work.  There are countless hours spent understanding the issue, defining strategy, building partnerships, engaging the media and of course, writing letters and calling lawmakers.

    The repeal of this Law represents one of the first contributions Sikh Americans have made to the broader civil rights community.  The achievement marks progress for our community, as we have begun to advance the broader agenda of inclusion and diversity in America. As we celebrate this Vaisakhi day, we ask you to make a real difference this year, by helping us spread awareness about Sikhs and stem the ignorance driven attacks on our community. Together we can turn the tide of ignorance and foster an American society aware of the Sikh identity. Your tax deductible contribution will ensure SALDEF can build on its tradition of pioneering successes. Your valued support will help to create a fostering environment for We could not have done this work without your support, and we cannot continue to do it unless we receive your financial support.  On this Vaisakhi day, please take a moment and DONATE to us today – you will be ensuring that all Sikhs, especially future generations of Sikh Americans, can practice their faith openly and are not denied employment opportunities. Sign-up for a monthly contribution, to help ensure that SALDEF has the resources to continue to defend your civil and religious rights.

    Welcome to our new website!  In the coming weeks we will be putting out new features and resources for you to use.  But for the moment take some time to explore the new website and let us know what you think. One of the new features on this site is this blog.  It will be a place you can come to learn about things going on the civil rights community.  Through the blog we want to give you a window into the world that the SALDEF staff works in — from the events we take part in, the people we work with, and some of the issues we work on.  We will also be sharing items of interest  from around the community or that may affect the Sikh American and civil rights communities. Let us know what you you want to see on the blog and any suggestions you may have! –SALDEF Staff

    New design allows the community to inform their neighbors about Sikh Americans

    Washington, DC: December 28, 2009 – As 2010 nears, now is the time to for the new and improved Sikh Awareness Pocket Calendars. The calendars are a popular and easy-to-use tool to increase awareness about Sikhs and Sikhi in your local community.

    2010 Pocket Calendar Front

    In their seventh year of production, the 2010 calendars have been fully redesigned to include updated full-color images of Sikh Americans, along with more examples of core Sikh values and facts about Sikhs in the United States. On the back, the calendars have a 2010 calendar in a small, handy, easy-to-use design.

    The calendars are available in packages of 100 for $10 plus shipping and handling fees.

    The pocket calendars are a great way to introduce myself to my customers. They are a must have for all Sikh businesses.”
    An Oregon Small
    Business Owner

    Get Your Calendars
    Before the New
    Year Begins!

    To help you reach out more effectively to your community, friends, and neighbors, Spanish language versions of the 2010 pocket calendars are also available.

    The calendars are perfect for distribution at your workplace, schools, convenience stores, gas stations, senior citizens centers, or public libraries. Sikhs across the nation have shared them with their friends, neighbors, customers, and local officials.

    SALDEF commends the Sikh American community for taking the initiative to inform their friends, co-workers, customers, and acquaintances about their culture and faith.

    To order the calendars and other SALDEF publications, please click here or email SALDEF

    ANDREA RANE/Missourian Cody Abram, of the Department of Justice in Kansas City, has a Sikh turban wrapped around his head. He attended a cultural training session for public safety officers at MU on Thursday. By UTHAYLA ABDULLAH June 1, 2007 | 12:00 a.m. CST It was a consciousness-raising game of free association. The question: “What do you think when you see a Muslim?” Among the answers by a group of mostly police, airport security and corrections officers: “terrorist,” “prayer,” “monotheism,” “mystique” and “unknown.” The exercise was part of a cultural training session Thursday morning at MU for local and state public safety officials to help increase awareness and understanding of Arab, Muslim and Sikh cultures. The objective of the training, organized by the Department of Justice, was to “dispel misconceptions, to build relationships with the community,” said Aftab Ahmad, a trainer from St. Louis who talked about Arab and Muslim cultures. How should law enforcement respond to a complaint about a Muslim praying in public? Most practicing Muslims pray five times a day, so public prayer happens. Law enforcement officers should just wait for the prayer to be over. Then, if a question is necessary, ask away, Ahmad told the group. The group of about 70 people learned the basic tenets of Muslim and Sikh faiths and how to approach Muslims and Sikhs in non-crisis situations. Presentations included sensitivity videos about Arab-Americans and Sikhs, a clip from the Canadian sitcom, “Little Mosque on the Prairie” and role-playing exercises. Ahmad and Maysa Al-Barcha, another presenter from St. Louis, talked about the importance of understanding differences, like the significance of eye contact. During a role-playing exercise with a Kansas City detective, Al-Barcha showed how Arabs, Muslims and Sikhs avoid prolonged eye contact, especially with authority figures, because it is seen as disrespectful and confrontational. “We tend to think that people who avoid eye contact have something to hide,” Columbia Police Chief Randy Boehm said. About 12 Columbia police officers attended the training. Rajbir Datta, the Pittsburgh-born director of the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund, talked about how Sikh men are easily identified by the turban their faith requires them to wear. “The turban now signifies terrorism or Muslim or Arab or worse,” Datta said. Cody Abram, from the Department of Justice in Kansas City, got to experience part of Datta’s morning routine: wrapping an 18-foot to 24-foot piece of cotton around his head. A slightly reluctant volunteer, Abram held the end of the cloth while Datta wrapped and the class snapped pictures. “This isn’t something you can take off and put on easily”, said Datta, as he lifted the turban off Abram’s head in front of the group, an action no Sikh would ever perform in front of anyone except close family members. Hence, the need for privacy when searching a Sikh. For Datta, it boils down to this: “Law enforcement can do their job better by knowing the community they serve.” The training, which was sponsored by a coalition that included the Department of Justice, MU Chancellor’s Diversity Initiative, MU Extension, Missouri Police Chiefs Association and the Columbia Police Department, was held at the Reynold’s Alumni Center at MU. Columbia Missourian

    (Washington DC) January 6, 2010 – The Oregon state legislature is likely to take action in the next month to repeal ORS 342.650, an Oregon law that effectively forbids turbaned Sikhs from working as public school teachers. In the Summer of 2009, SALDEF initiated a campaign to overturn this discriminatory legislation and has since been working to publicize and repeal ORS 342.650. Historical Background – From the KKK to Today KKK CartoonORS 342.650 originated in the 1920s as an anti-Catholic measure and was supported by the Ku Klux Klan at a time of overt hostility toward racial and religious minorities. Other laws enacted by the Oregon legislature during this period included the Compulsory Education Act (a measure designed to close parochial schools) and the Alien Property Act of 1923 (a law that prohibited Japanese immigrants from purchasing or leasing land in Oregon). Although these two bigoted laws have since been repealed, ORS 342.650 is still enforced against religious minorities, and Oregon is one of only three states in the country that continue to impose such discriminatory restrictions on public school teachers. In 2009, a diverse coalition of interfaith groups spearheaded an effort to overturn the law, and the Oregon legislature has a historic opportunity to do so in February 2010. Impact on Sikhs A Sikh American University ProfessorORS 342.650 resembles laws in France that forbid Sikhs from working as public school teachers. At a time when Sikhs are struggling to overcome the challenges of hate crimes, workplace discrimination, and school bullying, Sikhs are being segregated from serving in an important public service profession. It is a thin line between excluding Sikhs from teaching and excluding Sikhs from any government employment in the state of Oregon.

    TAKE ACTION IN OREGON If you live in Oregon, please click here to write to your Oregon state representative. TAKE ACTION NATIONWIDE If you live outside of Oregon, please click here to write to key members of the Oregon legislature.

    October 16, 2009 (Washington, DC) – Today, the civil rights concerns of the Sikh American community were featured on RT–an international English-language news channel broadcast to more than 200 million viewers in 100 countries on five continents throughout the world. Earlier this week, SALDEF was present at the White House when President Obama signed an Executive Order restoring the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, an interagency task force charged with addressing social and economic concerns of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. In his remarks, President Obama acknowledged the problem of post-9/11 hate crimes and noted that they are “driven by ignorance and prejudice that are an affront to everything that this nation stands for.” After the ceremony, SALDEF submitted a memorandum to White House aides. Addressed to President Obama–and co-written by SALDEF and the Sikh Coalition–the memorandum urges President Obama to secure the right of Sikh Americans to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces and safeguard the right of Sikh Americans to wear religious headcoverings in driver’s license photographs under the PASS ID Act of 2009. In a videotaped Diwali message that coincided with the signing, President Obama noted that Sikhs mark the occasion as Bandi Chhor Diwas in remembrance of Guru Har Gobind, the sixth Guru of the Sikhs. SALDEF appreciates the President’s gesture and hopes that he will personally work on strengthening the civil rights of Sikh Americans in the United States.