The Coalition has worked tirelessly to protect Sikh rights since its inception.  The next decade will be devoted to building power for Sikhs, systematically educating the broader community and proactively engaging grass roots communities across North America. The Western region office is an integral part of the Coalition's strategic plan to provide complete coast-to-coast coverage and establish a national platform for mobilizing the Sikh community. Prabhjot Singh Chair, Sikh Coalition Board

(Fremont, California) May 19, 2008 - In a major development for the Sikh community, the Sikh Coalition announces the opening of a Western Region office in the San Francisco Bay Area this summer.  For the first time, the Sikh community will have full-time staff defending Sikh interests on both coasts. The Coalition congratulates and thanks the Sikh community for its support in making this possible.

The Sikh Coalition's Western Region has been in planning for over a year and key staff members will be transferred from New York to jumpstart operations. The new Western Region office will have three-full time staff by the end of 2008.  The Coalition's New York office will have four full-time staff members through 2008.  Both offices will champion Sikh civil rights concerns utilizing education, litigation and advocacy.

Join the West Coast Team!   Click here to Volunteer.   Click here to financially support the West Coast office.

Making a Difference in the Western Region
The Coalition is already working to make a difference on the West coast.  Just last week the Contra Costa Times issued a strong editorial supporting the Sikh Coalition's concerns on TSA screening procedures at San Francisco International Airport. In March, the Alameda County Prosecutor's office dropped criminal charges against a Sikh for carrying his kirpan after the Coalition's intervention. In November, partnering with the Seattle Sikh community, the Coalition helped ensure that Sukhvir Singh's attackers were charged with a hate crime.

For years we've been addressing complaints of discrimination from the West Coast. We have a track record of success in New York that we must replicate elsewhere. We must begin systematically addressing our issues in the West Coast with full-time, dedicated staff.  This will be our gift to future generations of Sikhs. Sapreet Kaur Trustee, Sikh Coalition Board

But We Can Do More

Imagine the power of a Sikh community with enough registered voters to make a difference in local elections that are decided by a few hundred votes.  Imagine kirpan legislation once again being introduced in California and not being vetoed this time. Imagine having the resources to comprehensively document our issues and present them in the halls of power.  Imagine a West Coast Sikh community that is organized and can mobilize rapidly to address community concerns.    

                    
The possibilities are endless. We have a track record of success in New York that with VaahGuru's Kirpa (God's grace) and the community's support, we will replicate on the West Coast.

The Coalition intends to be a permanent presence on the West Coast.  As always we encourage all Sikhs to fearlessly practice their faith and stand up for their rights.