Community Organizations
South Asian Network (SAN) is a community-based organization advancing the health, well-being, and civil rights of South Asians in Southern California. SAN was founded in 1990 to provide an open forum for people of South Asian origin to gather and discuss social, economic, and political issues affecting the community, with the goal of raising awareness, engagement and advocacy among community members leading to an empowered and active community. As the South Asian American community continues to grow, SAN is committed to challenging systems of oppression and inequality, building solidarities with other communities, and achieving economic, political, and human rights of all communities.
South Asian Helpline and Referral Agency
The South Asian Helpline and Referral Agency (SAHARA) serves survivors of all forms of abuse in the South Asian community by providing them with culturally-sensitive and linguistically-specific services. Over the last 27 years SAHARA has expanded its programs to include a robust menu of culturally sensitive and linguistically specific services focused on improving the quality of life of individuals seeking support. Confidential and personalized professional services are available at the main office in Artesia, California, as well as at SAN’s satellite office in Orange County.
Asian Americans Advancing Justice
Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC) is the voice for the Asian American community – the fastest-growing population in the U.S. – fighting for civil rights through education, litigation, and public policy advocacy. AAJC serves to empower communities by bringing local and national constituencies together and ensuring Asian Americans are able to participate fully in our democracy. AAJC advocates for an America in which all Americans can benefit equally from, and contribute to, the American dream. AAJC’s mission is to advance the civil and human rights for Asian Americans and to build and promote a fair and equitable society for all.
South Asian Americans Leading Together
South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) is a national, nonpartisan, non-profit organization that fights for racial justice and advocates for the civil rights of all South Asians in the United States. SAALT’s ultimate vision is dignity and full inclusion for all. SAALT is the only national, staffed South Asian organization that advocates around issues affecting South Asian communities through a social justice framework. SAALT’s strategies include conducting public policy analysis and advocacy; building partnerships with South Asian organizations and allies; mobilizing communities to take action; and developing leadership for social change.
Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund
Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) is a national Sikh American media, policy, and education organization. SALDEF’s mission is to empower Sikh Americans by building dialogue, deepening understanding, promoting civic and political participation, and upholding social justice and religious freedom for all Americans. SALDEF is grounded in values of optimism (chardi kala), humility (nimrata) and service (seva), inspired by the community (sangat) for the benefit of all (sarbat da bhalla). SALDEF envisions a United States where Sikh Americans are respected and recognized as a vibrant and integral part of the fabric of this nation and are appreciated for the shared values of service, social justice, and an unshakeable belief in freedom and equality for all.