All EHLS participants receive a full scholarship that includes tuition and a living stipend. For further details and schedule of information sessions, please click http://www.ehlsprogram.org/

 Profiling of South Asian community members continues to this day, as most recently documented in a report, In Our Own Words: Narratives of South Asian New Yorkers Affected by Racial and Religious Profiling. Issued by the New York City Profiling Collaborative including DRUM – Desis Rising Up and Moving, The Sikh Coalition, UNITED SIKHS, South Asian Youth Action (SAYA!), Coney Island Avenue Project, Council of Peoples Organization, and SAALT, this report highlights the impact of profiling on individuals sense of identity and belonging within the United States. Over the past several months, reports by the Associated Press have also revealed that the New York City Police Department (NYPD) has been monitoring and infiltrating Muslim communities along the Northeast. Profiling simply does not work – it diverts limited law enforcement resources away from identifying actual criminal activity, undermines trust between police and affected individuals, and chills the civil rights of minority communities.   

 TAKE ACTION! Send a message to your Senators and Representative  asking them to co-sponsor the End Racial Profiling Act.  

It is long overdue that policymakers take action to prohibit racial and religious profiling in all its forms. In Congress, Congressman John Conyers of Michigan and Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland have introduced The End Racial Profiling Act (S.1670; H.R.3618). This legislation will address the harmful impact of profiling by prohibiting various forms of the practice, including in the travel and surveillance contexts; requiring training and data collection on profiling for entities receiving federal law enforcement funding; supporting law enforcement initiatives that do not result in profiling; establishing complaint mechanisms; creating privacy protections for individuals whose data is collected; and allowing affected individuals to file lawsuits to seek redress. SAALT has joined a diverse array of organizations and allies in supporting this landmark legislation in both the Houseand the Senate and urges community members to send a message to your lawmakers to co-sponsor this bill. Take a few minutes today to stand in support of civil rights and the South Asian community. 

UNITED SIKHS Partners with NC Health Department to Educate about Swine Flu Pandemic at Health Fair

52nd Sikh Aid health fair offers free flu shots, free lab tests and health screenings for all ages at local Gurdwara in North Carolina Charlotte, NC, USA – With concerns that the ‘Swine’ flu pandemic continues to spread worldwide this Fall, UNITED SIKHS Carolina Sikh Aid Team, in collaboration with Gurdwara Sahib of Charlotte, organized its second health fair this year and provided free flu shots, free lab tests (Cholesterol and Diabetes) and free health screenings for the public. The fair, which was held on 1st November, 2009, at the local Gurdwara, is part of our ongoing effort to engage, educate and empower the community through health initiatives. The free health screenings provided were for:   Diabetes Hypertension Sleep Disorders Women Health Lab tests – Cholesterol, Blood Sugar Dental Diet/Nutrition Vision Orthopedics
Community members registering for flu shots	Ms Susan Jones giving presentation to the Community
Health information on different topics was provided in English and Panjabi. In some countries, up to 70% percent of the flu viruses being sampled are the  H1N1 (‘Swine’) flu virus. In an effort to educate the community about the virus,  UNITED SIKHS invited a representative from the Charlotte Mecklenburg Health Department, Susan Jones, to speak at the health fair. She gave valuable updates on the state of the H1N1 virus and its effects. She also spoke about various prevention methods and resources being provided by health department to contain the spread of virus. Despite the inclement weather, approximately, 30 members took advantage of free flu shots and blood tests. The fair was very successful in encouraging community members to utilize local health care resources. Balbir Kaur, who took advantage of flu shots, said, “The health fair is a wonderful way to serve uninsured community members.” Pawanjit Singh, UNITED SIKHS Director,  and Susan Jones discussed ways to further educate the local community through different community outreach programs. Pawanjit commented, “Collaboration is critical, especially in the event of a disaster and other health emergencies. We will continue to foster the ongoing relationship with the local health department, and thank Susan for joining us.”
Community members registering for screenings
UNITED SIKHS would also like to extend special thanks to the Gurdwara Sahib of Charlotte for hosting the health fair, and for sponsoring the lab tests. Gurdwara Sahib President, Dr. Surenderpal Singh Mac continues to encourage community outreach. UNITED SIKHS would also like to extend our gratitude to Dr. Jaspal Singh and Dr. Suneet Kaur for sponsoring free flu shots, and to all other doctors and volunteers for their cooperation in organizing this event. You may read about a previous community service project by UNITED SIKHS athttp://www.unitedsikhs.org/PressReleases/PRSRLS-14-07-2009-00.htm Issued by: Dr. Gurpreet Kaur SIKH AID Coordinator UNITED SIKHS NC/SC Email: gurpreet.kaur1@unitedsikhs.org

  July 09, 2004                                                                                                   25^th Harh, 536 Nanakshahi

 PRESS RELEASE

 HEALTH FAIR HELD IN QUEENS, NEW YORK

 Queens, New York – UNITED SIKHS organized a Health Fair at Gurdwara Makan Shah Lobhana (113-10 101 Ave, Richmond Hill, New York 11419) on June 20, 2004, in which variety of health and safety information was made available to the attending public. In addition, the Health Fair invited speakers to give their views on Health and Nutrition, Early detection of Cancer, Women’s Health, Domestic Violence and Alcohol Abuse as well as how to manage medical emergencies. A Blood Donation Drive was also arranged as part of the Fair on the special request of Long Island Blood Center to meet the blood shortage in the tri-state area.

The Fair was made possible with the active participation of the Queens Hospital Center, St. Mary’s Hospital of Brooklyn, Health First, Special Commission of Domestic Violence and volunteer Sikh physicians. The physicians spoke on various medical issues and answered questions that the attending public had. The participating organizations set up their booths and provided information on free medical insurance, HIV counseling/education, blood screening, asthma education and screening, diabetes screening and a dental checkup. The response to the Health Fair was tremendous, and was attended by more than a thousand people. In anticipation of the event, people lined up for free medical check-ups even before the opening of the Health Fair. Visitors to the Health Fair were tested for their sugar level, and some were found to have a count of more than 200 mg/dL. (normal ranges are 70-110 mg/dL.) and were recommended to see a physician immediately. A granthi (Sikh clergyman) from India was sent to the emergency room, as his blood sugar count was 500.

The active participation of the physicians who volunteered and interacted with the public giving valuable advice and helpful information was truly an inspiration. Dr Amritpal Kaur’s lecture on Health and Nutrition not only identified the pitfalls in the typical Punjabi diet but also suggested substitute healthier foods. She had made a special effort to translate her charts in Punjabi and had an interactive session with the attending public. The second lecture was delivered by Dr. Kiranjeet Kaur, regarding the detection of breast cancer, A brochure entitled “Signs, Symptoms, Detection and Treatment”, showing how to do a breast self-examination for cancer, was given out and emphasis was laid on yearly physician checkup, including X-ray and Mammogram, particularly for women over the age of 40.

Dr. Grover talked about domestic violence and alcohol abuse. Noting that the majority of the domestic violence in communities goes unreported, with the majority of the victims being women, Dr. Grover conveyed that there are many organizations that are involved in assisting the victims of domestic violence. In the Punjab (where the vast majority of the attendees originate from), domestic violence is a prevalent problem and Punjabi immigrants who come to the U.S. do not necessarily shed this criminal behavior once here. The victim needs to know that there is help available for her to escape this cycle of domestic abuse, and Dr. Grover hoped that her presentation would be the beginning of relief for potential victims. Dr. Suber Singh gave a lecture on HIV prevention and education, as well as basic CPR training. He also gave his views on how to manage medical emergencies and how to make the most effective use of dialing 911. This was well received by the public.

The Blood drive was also a marvelous success, as the donations by the attendees was more than originally anticipated. The attendees also generously donated plasma for bone marrow transplantation. 

Because of the tremendous attendance, the Fair extended beyond its normal closing time, as there were still a number of people seeking medical services and advice.  UNITED SIKHS has a long tradition of caring for the underserved and this Fair was another jewel in its crown. This Health Fair was a step to complete the vision of a healthy world where the common and not so privileged get health services free of cost.  The large number of attendees and the Sikh community being at a high risk of heart related problems and diabetes only reinforced the apparent need for such events to be held in the future with more frequency.

UNITED SIKHS would like to the New York Office of Minority Health Region II for providing funds for the printing of brochures and posters.

Attendees being educated on medical issues facing the community.

Generous attendees donating blood and plasma to help save a life.

Scene outside of the Health Fair – children and adults welcome!

Education of the Public – a key to a healthy community.

For more information on the Right to Turban campaign, please link to:

http://www.unitedsikhs.org/us-eu/petitions/RightToTurban.htm

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. UNITED SIKHS is also an avenue for networking between like-minded organisations to establish and nurture meaningful projects and dialogues – whether social, cultural or political- to promote harmony, understanding and reciprocity in our villages, towns and cities. UNITED SIKHS is a coalition of organisations and individuals, who share a common vision based on the belief that there is no greater endeavor than to serve, empower and uplift fellow beings. The core of our philosophy is an unwavering commitment to civic service and social progress on behalf of the common good. Accordingly, UNITED SIKHS has sought to fulfill its mission not only by informing, educating and uplifting fellow beings but also by participating in cross-cultural and political exchanges to ensure that the promises and benefits of democracy are realized by all. We at UNITED SIKHS believe that the development of enlightened and progressive societies can be made possible by socially conscious groups of people who make a commitment to develop and direct human potential. Our work, efforts and achievements stand as a testament to our faith in this vision.

When Kennedy came to Wesleyan, he did not forget about his home or try to work on issues more “relevant” to Wesleyan students. He began telling the story of his community’s strife with fervor and passion to anyone who would listen. In spite of the fact that Kibera was foreign and far away from us in every possible way, Kennedy was able to make students in Connecticut (myself included) feel powerfully connected to his dream to build a tuition-free school for girls in the slum. Together with his partner Jessica, Kennedy built a core of students, professors and community members who slowly but surely helped to make that dream come true.

Not only is the school a great success, but Kennedy and Jessica have now received grants from Echoing Green, the Do Something Award and Newman’s Own to expand the project to address many other crucial needs in Kibera in addition to education.

As Nicholas Kristof wrote in a recent column about SHOFCO, “Shining Hope is now building a much larger school that is expected to accommodate 500 pupils. It has also bolstered services, including free family planning, for women at a clinic it runs. It trains women entrepreneurs and has just installed a new water tower that is expected to become the slum’s largest source of clean water. It operates a public library and computer center where slum dwellers can earn money by performing Internet piece work. …Shining Hope also oversees a network of public toilets, one of which produces biogas used to cook meals for children at the school. All this may be just a beginning. Kennedy says his dream is to expand Shining Hope across East Africa.”

As a Faiths Act Fellow, it is my task to mobilize people of faith in New York City to care about the issue of malaria. I know how many of the New Yorkers I talk to feel when I first mention the word “malaria,” because it is basically the same feeling I had when Kennedy first talked to me about Kibera. But through his example, I know that if I can tell a true and powerful story about the dire need for malaria education in Sierra Leone, and believe in it, others will too. Kennedy and Jessica have shown me that when young people are truly dedicated to an issue, and committed to addressing it effectively, we can have great impact, and build a global movement that defies geography.

Pictures above are from Shining Hope for Communities. Visit their website to learn more.

Nomi Teutsch is a Faiths Act Fellow at UNITED SIKHS

As Faiths Act Fellows at UNITED SIKHS, Hannah and I have had the privilege of witnessing clergy of different faiths organizing themselves to have a strong, united voice against injustice this year. Since New York City has been at the center of the country’s expression of discontent at the current financial and social situation of the 99%, it has been a particularly exciting place to be as a Faiths Act Fellow.

Watching clergy find their place in the fight for economic justice has been breathtaking, and has modeled for us the resources and wisdom that faith communities have to offer any social movement. The primary role of OccupyFaith has been to serve as a moral voice, condemning corruption and inequality and supporting the protesters and their cause. They have also worked together to provide shelter for hundreds of protesters every night in their houses of worship since the raid of Zuccotti park and the onset of winter. From the start, they have held up Occupy Wall St. as the next link in the long chain of non-violent protest movements agitating for justice, often connecting it back specifically to the Civil Rights Movement.

Last Thursday UNITED SIKHS honored the visionary leadership of OccupyFaith by providing coffee, tea and bagels at the weekly meeting of 45 members. We recognized that the participating members’ activism to bring us closer to a time when all people have the rights and resources they need to live a dignified life is exactly what International Human Solidarity Day is all about.

We thank the clergy of OccupyFaith for showing us one more way that religion can be a force for good in the world, and cherish our involvement with this dynamic and inspired collective.

Office of the Press Secretary

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 10, 2011

Statement by the President on the Anniversary of the Birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji

I send my best wishes to all those observing the anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru. On this occasion, we are reminded of the fundamental principles of Sikhism, including the equality of all people, the sanctity of living an honest life, and the importance of service to our neighbors. I’m proud that during my presidency the White House hosted the first celebration of the birth of Guru Nanak, and our country is grateful for the extraordinary contributions that Sikh Americans have made to our nation. As Sikhs across America and around the world celebrate the life of Guru Nanak, all of us can draw inspiration from his message of equality, honesty, and helping those who are in need.