Click here to view the embedded video.

With the finale of Tuesday sessions, the cohort traveled to Teddy Bear Restaurant for an evening meal.

Tuesday evening ended with games, smores, and a late evening.

Today on Wednesday morning Nitnem and Kirtan are about to commence with a concluding session on “Gurbani on Campus: Towards Greater Inclusivity through Simran, Seva, and Sangat“.

The following video may give you a headache, but include some scenes from Tuesday evening.

Click here to view the embedded video.

The importance of mission statements was stressed and many participants resolved to create a mission statement for their SSAs.  Following the idea of the Sikh Students Collaborative was further discussed and its role as an advisory board, mediator, funder, and planner.  Finally, best practices and ideas on recruitment, retention, and expansion were discussed.  The information will be compiled and uploaded at a later date.

Morning discussions focused on the history of the SSAs in California, drawing a timeline of over 20 years of organization on campuses.  Looking at trends from political overtones, to the engagement with bhangra teams, to the resolution of these contradictions through a separation, SSAs still are trying to define their missions and agendas.

Discussing this topic and best practices, the cohort will next begin discussing the mission of SSAs and then focusing on specifics.  More updates soon; the pizza has arrived!

Almost 20 members of Sikh Students Associations from across California made the icy trek up to Big Bear Lake.  Although there were late arrivals, students from over 7 universities checked in to the cabins by 8pm.

Taking a 1.5 mile walk in the cold, the participants found their way to the Jakara classic – Denny’s – and sat down to enjoy their first meal together.  The group then returned to the cabins for the invocation and start of the retreat.

The first discussion centered on Leadership and Sikhi: The Role of the SSA.

The shabad discussed to begin looking at a Gurmat-vision of leadership, based on humility, inclusivity, and restrain can be seen here.

Next the group began discussing expectations of the retreat.  High on the agenda were:

1. Leave with concrete steps to deal with the myriad of problems concerning SSAs
2. Increase communication between SSAs (possibly a shared SSA blog)
3. Create a repository for best practices, procedures, and resources

The group concluded the evening with Kirtan Sohila.  Tuesday will be a long day.  You can see two members getting ready for it!

Agenda

Monday – 12/28
6-8pm Check-In/Dinner/Intros
8-9 – Leadership in Sikhi and the role of the SSA
9-10 Discussion/Expectations
10pm – Kirtan Sohila

Tuesday – 12/29
8-9am – Japji Sahib/Kirtan
9-10 – State of the SSAs – Past and Present
10-11 – Successes and Best Practices – discussion
11-12pm – Mission of the SSA – Mission statement activity
12-1pm Lunch
1-2pm – The Sikh Students Collaborative
2-3pm – Starting an SSA / Recruitment, Retention, and Expansion
3-5 Event Planning – What type of events? On Campus, Intra-SSA Collaborations, and Beyond Sikhs
5-6pm Free Time
6-7:30pm Fundraising
7:30-8:30pm Rehraas
8:30-10:30pm Excursion

Wednesday – 12/30
9-10am – Japji Sahib/Kirtan
10-11am – On Campus Gurbani
11-11:30am Wrap-Up

Pictures soon to follow!  Together, we are the movement.

If your school currently does not have an SSA, please come and gain the resources, skills, and techniques to create one.

Workshops to include: Creating a Student Sangat, The Mission, Recruitment, Retention, Event Planning, Fundraising, Intra-SSA Collaborations, Going Beyond the “Same People”, Gurbani on Campus, Beyond Sikhs, and much more….

Be part of the inaugural Class of ‘09 with Certification.

We are also actively seeking the input from collegiate SSA alumni.  Your input is critical to make this a success.

Registration is up and available.  Reserve your spot today!