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| Newsletter: Around The World With UNITED SIKHS | |
| HUMANITARIAN AID: SIKHS IN THE COMMUNITY | |
| Volunteers from UNITED SIKHS have been working to support humanitarian efforts in all corners of the globe. Here's a look at where UNITED SIKHS was and is and the work volunteers have contributed to! |
| AUSTRALIA | |
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On February 26th, UNITED SIKHS teamed up with members of the Red Cross for a life-saving mission - blood donation. Nearly 70 volunteers participated, while most gave blood, some also donated plasma, and platelets. Each volunteer registered to be organ donors. There were additional drives on March 5th and March 19th in Melbourne. Remember donated blood is a lifeline in an emergency and for people who need long-term treatments. For more information on volunteering or to offer support, please contact Gurvinder Singh Madaan at gurvinder1.singh@unitedsikhs.org |
| INDIA | |
| Gurgaon, New Delhi | |
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The UNITED SIKHS Gurgaon Camp 2017 (January 14th and 15th) provided a fun-filled inspirational environment for the 150 participants, ages 7 to 74 years who hailed from Canada, UK, Malaysia, Kashmir, Jammu, Gujarat, Panjab, UP, Delhi and Gurgaon. To achieve the camp's theme: 'Discover the Mai Bhago Within', we had organised several workshops. A few on them are, 'Being Sikh and Successful' workshop was hosted by Suneet Singh, CEO of Datawind Inc.; Ocean Singh, martial art specialist and youth role model; Rhythm Kaur, a C.A., who was the force behind the Camp; Navdeep Kaur, a Fateh TV presenter; Rishiwant Singh, UNITED SIKHS Humanitarian Relief Director for Asia-Pacific and Mejindarpal Kaur, International Legal Director of UNITED SIKHS. Read more about this camp here. |
| Click here to watch the overview of the camp. | |
| Dhamot, Punjab | |
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On February 8th the Gurkipa Network of UNITED SIKHS conducted a medical camp in which nearly 70 people were helped. Those in attendance received free sugar tests, hepatitis B & C tests. Thyroid tests, ECGs and complete physicals were offered for discounted rates. The monthly event was held at Mihan Singh Gill Malaysia Memorial Hospital. The next medical camp will be be held soon. Look out for more details. |
| GurKirpa Health Network team in India |
| UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | |
| Sacramento | |
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As many as 400 people poured into the Sikh temples throughout California as a result of the emergency evacuation order issued on February 12th. More than 180,000 residents had received the order to evacuate due to erosion of the emergency spillway in the nation's tallest dam. Shortly after the order was issued, teams from UNITED SIKHS were there, on the ground the ground to meet with evacuees. More than 10 volunteers from UNITED SIKHS (in addition to volunteers from the Red Cross and additional local volunteers) were on hand to provide families and others warm meals, hot drinks, and shelter for the families. In addition to meeting physical needs, local volunteers also took time off from their own jobs and obligations to provide emotional support and to assess the needs of families who had taken shelter. Despite the order being lifted, UNITED SIKHS has learned that there is still a great need for food at both Yuba City and West Sacramento food banks. UNITED SIKHS will continue to work with CEMA to evaluate the needs of the people and food banks in the area. In case you missed it: A video of one grateful volunteer, went viral. Our interview with Sam is a good example of how disasters an oftentimes be the catalyst to bring people together. |
| Please watch video of Sam expressing his gratitude here | |
| Connecticut: | |
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Since 9/11, Sikhs have unfairly become targets of religious-based attacks. Hate crime reports from previous years have shown a troubling trend towards hate-motivated violence against Sikhs mistaken for Muslims. Many Sikhs are now living in fear that the current perceived anti-immigrant and anti-muslim rhetoric in the US could lead to another uptick in bigoted attacks. One way combat this growing climate of fear and xenophobia is with compassion. That's one of the thoughts behind the UNITED SIKHS Connecticut Community Food Drive. As part of this quarterly event, a dozen or more volunteers will prepare and distribute food to residents in need in Norwich, Connecticut. The first food drive was held February 12th at Lee Memorial Chapel in Norwich. Up to 75 people in need received a home-cooked meal, complete with rice, beans, salad and a dessert. The next food drive in Connecticut in June. For more information on how to get involved or to make a donation for future food outreaches in Connecticut, contact Swaranjit Singh at (757)291-5211 |
| Please watch the video here |
| ADVOCACY - TAKE ACTION TODAY |
| CIVIL RIGHTS SURVEY |
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Help us shed light on the extent to which members of the Sikh community experience hate crimes and or bullying. From now until April 30, 2017, UNITED SIKHS will be distributing the UNITED SIKHS 2017 CIVIL RIGHTS SURVEY via email, Facebook, Twitter, and via other social media and in the gurudwaras. For more information click here |
| Please click here for 2017 Civil Rights Survey. |
| EDUCATION & LEGAL AID: HERE'S WHAT'S HAPPENING NOW |
| IMMIGRATION & DEPORTATION |
| According to law enforcement officials, during just one week in February, immigration officers arrested more than 600 people across the US. While ICE (Immigration & Customs Enforcement) claimed many were criminals, hundreds of those arrested did not have a criminal record. Under new rules, Homeland Security could greatly expand the number of immigrants who are prioritized for removal. This includes a person in the country illegally who may have committed a crime but not been charged, who has "abused any program related to receipt of public benefits," or who an immigration officer deems a risk to public safety or national security. The rules are written so broadly that nearly anyone in the country illegally could be a target for deportation-potentially, as many as eight to 11 million people. In recent weeks we've also learned that federal immigration authorities are planning to speed up deportations and prioritize detention for immigrants. While courts examine the legality of the new immigration order, UNITED SIKHS attorneys are fielding an increased amount of calls from Sikhs who have been directly affected by the immigration policies. |
| We are currently assisting both foreign born and US born Sikhs who have become targets of police because of their turbans. During these turbulent times, we want to our community to be informed of its rights. Many people don't know their rights when it comes to interactions with either law enforcement or immigration authorities. Make sure you and your neighbors know your rights by downloading, printing, and hanging up copies these primera on what to do if you are stopped by police, immigration agents, or the FBI. If you live in a community with a Punjabi speaking population, download that flyer and share it with those in your area, including your local Gurdwara. |
| KNOW YOUR RIGHTS (ENGLISH) |
| KNOW YOUR RIGHTS (PUNJABI) |
| UNITED SIKHS Q & A YOUR RIGHTS WHILE TRAVELING |
| Although it is illegal for law enforcement officers to perform any stops, searches, detentions or removals based solely on your race, national origin, religion, sex or ethnicity; Customs and Border Protection officials have the authority to stop you based on citizenship or travel itinerary, and search all bags. However, knowing your rights when traveling can make going through security checkpoints much easier.What sort of items may be searched and what procedures should you take if harassed? Those frequently asked questions and more can be found here. |
| Click here to Know your rights while traveling. |
| SIKHS ON THE RISE! Congrats Tejkaran Bains | |
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Congratulations to Tejkaran Kaur Bains on being the first Sikh law student to win the best oral advocate award in the Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition Moot Court. The competition focuses primarily on public and civil rights law, along with topics of particular relevance to communities of color. For more information click here. |
| Tejkaran Bains,UNITED SIKHS legal intern - recipient of "Best Oral Advocate" | |
| Please watch our videos and subscribe to our You Tube channel at UNITEDSIKHSTV and follow us our social media Facebook | Twitter | Blog and see how your contribution is making a difference. |
Issued by,
UNITED SIKHS Team
E: contact@unitedsikhs.org
Our Mission
To transform underprivileged and minority communities and individuals into informed and vibrant members of society through civic, educational and personal development programs, by fostering active participation in social and economic activity.
To transform underprivileged and minority communities and individuals into informed and vibrant members of society through civic, educational and personal development programs, by fostering active participation in social and economic activity.
Community Empowerment and Education Division (CEED)
Empowering individuals and groups to attain their full potential and become active participants in society through Education, Training and Community development projects. They take their place in the decision-making processes in their local community as well as in the international arena.
Empowering individuals and groups to attain their full potential and become active participants in society through Education, Training and Community development projects. They take their place in the decision-making processes in their local community as well as in the international arena.
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