Registration for the 2023 Sikh Summit is NOW Open! Apply Now!

As the headlines get ever more grim – hundreds displaced by war, human rights violated by authoritarian governments, persecution of minorities and what have you – there is a growing section of young people who care about real world problems and how they affect the most vulnerable across the globe.  That’s why they get enrolled in the Advocacy & Humanitarian Aid Academy (AHAA) that takes them on a knowledge odyssey inside the world of international humanitarian aid work and civil rights advocacy!

2014 AHAA participants with Gurpreet Singh Sarin, American Idol finalist, & UNITED SIKHS staff

AHAA is Back!

UNITED SIKHS is excited to announce that the 2023 AHAA and Sikh Summit is now open for applications! 

To be held across 10-14 July 2023, the five-day event will be hybrid, taking place via ZOOM as well as in person in Washington DC. 

Held annually since 2014, AHAA is designed for students and young professionals – aged 17 years or older – who are passionate about law, policy, civil rights advocacy, healthcare & education, international humanitarian aid work in disaster and conflict zones, and all kinds of social justice causes. The rigorous training program arms participants with the requisite skills, resources, and knowledge to pursue careers in these areas, transforming their passion into an abiding commitment. 

Consisting of lectures, discussions, workshops, interactive panels, and skill-building exercises, AHAA bestows the selected students with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to listen to and interact with acclaimed civil rights advocates, federal government agency officials, representatives of reputable civil rights organizations, professors, UNITED SIKHS leadership, and members of the U.S. Congress.  Additionally, they are made aware of the major issues faced globally by Sikhs and taught ways to empower the community.

This Year’s AHAA Agenda

The 2023 AHAA will take place around an array of topical, burning issues that are sure to spark the interest of anyone with a finger on the pulse of contemporary policy and politics. The agenda for this year will include: 

• Sikh religious liberty & articles of faith 
• Hate Crimes – Statistics & documentation
• Workplace harassment and discrimination 
• Fair Housing Right
• Transnational Aggression against minority communities
• Giant Tech companies & Free Speech
• International and National Litigation of Civil Rights – Evidence, documentation, recordings and proof 
• Interfaith and inter-communal alliances
• Gun violence: legislative and policy solution, communal redress and collective healing
• National and International Advocacy and litigation of civil rights 

Why You Must Apply

AHAA presents a learning opportunity like no other you have encountered so far!

2022 AHAA participants attending a Zoom Meeting

From laying the groundwork for a career in fields such as law, advocacy, and humanitarian aid to providing a chance to network with peers and eminent professionals, AHAA is more than just a course. It entails hands-on training designed to impart leadership skills, encouraging you to embrace Sewa (selfless-service) while standing up for civil and human rights. 

Other Details you mustn’t Miss!

Registration for the 2023 AHAA and Sikh Summit is NOW OPEN! UNITED SIKHS will accept applications from now up to 30 June 2023 from outstanding and qualified aspiring young leaders.

In order for your AHAA application to be considered, you must complete and return the application form before the 30 June 2023 deadline. The form can be found here.

Hurry! Apply now!