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The Sikh Coalition Newsletter
Justice for All e-Newsletter
April 7, 2005
Volume 37
Sikh Coalition Seeks Job Applicants For New York City Sikh Advocate Position
Coalition volunteer registers a Sikh to vote. The NYC Advocate will work to empower local Sikhs |
The Coalition invites applicants for its New York City Sikh Community Advocate position. The position offers an exciting opportunity to develop civil rights advocacy experience in a growing and vibrant community. The ideal candidate will be able to relate to members of the Sikh community, effectively engage various city and state government officials, and ultimately empower Sikh community members to be advocates for their rights.
To apply for the position, please send your resume, a brief statement on why you are interested and how you can help, and your employment and salary history to: jobs@sikhcoalition.org or fax to (815) 346-2803.
Twenty-Two Members of City Council Cosponsor Dastaar and Backlash Mitigation Bills! Only Four Short of City Council Majority
New York City Council Members David Weprin, David Yassky, and James Genarro gather with members of a coalition of civil rights organizations in support of the bills |
The Sikh Coalition is pleased to announce that 22 members of the New York City Council are now cosponsors of the New York CityDastaar bill and Backlash Mitigation bill. Both bills now stand only four members short of being supported by a majority of the New York City Council’s 50 members.
If passed, the Dastaar Bill will ensure that Sikhs working in New York City (NYC) government agencies will never again be forced to choose between their jobs and their turbans where public safety is not an issue. The bill now has support of Joseph Addabo (D-Queens), the Chair of the Civil Service Committee in which the bill currently resides.
The Backlash Mitigation Bill would require New York City to create a plan aimed at reducing backlash violence against minorities in the wake of public disasters like 9/11. It would ensure that if another such tragedy occurred, law enforcement and other city agencies would be better prepared to respond instantaneously to stem backlash and violence against Sikhs and other minorities.
If passed, both bills would be the first of their kind in the United States. They would represent the first time a major city legislature has enacted a law that specifically recognizes and attempts to address the civil rights concerns of Sikh Americans.
Coalition Thanks Spring 2005 Interns, Seeks Summer Interns
 The Coalition would like to thank its Spring 2005 Interns --- Radhika Kaur, Parminder Singh, Jasmine Kaur, Jaspreet Kaur, Surleen Kaur, and Nina Kaur --- for their sewa (selfless service) in support of the Coalition’s work. This spring, Coalition interns: organized a press conference; represented the Coalition at advocacy meetings, drafted letters on behalf of Coalition clients, edited Coalition communications, and researched grant and marketing opportunities.
The Coalition now seeks enthusiastic interns for the summer 2005. Applicants can choose to concentrate in one of the following areas: Legal, Community Organizing, and Marketing and Operations.
Accepted legal interns will receive a $1000 stipend. Other accepted interns will receive a $500 stipend. The application deadline is April 15, 2005. Applicants should send a resume and cover letter to internship@sikhcoalition.org.
Coalition Joins Steering Committee of Asian Pacific American Voter Alliance
Apava coalition members gather on the steps of City Hall to announce 2004 voter drive. |
The Sikh Coalition has been accepted as a steering committee member of the Asian Pacific American Voter Alliance (APAVA). The Coalition was invited to join the APAVA’s steering committee during March 30 meeting.
APAVA is a non-partisan coalition of Asian Pacific American organizations around New York City. Last year, APAVA registered over 10,000 Asian American voters before last November’s national elections. The Coalition looks forward to playing a key role in supporting APAVA voter registration and civic engagement work over coming year.
Coalition’s Civil and Human Rights Work Honored at Sikh Centennial Foundation Annual Dinner
Canadian Parliment member Navdeep Singh presents award to the Coalition's Legal Director |
The Sikh Centennial Foundation honored the Sikh Coalition for its work in defense of civil and human rights at its annual dinner in Mississauga, Canada on March 26. The Coalition’s Legal Director accepted the award on behalf of the Coalition.
The Sikh Centennial Foundation has been at the forefront of efforts to promote an understanding of Sikh milestones and organizing the celebration of major Sikh events. The dinner was most well-organized Sikh event Sikh Coalition members have attended. Members of Parliament, corporate sponsors, and eminent civic and social leaders enthusiastically participate in the dinner each year. The dinner and Centennial Foundation’s other work provide a model of effective Sikh civic engagement.
The Coalition congratulates the Sikh Centennial Foundation for its important work on behalf of the Sikh community.
Coalition Participates in SAALT Exchange
 The Sikh Coalition participated in the inaugural SAALT Exchange on March 19 in Edison, New Jersey. Organized by South Asian American Leaders of Tomorrow (SAALT), the SAALT Exchange is series of dialogues with South Asian community leaders and activists around the country on civil and immigrant rights concerns facing the South Asian community. The purpose of these dialogues is to forge broad coalitions that will develop effective strategies for addressing civil and immigrant rights concerns both locally and nationally. Representatives of the ACLU of New Jersey, the Boaz Community Center, Manavi, United Asian CDC and other groups participated in the dialogue.
The Coalition looks forward to partnering with SAALT to build advocacy coalitions around South Asian American issues and concerns.
Coalition Partners with Asian Counseling and Referral Service To Provide Culturally Appropriate Access to Government Services
Every Sunday as hundreds of Sikhs worship at the Gurudwara Singh Sabha of Washington in Renton, Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS) Sikh Advocate Maninder “Meenu” Kaur greets people beside the ACRS information booth that has become a normal fixture at the gurdwaras.
“Many of the people there are elderly who do not drive, so they cannot come to ACRS,” Meenu explains. “But they go to the Gurudwara with their families, so I go to them.” Meenu’s presence at the temple is part of ACRS’ targeted efforts to provide bilingual, culturally appropriate services to King County’s growing Sikh community.
With funding from United Way of King County and the Association of Sikh Professionals, ACRS is partnering with the Sikh Volunteers of Washington, The Sikh Coalition and the Hate Free Zone Campaign of Washington to increase Sikhs’ access to culturally and linguistically appropriate services. During her time at the Renton Gurdwara Reenu Kaur has conducted immigration seminars, assisted Sikhs in determining their eligibility for public assistance, helps them complete applications for the state’s Basic Health Plan.
The Coalition thanks the United Way of King County and the Association of Sikh Professionals for providing the funding necessary to ensure the program.
Coalition Participates in Asian Pacific American Legislative Day in Olympia, Washington
On February 17, 2005, the Sikh Coalition along with other community organizations participated in the APA Legislative Day. Over two-thousand Asian Pacific Americans congregated to advocate for basic services that are vital to the well-being of their communities such as funding for refugee and immigrant assistance programs, citizenship programs, mental health services, and medical assistance for immigrants. Throughout the day, the leaders from the coalition of groups met Governor Christine Gregoire and a number of legislators and representatives including: Sen. Lisa Brown, Sen. Paul Shin, Sen. Dave Schmidt, Rep. Sharon Tomiko. Santos, Rep. Bob Hasegawa, Sen. Margarita Prentice, Sen. Luke Esser, Speaker Frank Chopp, Rep. Lynn Kessler, Rep. Eric Pettigrew and Rep. Phyllis Kenney.
Education Seminar on Sikhism held for the Department of Transportation in Seattle, Washington
On March 7, 2005, 80 employees of Department of Transportation of the Kent School District in Washington participated in an education seminar on Sikhism. Dr. Sorena Kaur presented the general principles and beliefs of Sikhism and the Sikh identity. This was followed by a tour of the Gurudwara Singh Sabha of Washington where the participants took part in a special bilingual prayer service and asked questions about the importance of Sikh articles of faith. The Coalition would like to thank Dr. Sorena Kaur for her efforts with the Kent School District and Doreen Stewart for facilitating this seminar.
Presentation on Sikhism held for World Religion Series in Seattle, Washington
On March 12, 2005, Paramjit Singh and Sujot Kaur made a presentation on Sikhism in the World Religion Series. It was co-sponsored by the Interfaith Council of Washington and the School of Theology and Ministry at Seattle University. The World Religion series provides presentations and discussions on the essential teachings and practices of a variety of religious traditions. These programs are intended to promote understanding, respect and good will among the faith traditions in our community. The presentation focused on the origin and history of Sikhism; beliefs and teachings; and values and ethics. The Coalition would like to thank Paramjit Singh and Sujot Kaur who continue to make efforts to educate the broader community about Sikhism and the Sikh identity.
Coalition Addresses Columbia University Revson Fellows
The Coalition’s Legal Director addressed fellows at Columbia University’s Revson Fellows Program on March 22. The Revson Fellows Program enables Fellows to spend two terms in full-time study, enhancing their understanding of and ability to contribute to the improvement of New York City or other large metropolitan centers. During their fellowship year, Revson Fellows meet weekly on Tuesday evenings for dinners with selected national leaders in public, corporate, nonprofit, and organizational life, as well as scholars of urban affairs. The Coalition thanks the Revson program for the opportunity to address its fellows
Multi-Faith Memorial Service Held in Seattle
Gurdwara Singh Sabha members participate in multi-faith tsunami memorial service. |
The Coalition organized a multi-faith memorial service for the victims of the Tsunami disaster at Gurudwara Singh Sabha of Washington on January 22, 2005. People from all faiths came together in prayers for those who are no longer with us and those who struggle day-by-day trying to rebuild what is left of their lives. Besides members from the local community, 18 different social and faith organizations, local community leaders and government officials offered
messages and prayers at the service. The event was concluded with lighting candles of hope. The money collected by the local Sikh community was sent to United Sikhs to support their current projects in the Tsunami disaster areas.
The Sikh Coalition wishes to thank the following organizations for their support in organizing this event - Asian Counseling & Referral Service, American Jewish Congress, Bahai faith of Puget Sound, Church Council of Greater Seattle, Eastside Asian Pacific Islanders, Hate Free Zone of WA, Hindu Temple and Cultural Center, Islamic Center of Washington, Multifaith Aids, Saanich Indian tribe, Tchinook First People, Vietnamese Buddhist Temple, Washington Association of Churches, White River Buddhist Church and Wing Luke Asian Museum.
Community Resource: Transportation Security Administration Weblinks
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is charged with ensuring safety in air travel. TSA has sole responsibility for the screening of passengers before they board commercial airline flights in the United States.
The following are links to TSA resources on the world wide web:
How to contact TSA's Office of Civil Rights,
http://www.tsa.gov/public/display?content=0900051980100546
General Screening Considerations for Religious and Cultural Needs, http://www.tsa.gov/public/display?content=090005198004a86e
TSA Watch Lists Clearance Procedures,
http://www.tsa.gov/public/display?theme=157&content=09000519800fb8af
TSA Prohibited Items and Fine Policy
http://www.tsa.gov/public/display?content=0900051980049d28
TSA Civil Rights Policy Statement,
http://www.tsa.gov/public/display?content=09000519801011fe
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