Surat-Lalkaar 2012 – A New Collaboration

Earlier this year, we wrote an in-depth post, summarizing the workshops and questions raised at the Jakara Movement’s annual Lalkaar conference.  We were hardly alone.  Our sisters at Kaurista shared their thoughts, as did a number of individual participants.

So now is something big and exciting.  For years a criticism of the Jakara Movement was that it was California-centric.  Recently an exciting collaboration opportunity availed itself.  Sevadars of the annual Surat Sikh Conference were seeking fresh blood and ideas.  The Jakara Movement was seeking an opportunity to begin unveiling its numerous local projects in more venues.  Synergies were found and Surat-Lalkaar 2012 was born.

The theme will be similar - Kaur Voices: Exalt, Express, Empower. At the conference, we will begin the exploration of the complexity of the ways genderism, sexism, and even casteism affect our relationships as individuals and how they manifest as a community. We will begin the first steps in a conversation to challenge these hierarchies and discuss how we can put into practice the vision of the Gurus and their celebration of equality.

Exciting guests speakers include Kirpa Kaur, a Youth Case Worker for the largest youth and young adult Crisis Shelter Program in Vancouver, British Columbia and Kulvir Singh, a founder of the Seva Food Bank.

The Surat-Lalkaar 2012 has a limited number of spots available.  It ALWAYS sells out, often in a matter of hours.  Don’t get left behind! Registration will be opening TODAY (December 11, 2011) at 12pm EST.  We hope to see you there!

Check out more details at www.sikhconference.org