From the Bottom Up

We have never shied away from gender injustice; we have never shied away from casteism; we have never shied away from political injustices; we have never shied away reflecting upon ourselves.

You have participated in conferences; you have participated in camps; you have participated in events.  Now, we are asking you to help us take your organization to the next level.

We started as a conference; we have become the premier Sikh youth organization in California with a presence in over thirteen cities throughout the state.  We host children’s camps, college fairs, tutoring programs, conferences, women’s mentorship programs, online journals, film festivals, and much more.   From addressing issues of internet safety with children, to the importance of going “green”, to remembering the events of 1984, we are learning, growing, and continuing to develop.

In 2010, we aim to do more.

• Ladoos: Pink and Blue – In 2006, we came together to celebrate “Kaur Voices: Exalt, Express, Empower.”  In those awkward first steps, we ignited a conversation long-overdue in our community.  While many new solutions came out of the conference, the Ladoos: Pink and Blue project was thought particularly worthy to implement.  Beginning as a pilot program, we aim to celebrate the birth of ALL Sikh children.  By sending a box of ladoos, on behalf of the community, to each new child, along with a Sikh keepsake, and various health and educational literature.  We will be organizing Lohri (Maghi) celebrations in 2010 for all children – both our sisters and brothers.   This year, we received some initial seed money to inaugurate the project, but need your seva (your time, efforts, and financial support).  If this project calls to you, please support it!
• Sikholars: Sikh Graduate Student Conference – For years, many Jakara alumni have asked us to create more programs for those 25-35, the Sikholars initiative is a step in that direction.  Uniting the breadth of graduate expertise in the community, from medicine to public health to law to business entrepreneurship to academia, the Sikholars conference aims to promote Sikh-related research as well as unite activists and researchers in the community to create a dialogue and networks for community development.  The conference will be held at Stanford University on February 20, 2010 and is already accepting proposals before November 15, 2009.  Initial seed money has been received, but we need your seva (your time, efforts, and financial support).  If this project calls to you, please support it!
• Remember 1984 Campaign – Since June of this year, we have been hosting a series of programs throughout the state in our efforts to Remember 1984.  From our “Sukhmani Sahib for the Shaheeds” in June (17 regions), to the Jakara Movement “Remember 1984” conference in June, to our ongoing “Gift of Blood” Blood Drive, to our Visions of Truth 1984 film festivals in September (8 regions), to our “Alliance For Justice Week” on all major university campuses in California in October, to our “Solemn Silent Marches in Remembrance” in November, we have organized a series of events to bring attention to Sikhs and non-Sikhs the importance of the events of 1984 and beyond in recent Sikh history.  We have been dependent on our volunteers to support these projects, but we need your seva (your time, efforts, and financial support).  If this project calls to you, please support it!
• Bibi Upkar Kaur and Bhai Amrik Singh Scholarships – This year we offered two scholarships to Sikh high school students and junior college students for excellence in education and service.  This year we are pleased the 2009 recipients of the Bibi Upkar Kaur Scholarship (Iqbal Singh, Fresno) and the Bhai Amrik Singh Scholarship (Harfateh Singh, San Jose).  Over $500 was awarded this year.  To continue to grow this scholarship, we need your seva (your time, efforts, and financial support).  If this project calls to you, please support it!
• Singh Convalescence – In August 2010, we will be inaugurating a pilot program for at-risk Sikh boys (ages 13 to 17).  For two weeks in the Yosemite Mountains, we will be organizing a camp for Sikh boys that may be getting in trouble with gangs, drugs, or having other disciplinary issue.  The camp seeks to inspire through physical rigor, emotional and spiritual growth, as well as connect with Sikh history and culture.  We are in the beginning stages for this very needed project and require your seva (your time, efforts, and financial support).  If this project calls to you, please support it!

Along with these new projects, we continue with our annual conference that brings 150-200 young Sikhs every year together to Fresno in June, our ever growing Jakara Junior regional camps, now in 15 regions with over 1200 children attending, and our J.Kharkhoos leadership training and development program that helps develop tomorrow’s Sikh leaders.

The Jakara Movement began as a grassroots organization and remains committed to serve the community.  If you have an idea for a project and have the dedication and drive, help us to help you make it a reality.  We can provide people and other resources.

We have no major sponsors and are dependent on small donations from the community to help us expand and excel.  We have set a goal of 200 people donating $25 a month by 2010. We are calling for your help.  Together we can make it a reality; together we can do great things; together we can be inspired and inspire others; together, we are the movement.

Do your seva and make your contribution at www.donate.jakara.org

Stay up to date with the latest happenings with the Jakara Movement, in your city, at our new blog at www.jakaramovement.org