Last month at Adhikaar - September 2008
We are back, after a break last month, with our monthly updates. Summer went by quickly preparing for our Third Annual Fundraiser, which was very successful. Now that the fundraiser is behind us, we hope to be more regular with our updates. Please stay tuned and send us feedback.
1. Expressions for Justice: 3rd Annual Fundraiser
Adhikaar successfully organized its third annual award ceremony and fundraiser on September 13, 2008. The event was a tremendous success with the participation of 200 supporters and over $4,000 raised in cash and pledges. Adhikaar took this opportunity to honor two individuals Nani Bhandari and Sapnya Pandya for their significant contributions to the Nepali community.
Adhikaar also received a matching grant challenge from an anonymous donor who has agreed to match up to $6,000, if raised by October 8th. So far we have raised $5,925 with $75 more to go to hit the $6,000 mark for the matching contribution. Thank you to all our volunteers and supporters who made this program successful.
2. Nepali Prime Minister's Visit
Adhikaar co-sponsored a series of talk programs organized for the Nepali Prime Minister Puspa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) in New York on September 26th and 27th. Our Executive Director Luna Ranjit and Community Organizer Narbada Chettri represented Adhikaar at various events. Luna participated in a round table discussion with other prominent Nepali leaders and scholars, and put forth labor issues that need major attention in Nepal and elsewhere for Nepali migrant workers. Narbada delivered speech demanding an emergency fund be set up for Nepalis in foreign countries who face sudden illness or death.
3. 9/11 Seven Years Later: A Message from South Asian Organizations
Adhikaar, along with other South Asian organizations, put out a statement on September 11th. The text of the statement follows.
Today, members of the National Coalition of South Asian Organizations (NCSO) join the country in marking the seventh anniversary of the tragedies of September 11th, 2001. We solemnly remember and honor those who lost their lives or loved ones on that day.
Like everyone in America, South Asians in the United States were deeply affected by the events on and after September 11th. From the days and months after the tragedy to now, our organizations have addressed a range of issues in our communities related to the post-September 11th environment - from helping individuals who lost family members or their livelihoods to advocating on behalf of those who continue to face discrimination, hate crimes, profiling, and arbitrary detentions and interrogations.
Today, as we pause to remember the tragedy of September 11th, we also renew our pledge to work towards public policies and community-based efforts that will preserve human rights, justice, and equality for all.
4. Men's Health Fair
Adhikaar in collaboration with America Nepal Medical Foundation organized the second health fair of the year, on August 30, 2008. This was organized targeting the male population in the Nepali community. Tuoro College Medical student Himal Shrestha coordinated the event in partnership with SAHI. The event provided the participants with general health screening and consultation with Nepali doctors Binod Shah and Bijay Acharya. About 15 community members benefited from the health fair and consultation.
5. Selected for NYWF Site Visit
Adhikaar has been chosen for a site visit by New York Women's Foundation. It is a local foundation in New York that aims to improve lives of low income women and girls in the five boroughs. Last year, the New York Women's Foundation also honored Adhikaar Executive Director Luna Ranjit with the Queens Neighborhood Leadership Award in September 2007. If funded, the grant will be used to hire a community organizer to help Adhikaar reach out to more Nepalis.
6. Received Internship Grant
We have received another internship grant from the New York Foundation to allow one of our summer interns to continue with Adhikaar for the entire academic year. Our intern Swechhya Pant, a senior at Hunter College, has been provided the opportunity to continue with Adhikaar until May 2009. Swechhya's primary responsibility is to expand Adhikaar's new youth group and conduct surveys for our research project. She also helps out with our other programs, including adult English literacy program and access to healthcare program, and provides administrative assistance in the office, as needed. She is majoring in Women and Gender studies.
Announcements - Events and Activities in October
1. English Classes
Basic level: Sundays and Wednesdays (1-3pm)
Intermediate level: Sundays (11-1pm)
2. Adhikaar Youth Group Meeting
Thursdays 3:00pm & Sundays 4:30pm @ Adhikaar office
3. Free Mammogram
Date: October 5th Sunday
Venue: Diversity Center of Queens, 76-11 37 Avenue
Time: 9-3pm
4. Dashain Celebration Potluck
Date: October 12, Sunday
Venue: Adhikaar Office
Time: afternoon
