College Preparation Workshops in Richmond Hill

In order to better prepare Sikh youth for the college world, the Sikh Coalition recently delivered 2 workshops for youth in Richmond Hill, Queens on College Preparation. The workshops were well received and encouraged lively discussions amongst the youth on challenges they face when making decisions about college. As a follow up to this discussion, we are organizing a Career Day in Richmond Hill to provide youth an opportunity to meet and engage with Sikh professionals working in fields of their interest.

For further information on how to get involved with this project, please contact Tejpreet Kaur at tejpreet@sikhcoalition.org.

Sikh Coalition Participates in Anti-Bullying Meeting Sponsored by the White House

On January 26, 2011, the Sikh Coalition participated in an anti-bullying meeting sponsored by the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. The meeting was designed to increase awareness among Asian American and Pacific Islander organizations about federal anti-bullying laws and initiatives. As we accelerate our anti-bullying efforts in partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice and Department of Education, we encourage you and your children to review our anti-bullying resources. If you or your children have faced bullying, teasing, or harassment because of your Sikh identity, please notify us immediately by sending an email to legal@sikhcoalition.org.

Sikh Perspectives in the Media

Last month, the Sikh Coalition redoubled its efforts to restore the civil rights of Mr. Trilochan Singh Oberoi, who was denied a job with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) because of his Sikh identity. California Attorney Harmeet Kaur Dhillon, who is representing Mr. Oberoi pro bono on behalf of the Sikh Coalition, spoke about his case on MSNBC. In addition, the Sikh Coalition published an essay about the case on the blog of the American Constitution Society, a national public policy organization. Over 30 local, state, and national organizations are supporting Mr. Oberoi's fight against discrimination.

Sikh Awareness Presentations

December proved to be a busy month when several Sikh Coalition volunteers led presentations to help educate others on the beauty of Sikhi. Sikh Awareness presentations were conducted at an Immigration Experiences class at Touro College, Manhattan and on a panel discussion at the Queens School of Inquiry. In addition, volunteers led a Sikh-based anti-bullying seminar to 4th, 5th, and 6th graders at P.S. 161 in Queens, NY in addition to telling students about Sikhi. A presentation on Sikh faith and culture was also given to a first grade class at Bear Tavern Elementary School in New Jersey where students were read a Sikh story book, given a patka tying demonstration and tasted a bit of punjabi food and music. Finally, a presentation on both Sikhs and post-9/11 bias was given to the Introduction to Sociology class at Brookdale Community College in New Jersey.

The Coalition thanks these sevadaars for helping to eliminate ignorance about Sikhs through education, and encourages all parents, students, and teachers to do their part. Lesson plans and class presentations can be found here.

Internships at the Sikh Coalition Spring and Summer 2011

The Sikh Coalition Internship Program allows students pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies to gain hands-on experience in promoting the civil and human rights of all individuals. Throughout the years, interns have worked to further the mission and vision of the Sikh Coalition by helping to achieve legal victories, as well as educating and empowering the community and contributing to the growth of the organization.

Internships are available in the following program areas:

Advocacy - Community Outreach - Education
Legal - Video & Media - Operations & Development

Our interns are given real responsibility and have the opportunity to effect noticeable change in the Sikh community through involvement in the Coalition’s ground-breaking work.

For more information about the internship program, please click here or email internships@sikhcoalition.org.

The White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders is seeking summer interns

The White House Initiative of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders is looking for summer interns. Knowing the staff at the Initiative, we have no doubt, their interns will be doing substantive work on issues of critical importance to the AAPI community and the country. Consider applying today! We need Sikh American representation!

Job Opportunity: Western Region Director

The Sikh Coalition's Western Region Director will work out of the Fremont, CA office and be charged with coordinating our programs and fundraising work within 11 states in the Western part of the United States. This person should be creative, dynamic and interested in joining a high impact, non-profit team and growing the Coalition's presence in the Western Region.

The Western Region Director should be able to strongly relate to members of the Sikh community, donors and government agencies alike, and to grow our base of supporters over time. The candidate will be expected to create an organizational culture that encourages all staff to participate in the strategic vision of the organization, devise new operating processes for the organization when necessary, and be able to creatively solve problems. The candidate should be willing to learn new skills and to work collaboratively with other team members, in the Fremont, Washington DC and national office in New York City.

For more information, please click here.