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
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
UNITED SIKHS at Red Cross Blood Bank Bundoora, Australia
INDIA
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.
Please watch video of Sam expressing his gratitude here
Connecticut:
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
Please click here for 2017 Civil Rights Survey.HELP US HELP YOU.
Help us shed light on the extent to which members of the Sikh community experience hate crimes and or bullying. From now until March 31, 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 gurdwaras. The survey’s purpose is to guide the work of the International Civil & Human Rights Advocacy (ICHRA) staff. It will help the organization better advocate for Sikh and civil and human rights in 2017, and in the coming years. It is also an opportunity for the community to tell UNITED SIKHS how best to serve its needs and how to make best use of your generous donations.
The survey depends on gathering information from cross-sections of the Sikh community to record varying opinions by different demographics, such as by age, education, country of origin and country of residence. It is purposely short but it is comprehensive. The results of the Survey will be widely shared and will serve to inform the UNITED SIKHS Global Annual Report. See UNITED SIKHS 2013 Global Report here. It will also serve as the focus of the Annual UNITED SIKHS Washington, DC Summit in the Summer of 2017. Your participation in the 2017 Civil Rights Survey will help accomplish important goals in 2017. Please help us by completing the Survey online or print and return it to UNITED SIKHS. Submissions will be accepted between February 1, 2017 and March 31, 2017. Please click here to complete the 2017 Civil Rights Survey. If you would like to volunteer with us in reaching out to the community to fill the survey or need a paper copy, contact us at law-usa@unitedsikhs.org | contact@unitedsikhs.org
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.
ICE- KNOW YOUR RIGHTS (ENGLISH)
ICE- 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
Congratulations to Tejkaran Baines on being the first Sikh law student to win the best oral advocate award in the Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition Moot Court. The Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition is a national moot court competition that takes place every year. The competition focuses primarily on public and civil rights law, along with topics of particular relevance to communities of color. Every year hundreds of students from law schools across the US, compete in front of judges. Students are judged on their presentation and oral ability as well as knowledge of the law. Kaur was the only Sikh at the competition.
Tejkaran Bains,UNITED SIKHS legal intern – recipient of “Best Oral Advocate”
“As a Sikh, It means the world. This makes me hopeful because as a minority and as a female, sometimes things can seem very dim . We have to work substantially harder than those in the majority in order to reach the same targets.There have been times, especially in the last few years since the beginning of law school, where it has felt like I am fighting an impossible battle. It was in these times that my faith helped me overcome. If I did not have my faith, I would not be able to persevere. When times got tough, and I was ready to burn out, my faith has never failed to lift my spirits and instill my new energy and life. As a Sikh, my religion and my occupation are not separate, and that is a blessing. When I read scripture and history and learn about the struggle of those who came before me, it gives me tremendous strength and inspiration. This inspiration helps me advocate zealously for justice, as lawyer. As a Sikh, the last few years have been a battle of spirit for me there will be many more battles to come, and I know my Sikh faith will see me though.” -Tejkaran Bains
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Issued by,
UNITED SIKHS Team
E: contact@unitedsikhs.org
