Call for Proposals: National South Asian Summit 2015

SAALT accepting proposals for summit sessions, April 10-13, 2015 in Washington, DC



SAALT (South Asian Americans Leading Together) is now accepting community proposals for the National South Asian Summit 2015, which will convene South Asian organizations, advocates, and allies from across the United States on April 10-13 in Washington DC.

The National South Asian Summit is an opportunity for organizational leaders and community members to engage with policymakers and government agencies; participate in a learning environment; discuss emerging issues in the South Asian community and the country as a whole; and strategize to achieve best practices, discuss collective solutions, and agree to common principles using a progressive, social justice framework.

SAALT invites you to submit a proposal for a session at the Summit. Here's the full call for proposals:

SAALT disappointed by grand jury decision in Eric Garner case: Urges revised Department of Justice profiling policy

"We can, and must, do better for our communities, and as a nation."

South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) is disappointed by yesterday's grand jury decision to not issue an indictment in the wake of police brutality and the use of disproportionate force against Eric Garner in New York City. We stand in solidarity with Eric Garner's family and allies who have highlighted the repeated lack of recourse for police violence and brutality.

SAALT also applauds Attorney General Eric Holder's announcement of a Department of Justice (DOJ) civil rights investigation into Eric Garner's death, and hope this will allow for a thorough investigation into the circumstances of this tragic incident. We also continue to call upon the Department of Justice to revise its Guidance on racial and religious profiling to protect all of our communities.

SAALT Saddened by Grand Jury Decision: Emphasizes Need for DOJ to Reform Racial Profiling Guidance

"We will join with our allies to continue outlining the dangers of discriminatory policing."

South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) stands in solidarity with the family and friends of the late Michael Brown, and with communities across the United States who are deeply saddened by last night's grand jury decision.

As a national civil rights organization working with communities targeted by hate violence, racial and religious profiling, and surveillance, we understand the damaging ramifications of mistrust between the police and the communities they are sworn to protect.

Volunteer for Be The Change 2014

SAALT's annual national day of service, October 4



Are you ready to be the change? You are invited to participate in the 14th annual Be The Change, a national day of service coordinated by South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) to inspire and foster civic engagement and stronger communities through volunteerism and community service.

Every year, thousands of participants across the country collectively contribute numerous hours of community service in the spirit of Mahatma Gandhi's famous challenge, "Be the Change you wish to see in the world." This year's Be the Change events will take place in cities all around the U.S. on October 4, unless otherwise noted.

Here are some more details about Be The Change:

'Under Suspicion, Under Attack': New SAALT report documents hate violence and xenophobic rhetoric

Hate violence 'hot spots' include New York City, New Jersey, Chicago, Southern and Northern California



This week, as the nation observes the 13th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, SAALT (South Asian Americans Leading Together), released Under Suspicion, Under Attack, a report that documents over 150 incidents of hate violence and xenophobic political rhetoric aimed at South Asian, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Middle Eastern and Arab communities over the last three years.

SAALT's analysis, spanning incidents from January 2011 through April 2014, found that these communities are increasingly depicted as un-American, unwelcome and disloyal -- and community members and institutions are too often targeted with violence, vandalism and harassment. Many continue to face a post-9/11 backlash, including racial and religious profiling, unwarranted surveillance, and the threat of violence and intimidation.

According to the report, over 80% of documented hate violence incidents were motivated by anti-Muslim sentiment. Similarly, an overwhelming majority -- over 90% -- of xenophobic political comments were characterized by anti-Muslim bias. Hate violence 'hot spots' included the New York City/New Jersey metropolitan area; Chicago and its outlying suburbs; and Southern and Northern California.

Here are some of the report's key findings:

Job Opportunity: Policy Director, SAALT

SAALT seeks an experienced policy professional with a background in immigrant or civil rights.

South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) is a national nonpartisan non-profit organization whose mission is to elevate the voices and perspectives of South Asian individuals and organizations to build a more just and inclusive society in the United States. They recently announced a job opening for a Policy Director.

The Policy Director, based in SAALT's office in Takoma Park, Maryland, will develop, direct, and implement SAALT's legislative, administrative, and public policy agenda and activities.

Here are some more details about the position:

Apply to SAALT's 2014 Young Leaders Institute

Leadership opportunity for undergraduate students, July 18-20 in Washington DC



SAALT (South Asian Americans Leading Together) is seeking 15-20 outstanding, diverse young leaders to join the 2014 Young Leaders Institute. Selected candidates will join other undergraduate students from across the United States this summer, July 18-20, for training in Washington, DC.

Institute participants will explore key issues affecting South Asians in the United States. This year's institute will focus on LGBTQ justice and allyship. You'll learn about social change movements and the intersections of identity and power, and develop leadership skills and resources to become agents of change.

Here's some more information:

National South Asian Summit, April 19-22

SAALT's National South Asian Summit is taking place April 19-23 in Washington, D.C. Learn about issues affecting South Asians in the U.S., build leadership and organizing skills, connect with government officials, and strategize together. Here's what's in store: