UNITED SIKHS

March 24, 2004 11^th Chet, samvat 536 Nanakshahi

UNITED SIKHS volunteers wearing the Right To Turban campaign T-shirts. Standing left to right: Dharminder Singh, Amandeep Singh, Pushpinder Singh, Vicky Kaur, Amanjit Singh, Harpreet Singh, Pawanjit Singh

Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

With the grace of Waheguru, the Sangat of Charlotte, North Carolina held an awareness drive in Uptown Charlotte on March 19 2004. There were about 11 volunteers in all, who met in the heart of Uptown Charlotte around Noon to catch the lunch-time office crowd. All the volunteers were wearing UNITED SIKHS "Right to Turban" campaign t-shirts. We had printed out about 500 handouts, which contained information on the history and origin of Sikhism. We got an overwhelming response from the public and it convinced us that more such events should be organized. We also spoke to policemen in the Uptown area and they have invited us to do a small presentation about the Sikhs for their department.

This event made us realize the importance of awareness campaigns elsewhere in the US. We are planning to have a similar event in the University of North Carolina’s Charlotte campus soon.

For more information on the Right to Turban campaign, please link to:
http://www.unitedsikhs.org/rtt

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 organizations 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 organizations 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.