Join the Conversation | Build Collective Power
SAAJCO, in partnership with the South Asian American Policy & Research Institute (SAAPRI), presents the Engaged Communities Series—a multimedia initiative running from April 2025 to March 2026. This series features monthly webinars and podcast episodes exploring:
- Know Your Rights: Providing accessible and practical knowledge about civil rights, protections, and available resources.
- Unpacking Hate: Exploring the roots and impacts of hate-based violence and discrimination.
- Civics Participation & Democracy: Promoting engagement and understanding of civic processes and democratic values.
Each webinar will last 1 to 1.5 hours and feature moderated discussions aimed at fostering dialogue, sharing insights, and providing actionable takeaways. Complementing these webinars, each podcast episode will highlight key insights and offer additional perspectives in a concise 25-minute format.
Partner Organization
Sponsor Organizations
Series Moderators
Know Your Rights
Navigating the Early Days of the Trump Administration 2.0
April 10, 2025
Description and Panelists
This webinar will critically examine the first months of the 2nd Trump presidency, focusing on the executive orders issued during this period and their real-world implications for South Asian immigrants in the United States. We will unpack these policies, explore their immediate and long-term effects, and provide attendees with a clear understanding of their rights in this challenging landscape.
Panelists
ACLU-New Jersey
SAAJCO
Know Your Rights
Standing Up: Your Rights with ICE and Law Enforcement!
April 24, 2025
Description and Panelists
Panelists
CAIR-SF Bay Area
Executive Director
Criminal Defense &
Civil Rights Attorney
Unpacking Hate: Community Stories and Reflections
From Hate to Hope: South Asian Resilience, Resistance, and Thriving Through History
May 8, 2025
Description
In recognition of Asian Pacific Heritage Month, this session will explore the history of hate and discrimination faced by South Asians in the United States, highlighting the resilience and resistance that have defined our communities. Our speakers will examine the roots and evolution of anti-South Asian sentiment, uncovering how these historical narratives continue to influence present-day experiences and inspire collective thriving.
Stop AAPI Hate
Partner, Winston & Strawn
Co-Founder of the Sikh Coalition
Berkeley South Asian radical history walking tour
Know Your Rights | Unpacking Hate
Intersecting Identities: Confronting Hate Against Queer South Asians
June 12, 2025
Description
In honor of Pride Month, join us for an essential conversation bridging our Know Your Rights and Unpacking Hate programs. This session will focus on the unique challenges faced by queer South Asians in confronting hate and discrimination, exploring the intersectionality of identity and the compounded effects of racism and homophobia within and outside the South Asian community.
Know Your Rights
Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination and Legal Protections in a Changing Landscape
July 10, 2025
Description
Join us for a critical conversation on workplace rights in light of recent federal policy shifts. With the Trump administration’s announced rollbacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, it’s more important than ever to understand how these changes may impact workplace protections and what you can do to safeguard your rights.
Our panel of legal experts will provide essential guidance on recognizing, addressing, and challenging workplace discrimination, as well as navigating the evolving legal landscape.
Unpacking Hate: Community Stories and Reflections
Amplifying Community Voices: The Stories Behind the Headlines
September 8, 2025
Description
In this session, we will explore the untold stories behind the headlines that shape our understanding of hate and its impact on communities. Hear from journalists and community leaders who are on the front lines of reporting and responding to hate incidents and learn how these stories can drive change and foster understanding.
Know Your Rights
Breaking the Silence: Domestic Violence and Immigrant Survivors
October 9, 2025
Description
Join us as we discuss the intersection of intimate partner violence and immigrant rights during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This session aims to provide crucial information for immigrants and their allies on recognizing, addressing, and seeking support for domestic violence, with a focus on the unique challenges faced by immigrant communities. #DVAM
Unpacking Hate: Community Stories and Reflections
The Psychology of Hate: Unpacking the Roots of Prejudice
November 6, 2025
Description
In this insightful discussion we will delve into the psychological underpinnings of hate and prejudice. This session will explore the mental and emotional factors that contribute to the development of hateful beliefs and behaviors. Understanding these roots is crucial to addressing and mitigating the spread of hate in society.
Unpacking Hate: Community Stories and Reflections
Stereotypes and Representation: Media’s Role in Fueling Hate
December 4, 2025
Description
We will examine how media representation and stereotypes contribute to the perpetuation of hate and discrimination against South Asians and other marginalized communities. This session will explore the power of media in shaping public perception and the consequences of harmful portrayals.
Civic Participation & Democracy
Voting Rights 101 & Bridging Gaps in Community Participation
January 8, 2026
Description
Join us for this critical discussion exploring the importance of voting rights and inclusive civic engagement, especially in this pivotal election year. Learn from leading experts about the barriers South Asians and other communities face in accessing the ballot box, and discover strategies to bridge gaps in participation. Together, we’ll discuss actionable steps to ensure every voice is heard and every vote counts.
Civic Participation & Democracy
Protecting Democracy: Ensuring Fair Representation in an Age of Gerrymandering and Voter Suppression
February 12, 2026
Description
Hear from the frontlines of the fight to protect democracy. Join advocates who are leading efforts to safeguard fair representation and combat challenges like gerrymandering and voter suppression.
Civic Participation & Democracy
Civic Responsibility & Activism: Mobilizing Communities for Lasting Change
March 25, 2026
Description
Join us for the final program in our series, celebrating the power of civic action and community advocacy. This session will highlight how collective efforts can drive lasting change and inspire a future shaped by engaged communities.
Disclaimers:
The Engaged Communities Series is a nonpartisan initiative designed to foster open dialogue and civic engagement. SAAJCO and SAAPRI do not endorse any political party or candidate.
Speakers in the Engaged Communities Series are independent and do not represent or work for SAAJCO or SAAPRI. Any opinions expressed during the series are solely their own and do not reflect the views of SAAJCO or SAAPRI.