Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa!
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

Many of us have a strong desire to help others. Some choose to become doctors or nurses and care for patients. Some choose to become farmers and grow food for us. Some choose to become engineers and make life easier for people. Some choose to become truck or taxi drivers and provide transportation for goods and people. Some choose to become lawyers and advise those in need.

Position Title: 209 Community Organizer (Stockton to Merced)

Organizational Relationship: Reporting to the Executive Director

General Summary:

The Jakara Movement Community Organizer will recruit, develop, retain and train local volunteers to promote programming and projects, build a greater media and civic presence in the wider community, and implement local campaigns and actions.

APPLICATIONS DUE: May 15th and will begin start date after discussion with applicant.

I became involved with Jakara Movement nearly three years ago in hopes of becoming more involved with my sangat. This community building organization has not only educated me more on Sikhi, but also helped shape me as a leader in a number of ways. I truly admire the wide scope of work Jakara Movement does for the Panth, spearheading any challenges being faced while perpetually inspiring youth to reach their full potential in life.

I am humbled to be given the role as the 209 Community Organizer. I was born and raised in the 209 and take great pride in my hometown, Ceres. I pursued higher education in the bay area, and am happy to have moved back home a couple months ago. With my newfound knowledge and experiences, it is now my turn to give back to the community that raised me. My Public Health background enables me to recognize various disparities our sangat faces daily. I envision a place where we resiliently all work together to move upstream and reduce the adversities. 

Let’s create a healthy space for conversation. Together, we will work together to build begampura and strengthen our quam.

In eternal optimism (Chardikala), 

Founded in 2000, the Jakara Movement began as a collegiate conference but has evolved into an institution for the recruitment and training of volunteers and a hub for the Sikh youth. With a focus on the interstices of education, health, gender, and social justice, the Jakara Movement inclusively engages large sections of the Sikh youth in various projects to strengthen their identity and consciousness as Sikhs, foster education through service-learning, and inspire activism and volunteerism within the greater Qaum.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa

Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Pyari Sadh Sangat ji,

As a descendant of musicians & raagis, my introduction to Sikhi was through keertan. I grew up listening to my parents compose and teach gurbani in various classical raags and light compositions. The three pillars of Sikhi, kirat karo, naam japo, and vand chhako was something I witnessed every day through my parents’ actions. They diligently worked day and night to spread the knowledge of shabad guru to the sangat around them.  

I moved from my birthplace, Thailand, to the Bay Area at the age of twelve. In the beginning, adjusting to the new culture and country was difficult but again, through keertan, I was able to connect with the local sangat. I became more involved, and devoted my time to activities in gurdwaras and youth-led events around the Bay. My compassion and love towards Sikhi grew, and I knew, through my parents’ and sangat’s teachings, that I wanted to serve my people.

This is how I found my position as the new Bay Area community organizer at the Jakara Movement. Jakara has made tremendous successful efforts to uplift the Sikh community, especially the youth. I am grateful to be a part of an organization that is extremely dedicated towards the cultivation of our qaum. The growth of our community is important to me, and I hope to utilize my humble role to empower, and provide resources for the wellness of our society.

In Charhdi Kala,

Ragini Kaur

Founded in 2000, the Jakara Movement began as a collegiate conference but has evolved into an institution for the recruitment and training of volunteers and a hub for the Sikh youth. With a focus on the interstices of education, health, gender, and social justice, the Jakara Movement inclusively engages large sections of the Sikh youth in various projects to strengthen their identity and consciousness as Sikhs, foster education through service-learning, and inspire activism and volunteerism within the greater Qaum.

We are excited to share a new opportunity for the community. We are hiring a Bakersfield Community Organizer Intern with internship, part-time, and full-time possibilities. Read the description here on this Indeed.com link and apply or share with your friends/family today!

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa!

Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

Dear Bakersfield sangat ji & beyond, 

Growing up in the Bakersfield community, I had a unique insight into disparities of inequality. It was during my years away from California while pursuing my degree in Political Science that I promised to learn, return, and strive for equity in the political, economic, and social development of the Central Valley. During college, I concentrated on understanding the Punjabi history that led so many families to immigrate in the Central Valley during the 1980s.

This week all of Fresno mourns but the Punjabi Sikh community in Fresno remembers, laments, and celebrates loudest. Jasbir Kaur Sidhu (lovingly known in the community as “Guddi Sidhu”) was a tour de force in the Fresno Punjabi Sikh community for over three decades. To tell her story provides a history of the community, its growth, its beauty, and its grace.

Job Opening: Join the Movement as a Community Organizer

The Jakara Movement with the Guru’s Nadir (Grace), seva of our volunteers, the baksh (benediction) of the Sangat, and the parupkaari (generosity) of the community is pleased to announce our fourth employment position.  We are seeking a Bay Area-area Community Organizer to help develop the gambit of Jakara Movement programs and chapters (misls).

Position Title: Community Organizer

Organizational Relationship: Reporting to the Executive Director

General Summary:

The Jakara Movement Community Organizer will recruit, develop, retain and train local volunteers to promote programming and projects, build a greater media and civic presence in the wider community, and implement local campaigns and actions.

APPLICATIONS DUE: October 1, 2016

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa!
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” For me, that day was June 12, 2019. It was a day when Livingston High School students, parents, community members, and Jakara Movement stood together against a school district trying to end Punjabi classes at Livingston High School. With Waheguru’s kirpa, we succeeded in bringing the community together and saving our language.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ke Fateh

I grew up in a very diverse ethnic environment, and seeing the love others had for their roots made me want to uplift mine. It is difficult being a first generation because you often have to pave a path for your beliefs that many have not yet heard of. Sikhism is a very beautiful religion and is the reason to why I am excited to be part of the Jakara Movement.

I got involved with the Jakara Movement my sophomore year in college. I helped start the JMC chapter at CSU Stanislaus along with other students who were interested in the cause. JMC is a subchapter of the Jakara Movement which is dedicated to college students and helping them find ways to utilize their voice for themselves or the sangat. After being involved for 3 years I joined on as the Civic Engagement Manager which takes on the responsibility for the 209 area in preparation and execution of the 2020 Census. It is important for the elders and the youth to take part and not only be represented but be the representatives and influencers for the community. No matter age, no matter lifestyle we are all Sikh and it is my pleasure to be working with this Movement to give back to the Sangat.

I am here for you, We are here for you.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa,

Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

As I begin this journey, I think back to a time in my childhood when Community Organizers did not exist. In retrospect, they have always existed- however, they didn’t exist to serve, cater to, and advocate for my community.

My experience working behind-the-scenes in local politics allowed me to see firsthand how underrepresented and uninvolved the Punjabi Sikh community is in important decision-making processes. The value of Punjabi Sikhs in Fresno has largely been determined in the past by our contributions to the economy, and I commend Jakara for being dedicating to changing that narrative. We are more than our fiscal contributions. Our numbers are large, our needs are large, and it is time our resources in this city reflect that.   

I’m happy to say that I’ve taken advantage of the many programs Jakara has created for the youth. From being a Jakara Junior at Singh Sabha gurdwara, to leading the JMC on Fresno State’s campus, and  spending my collegiate years attending conferences annually to connect with amazing individuals across California. It is because of the doors that this organization has opened for me that I was able to discover my passions, and I am beyond eager to spend the near future giving back to a community that has given me so much. I look forward to serving, catering to, and advocating for the Punjabi Sikh community in whatever capacity I can.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of your Sangat, may we meet soon.

Jaskeet Kaur

Fresno County Community Organizer

jaskeet@jakara.org

559-304-5250

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

At the age of 12, I was asked by a dear family friend, "Harveen, what is your purpose in life?" I was baffled and perplexed at the question of my existence; I had never pondered upon something so introspective. I couldn't answer the question then, but after many years of exploring, I discovered my purpose and what I am passionate about: community building and social justice. I was born and raised in Bakersfield, CA and although the city is filled with diversity, I have been witness to the Sikh community and other marginalized groups being treated like second class citizens. 

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ke Fateh

Raised in the city of Tracy, CA, I bore witness to a changing demographic over my lifetime that saw an influx of Sikh Punjabis settling throughout the Valley. Although this was exciting for a kid like me who could now see a reflection of himself in his local community, it did not necessarily equate to power and representation for those that came. In fact, this invited newer challenges that were not talked about or acted upon. For me, I did not know where to start.

The Jakara Movement has served the Sikh community since 2000, and in 2022 we saw some wonderful reminders of this journey. We wanted to share with you a reflection on the 2022 elections and the way that the Jakara Movement continues to inspire a difference in the California Sikh body politic.

In 2022, we had 5 staff/board members and an outstanding volunteer run for political office. All 5 were successful in their elections due to the Guru's Kirpa. While the Jakara Movement does not endorse any candidates and absolutely stays within legal limits, it is amazing to watch so many young Sikhs try new ways to serve their community. What makes this group of candidates different than many others that run is that they truly have developed their talents and been incubated by grassroots community development with the Jakara Movement and beyond. This is a different type of candidate and one that we will watch, hold accountable, and remind to work for the sarbat da bhalla, just as they have in the past.

ਅਨੰਦਗੜ੍ਹ (Anandgarh) started last year as a summer trip for first and second generation Sikhs to ਪੰਜਾਬ (Punjab). Its aim is to connect those of us living outside our homeland of Punjab on a deeper level, understand the past and present conditions on the ground which would allow us to see how we can ultimately make our individual and collective contributions to ensure a thriving future for Punjab. The aim of this piece is to put words to my thoughts and reflections from this trip.

Honestly, I went into this trip in late July with the typical mindset of a Punjabi tourist going back after almost 10 years from the last visit hoping to see some sights, eat some great food and visit some historical sites. What I experienced during the two weeks of the ਅਨੰਦਗੜ੍ਹ trip was a complete immersion in Punjab’s past and current situation, its spirit, its people, their ਚੜ੍ਹਦੀ ਕਲਾ (eternal resilience, everlasting hope in the Guru’s hukam, a rising joyfulness amongst other things) and its unbreakable bonds to ਸਿੱਖੀ (Sikhi) and ਸੰਘਰਸ਼ (Struggle).