Law-enforcement Liaison

What Have We Accomplished?

• A national tragedy that profoundly affected all Americans
• Patriotism of American Sikhs questioned
• Sense of security adversely affected by random violence, including two murders
• Continued discrimination and harassment
• California Sikh Council is formed

• To ensure that Sikh Americans are an integral part of the national fabric, while maintaining their identity
• To create awareness of Sikhism in US
• To focus on issues relevant to Sikhs of  California, and also work with other national organizations with similar objectives
• To empower the Sikh community
  

• To get organized
• To be more pro-active with the media and law enforcement agencies
• To be a resource center for the Sikh community in  California
• To help ensure a safe and secure environment for our children
• To strengthen our community

• Flat, non-political structure with distributed duties
• Nine distinct committees with “Coordinators”.
• Synchronize efforts with other Sikh organizations with similar goals
• Work with the Sikh sangat in  California, but with no direct affiliation to any one gurdwara. As such, we will rely on involvement from sangat from all gurdwaras.
  

In a little more than a year…

• Organized a patriotic rally in memory of the victims of 9/11
• Facilitated change in LA Sheriff’s official policy to allow turbaned Sikhs to serve
• Assisted in removal of the offensive Hitman videogame
• Assisting in ongoing education in schools and in the community
• Distributed informational calendars & brochures
• Distributing coloring book on “Sikh boy” to California schools (sponsored by Lt. Governor’s office)
• Prepared presentation materials for schools
• Numerous presentations at interfaith meetings
• Working closely with OC Human Relations Dept, LA Faith Leaders Advisory Forum, LA Sheriff’s Clergy Council, AJC, ADL
• Continually looking for involvement from others
  

Nine Committees

• School Education
  
• Law Enforcement Liaison
  
• Interfaith
• Public and Media Relations
  
• Legal Defense
  
• Social Services
  
• Sikh Sewa
  
• Fund Raising
  
• Emergency Preparedness
  
  

• Serve as liaison between the Sikh community and the media.
• Identify key issues facing the community and articulate our viewpoint.
• Provide the press with specific information regarding the activities within our community.
  • Received excellent press coverage for 10/10/01 event
  • Created/dispersed informational calendars & brochures
    

• Develop materials about the Sikh faith and people.
• Distribute, and provide assistance with the presentation of these materials at schools.
• Help other children understand our children’s identity.
  • Created a presentation for K-2 grades and higher grades
  • Created letters of introduction and request for awareness for schools
    

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• Bridge the gap by participating in outreach efforts involving various faiths.
• Familiarize leaders from other religious communities with the Sikh faith.
• Learn more about other mainstream religions and faiths.
  • Working closely with OC Human Relations Dept, LA Faith Leaders Advisory Forum, LA Sheriff’s Clergy Council, AJC, ADL
  • Made presentations at synagogues, churches, and hospitals
    

• Identify legal issues and cases arising within the Sikh community.
• Provide resources to assist with the resolution of hate crimes, defamation, and racial profiling
  • Working with FBI and other law enforcement officials to create formal procedures and have easy access for reporting hate crimes.
    

• Participate in community projects such as meals for homeless shelters, clothing collections, toy drives, etc.
• Engage with relief agencies such as the Red Cross.
  • Fred Jordan Mission – Christmas and Thanksgiving toy drive; pies
  • Homeless shelter – Santa Ana, Sunday dinner

• Coordinate and organize community events.
• Mobilize and inform members of the community of progress on active projects.
  

• Create an emergency communication system within the community
• Draft an emergency preparedness protocol for preventing hate crimes and reprisals against minorities in the event of another terrorist attack
  

Raise funds for various activities, including:

• Creation of public education material to increase awareness about Sikhs
• Educational literature
• Media information kits

Raise funds from outside sources, including federal, state, and corporate grants

• Positive awareness about the Sikh community
• Safety and respect for our kids at school
• Harmony in the workplace
• Reducing hate crimes and discrimination against Sikhs
• End to our self-imposed isolation from the larger American community
• Pride in our heritage