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

Definition: Seva means service. In Sikhism, seva refers to selfless service for altruistic purposes on behalf of, and for the betterment of a Community.  Sikhs have a tradition of seva. A sevadar is one who performs seva through philanthropic, voluntary, selfless, service.  Seva is a means to promote humility and demote egoism which is a basic concept of the Sikh religion and is one of three fundamental principles of Sikhism

Now that another Thanksgiving has come and gone, we can all say that we are thankful for many things: A warm house, food on our tables, and the clothes on our backs and a loving family. But what about the people who are not as fortunate to have these things? Together we will partake in selfless service or Seva raising money to purchase food, and collecting clothes to then distribute them to the less fortunate. In hopes that our small helping hand will help them through the winter.

So far we have collected $100 PLEASE help us raise money. Though we are all strapped for cash, we HAVE a community to turn too, so ask your family, friends and loved ones for donations. As Sikhs, let’s do something that is in part REQUIRED of one, to help not the poor or someone “LESS” than us but those equals who have had a rough life.

If you can’t donate money now, please donate your valuable time. It’s a ONE day event and maybe it will inspire new younger generation of Sikh to acknowledge and take actions against the severe crisis in our own backyards.

According to the Washington Post 43.5 percent of Fresno’s poor live in extremely poor neighborhoods (where more than 40 percent of the residents live below the federal poverty line — $17,600 a year for a family of four).

Now with the recession, you can count on more young and homeless on the streets of Fresno. STAND UP Singhs/Kaurs!

Items you can donate:

• Tooth Brush
• Tooth Paste
• Dental Floss
• Bandaids
• Underwear
• Neosporin
• Cortisone Cream
• Cotton Swabs
• Listerine
• Deodorant
• Nail Clippers
• Baby Wipes
• Thick Socks
• Batteries
• Feminine hygiene products
• Blankets
• Sweaters/Sweats

Invite your friends please and forward the message, together, we are the movement.

Please fill out the following registration form if you wish to volunteer and it will also give you the option to help with donations:

Last year Bakersfield, Seattle, and Sacramento joined in on the event and planted the seeds there.

In 2011, we expect for it to grow even further.  We will update this link with the dates of all the locations as we get them.  Read about it and then make it happen in your community.  Keep on checking for the latest updates.

At the Advancing Justice conference (10/27-28), one member talked about the Sikhs of the Central Valley, sharing insights, challenges, and futures.

At the American Public Health Association (10/27-31), Semran presented her qualitative study from our project – Ladoos: Pink and Blue – about gender preference in the Punjabi Sikh community in California.

Such presentations are necessary to connect with coalitions and allies.  We hope to continue these efforts in the future as well.

For Payment only

The Jakara Movement with the Guru’s Nadir (Grace), seva of our volunteers, and the baksh (benediction) of the Sangat we are pleased to announce our first employment position. We are seeking a part-time Director of Programs to help coordinate the gambit of Jakara Movement projects – from mentoring, to social services, to leadership development, to educational programs and community-service projects. This is an important position that will offer someone a chance to create the culture and help coordinate a growing youth movement.

Position Title: Director of Programs
Organizational Relationship: Reporting to the Executive Council

General Summary:

The director of programs is responsible for the implementation, management, supervision and evaluation of all the organization’s programs in accordance with the goals set out by the organization. As a member of the senior management team, the director of programs participates in strategic planning and budgeting initiatives in addition to problem solving. He/she works within the guidelines, policies and mission of the organization and will be accountable and responsible for specific projects as assigned.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Human Resource Management

• Direct, plan and coordinate the work of the program staff and volunteers, including supervision and evaluation, training and team building.
• Organize and attend meetings to maintain effective communication.
• Ensure adequate and qualified staff to carry out the program activities.
• In consultation with the executive council, responsible for the screening, selecting, coaching, and discipline of program staff and volunteers.
• Develop, implement and evaluate recruitment strategies to expand staff and volunteer participation.

2. Program Delivery

• Responsible for implementation, management, supervision and evaluation of all activities of the program in accordance with organizational goals.
• Stay abreast and implement all modifications to the goals of the organization in a timely manner.
• Manage and supervise data management software.
• Maintain record, compile, and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual program statistics including: monthly newsletters, website and social media updates, and internal communication.
• Develop and recommend solutions to executive council by analyzing trends in various programs.
• Implement, manage, supervise and evaluate all activities related to the core programs.
• Develop, implement and evaluate recruitment strategies to expand client participation in various programs.

Programs included, but not limited to:

A) Mentoring Programs (examples include, but not limited to, Tutoring and Jakara Juniors Camps)

• Responsible for the implementation, management, supervision and evaluation of all activities in accordance with the goals of the organization.
• Responsible for the expansion of the programs forming partnerships and coalitions, where appropriate.
• Compile, analyze and report on trends in the programs.
• Develop and implement recruitment strategies to increase the number of clients served by the programs.

B) Educational Conference/Events Programs (examples include, but not limited to, Lalkaar and Sikholars)

• Responsible for the implementation, management, supervision and evaluation of all activities related to the social development programs.
• Identify and form partnerships to enhance and increase the number of social development programs offered by the organization where appropriate.

C) Activist Skills Development Programs (examples include, but not limited to, J.Kharkhoos)

• Responsible for the implementation, management, supervision and evaluation of all activities related to core programs, including skills development workshops.
• Responsible for ensuring skills development workshops are relevant in topic and targeted for the appropriate audiences.
• Identify and form appropriate partnerships for the delivery of workshops and the program.

D) Social Service Programs (examples include, but not limited to, Ladoos: Pink and Blue and Bhujangi Youth Academy)

• Responsible for the implementation, management, supervision and evaluation of all activities related to the social service programs.
• Identify and form partnerships to enhance and increase the number of social development programs offered by the organization where appropriate.

E) Community Service Programs (examples include, but not limited to Sikhi-Seva-Cinema, alternative collegiate break)

• Responsible for organization, management, supervision and evaluation of all activities related to community service programs.
• Identify and form partnerships to enhance and increase the number of community development programs offered by the organization where appropriate.

F) Fundraising Programs (examples include, but not limited to, Fundraiser Events and Firework Sales)

• Responsible for event planning, organization, management, supervision and evaluation of all activities related to fundraising programs.
• Identify and form partnerships with key individuals as well as supervision of staff and volunteers where appropriate.

G) Committee Work

• Local Organization: Responsible for supporting the local committee and other committees as assigned.
• Regional Organization: Participate in regional committees when given appropriate opportunity as well as attend regional meetings and workshops when budget allows.

H) Local community

• Participate in community programs as deemed appropriate.

Position Specifications

Education

• Bachelors Degree in Human Services, Health, Social Work, Education or a related field required.
• Three (3) to five (5) years related work experience may be considered in lieu of Bachelor’s degree.
• PMP (Project Management Professional) Certification preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong problem solving and leadership skills.
• Ability to interact with people of all ages and cultural backgrounds.
• Strong sense of order and organization.
• Ability to work within a fast-paced environment and handle multiple long and short-term tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Ability to manage and develop long-term virtual relationships.
• Detail-oriented, resourceful, self-motivated and excellent follow though skills.
• Well developed interpersonal skills; ability to interact effectively with people at all organization levels.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge and proficiency in PC applications, including MS Office.
• Strong communications skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work flexible hours
• Bilingual – Punjabi and English

Working Conditions

• This position will work remotely and must have access to a vehicle.

Position Start Date: Early December 2011

Minimum Commitment: 1 Year

Compensation: $17,000 annually plus benefits, including medical and dental, with generous vacation and sick leave

Application: Please submit a resume and cover letter to Jakara Movement at info@jakara.org.

The final deadline to apply is November 04, 2011.

The camp celebrates equality for all.  It also explores key issues such as body-image and internet safety with women; and anger management and composure for boys.

The following are the confirmed dates at various locations of the camps.  If you’d like to get involved at particular camps, write a message and we’ll put you in touch with regional leads.  More camp listings will follow as they confirm their dates.  If your city is not listed, make it happen!  Send us a message and we’ll get in touch with you ASAP will all the materials you need (content, training materials, T-shirts, etc.)  You be the change you wish to see.  Stay up to date here for changes and additional camps.  We’ll keep adding them as we get date confirmations.  Together, we are the movement.  Gur Fateh!

San Diego, October 15th – check out the pics!
San Jose, October 22nd – check out the pics!
Kerman, October 22nd – check out the pics!
Stockton, October 22nd
Caruthers, November 12th
Fremont, November 12th
West Sac – Sacramento, November 12th
Bradshaw – Sacramento, November 19th
Khalsa Care Foundation (San Fernando Valley), November 19th
Fresno, November 19th
Yuba City, November 19th
New York, November 20th
Bakersfield, November 26th
Toronto, November 26th
Ft. Lauderdale, January 21st 

This year as in every year, we left humbled by the generosity displayed by our community.  One particular brother from Florida left us in awe.  We left challenged by engaging conversations with our brothers and sisters.  We left inspired by the amazing seva our Sikh brothers and sisters are doing across the US  (pagh salute to Rucha Kaur and the United Sikhs team at Richmond Hills Gurdwara and so many others from that evening).  However, we also left puzzled by the lack of participation by young health and medical professionals in our community.  NASMDA has attempted to bring in more ‘young blood’ through its offering of scholarships and grants, especially to medical students.  We hope that other young Sikh health professionals get involved and help shape the organization to become an important institution.

While the organization decides where its annual conference will be held next year, we, as part of the Jakara Movement, seek for this organization to realize its potential.  We aim to help it grow.  Sikh-Americans are far too overrepresented in the field of medicine to not be able to take on creative, innovative, and Gurmat-oriented initiatives.  If the conference does come to the west coast, next year, we will seek to bring a contingent of over 25 new medical and pre-medical students for this unique opportunity to network, reflect on health from a Sikh perspective, and begin re-thinking the role Sikhi and Sikhs can play in the field of medicine in the United States.  Be prepared to hear more from us about this soon!

Over this period, it has become an extremely popular venue for community members, activists, and researchers to come together to engage on relevant issues.  From Khalistan to Unix Coding, from sex-selective abortion to diasporic literature, from Nihangs in the court of Ranjit Singh to the historiography of Sikh studies, from Sikh sculpture and architecture to representations of masculinity in Punjabi films, from ecology of pre-Green Revolution Punjab to excerpts from a new book on Sikhs in Surrey to an amazing thabla-jazz infusion display, to even previews of newly-released movies with Sikh themes – there will be something that captivates and challenges you over the weekend.  Please see previous abstracts from conferences 2010 and 2011 for more details.

The “call for papers” for Sikholars 2012 has now begun.  From now until December 1, 2011 please send your resume/cv and abstract to info @ sikholars [dot] org.  The conference will be held over the President’s Day weekend from February 17-19, 2012 at CSU East Bay.  It is being sponsored by CSU East Bay’s Ethnic Studies Department, Sabherwal Chair of Sikh and Punjabi Studies, and the Jakara Movement.

Last year, 100+ community members came to participate and converse.  It was partially from these conversations that the spark to begin a Sikh feminist conference – SAFAR – was conceived.  We expect an even greater attendance this year with more amazing papers.  Be part of the conversation and mark your calendars for this unique experience.