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| Dear Supporter Ji, |
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| Right from my childhood, I have faced the challenges of modern society. Should I learn Gurmukhi or Spanish? Harmonium or Piano? Shabad Kirtan or Choir? Would colleges give me credit for choosing something they are not familiar with? Would organization and corporations understand that Langar Seva (serving food) is on equal footing with volunteering at a food shelter? This created an emotional tussle between me and myself, but I chose the former-my Sikh identity-because that’s who I am. |
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| As a teenager, I realized that America welcomes everyone. However, Washington D.C. expects different communities to speak up for themselves. Without the hard work of a few, minority groups will neither get recognition, nor their rights. That’s why, although I had many opportunities for internships and other programs, I was ecstatic to be chosen into the highly selective UNITED SIKHS Advocacy and Humanitarian Aid Academy (AHAA) this summer. Meeting with congressmen in D.C. and being part of the minority voice was a dream come true. It is not that I walked into their office and they had an open time slot to meet with me. The bigger question was “What coherent powerful impressionable statement would I make when I meet with influential policy makers?” Never had I thought about such details, until I decided to be mentored by professionals. |
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| AHAA students met with the office of Congressman Mike Honda. |
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| First, I applied and was welcomed into the UNITED SIKHS Advocacy and Humanitarian Aid Academy. The Academy platform was used to organize workshops to decipher the policy making process. It arranged for speakers to highlight global Sikh issues and helped students like myself network with professionals whose business is advocacy. They taught the entire process of engaging with lawmakers to make powerful impression. Just the inspiration from the boundless energy of the people itself was priceless. My mentor, UNITED SIKHS attorney Jaspreet Kaur, actually drove down from New York and dedicated countless hours to coach a team of us. |
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| This experience was a must-have to provide a serious boost to my motivation and uplift my confidence. UNITED SIKHS arranged everything starting with picking me up from the airport. Because Sikh donors from all walks of life have contributed to UNITED SIKHS, I was able to have this experience at a mere nominal fee. Based on my firsthand experience, I know our future is in need of serious investment. We all make investments – financial investments for retirement, familial investments in our children, investment in our community to build a better world. Obviously, the better world must include our values and provide opportunities for our community. |
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| Why not connect with UNITED SIKHS? It is an eminent organization that promulgates Sikh values and human rights. You can start with a donation! A part of your dasvandh (donation) can be used for a better future: yours and mine. |
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| I am Divya Kaur, a graduate of the UNITED SIKHS Advocacy and Humanitarian Aid Academy, and a teenager focused on making an even bigger difference in the world, and I approve this message. |
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