Junior Sikh Coalition Kicks-off Another Year!

The Sikh Coalition is proud to announce the new Junior Sikh Coalition (JSC) class for the 2018-2019 year. As the tri-state youth leadership program enters its’ seventh year, we welcome 20 new youth leaders who will join three remaining members from the class of 2017.

Last month, the Sikh Coalition kicked-off the JSC program with a series of social justice trainings and workshops hosted by Sikh Coalition staff and guest presenters. The week-long boot camp was designed to strengthen leadership skills, introduce Sikh civil rights issues, and develop project focus areas for the upcoming year. Following the intensive leadership training, JSC members attended Camp Chardi Kala to conduct anti-bullying workshops, build sangat (community) with other Sikh youth and develop their personal connection to Sikhi.

“Like their predecessors, this new class of youth leaders is bright, inspiring and driven to make a lasting change in their communities,” said Community Development Manager Harleen Kaur. “Given this program’s legacy and impact, we are proud to continue this youth empowerment initiative with so many promising and devoted new members.”

This upcoming year, JSC is interested in doing more to destigmatize mental health issues, combat sexism, address Sikh representation in mainstream media, and empower other Sikh youth to embrace their unique identities. These new project areas will happen as the youth leaders continue their anti-bullying work by hosting workshops with Sikh youth in the tri-state area.

“I am very excited to be part of this year’s Junior Sikh Coalition class,” said Manisha Kaur, a JSC member from Queens, NY. “Through this program, I have found my sangat and I look forward to honing my leadership skills, finding my voice, and continuing to build community for myself and others.”

Since its inception in 2012, the JSC program has trained nearly 60 youth community leaders who have educated over 1,300 students on bullying prevention and Sikh awareness. Click here to learn more about the impact of the Junior Sikh Coalition program. If you would like to help financially support the Junior Sikh Coalition’s weekly meetings and trainings, please click here to donate. If you would like to get in touch about potential opportunities with the Junior Sikh Coalition, please email [email protected].