2009 Conference Notes and Updates – Part 1

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ke Fateh

Dear Registered Jakara Participants,

Although the conference is still two weeks away, we are gearing up in Fresno and eagerly excited to host you.  This year will be the best Jakara conference ever, as we come together to both commemorate and celebrate.  This year we come together to “Remember 1984”.

We have a number of updates that we wish to bring to your attention.  We will be intermittently updating you about the conference.  This email discusses: 1) artists attending; 2) your chance to share your talents; 3) the “Gift of Blood” opportunity; 4) morning Sangat; and 5) flights and carpooling.

1. This year at the Jakara Movement annual conference, we are pleased to announce the participation and performances by conscious Sikh artists from throughout North America – including Sikh Knowledge, Humble the Poet, GNE’s Saint Soulja, and Mandeep Sethi.  For details, links, and more information.
2. We seek to create a “family-setting” at the conference, and in addition to these talented individuals, we want to celebrate everyone’s talent.  If you sing, perform, make art, write poetry, tell jokes, or even have an idea for a skit, we urge you to participate.  If you have an idea in mind or need any special arrangements, please send a note to us and we will put you in touch with the organizing subcommittee.
3. We are organizing a drive we call the “Gift of Blood.”  Many of our Sikh heroes made the ultimate sacrifice for our community.  To honor them, we seek to aid others and give the “Gift of Blood.”  We hope you will participate and join us in this seva.  If you are willing, please send a note to us and we will put you in touch with the organizing subcommittee. and let us know whether a) you have successfully donated in the past and will be willing to donate again; or b) you have NOT donated in the past, but are willing to try to donate.  We hope everyone participates.
4. Every day of the conference, we open the morning with Japji Sahib and kirtan. There will also be a divaan at the Gurdwara Sahib on Thursday evening.  To maximize your conference experience we urge all to attend.  For many that come to Jakara, this is the first time they get an opportunity to experience Sikhi in the inclusive environment of their peers.  If you are interested in participating or even doing kirtan, please send a note to us and we will put you in touch with the organizing subcommittee..
5. Finally, we are coordinating flights and carpooling.  If you are flying from out of state, please send a note to us and we will put you in touch with the organizing subcommittee. Please forward your flight itinerary.  If you require a ride to Fresno or are willing to share a ride and carpool (we STRONGLY promote being Green), please get in touch with us.

If you have any questions or concerns about the conference, please do not hesitate to contact us.  We can be reached via email or by calling 1-888-JAKARA-1.

We have only a few spots left open at this year’s conference and strongly urge you to do a last minute push of friends or family that may still be sitting on the fence.

For those that are about to take finals, we wish you goodluck.

We are excited to see you in Fresno soon.  We will be in contact again soon.  Best wishes.

Gur Fateh,
Jakara Movement Staff.