National Coalition of South Asian Organizations in US

The National Coalition of South Asian Organizations (NCSO), said to be the first coalition of South Asian organizations in the United States, is launching its national policy and action agenda and collaborative projects today (June 24) in New York City.

A press release issued by Coalition and forwarded by SAJAforum, says NCSO is comprised of 29 organizations that empower South Asian communities in 12 metropolitan areas around the US through social service provision, community education, advocacy and organizing.

Over 2.7 million South Asians live in the US today and face a range of issues and concerns. The NCSO's formation, collaborative projects, and release of a national policy and action agenda will increase civic engagement by the community and contribute to positive policy change that can benefit South Asians and all individuals in the United States.

With the 2008 elections on the horizon, the national policy and action agenda will highlight many of the issues facing South Asian communities in the United States.

When asked by SAJAforum if the 29 groups were all progressive, Deepa Iyer, executive director of South Asian Americans Leading Together - she is spearheading this effort - wrote: "We are all groups who do social change work but not 'progressive' in the frame of a political affiliation as we are all
non-partisan."

The full press release is available at the SAJAforum site.

Contact: Mou Khan/Deepa Iyer, SAALT
301.270.1855; saalt@saalt.org

NCSO Members:

- Adhikaar for Human Rights and Social Justice
- Apna Ghar
- ASHA for Women
- Chaya
- Chhaya CDC
- Council of Peoples Organization
- Counselors Helping (South) Asians/Indians, Inc.
- Daya, Inc.
- Desis Rising Up & Moving
- Indo-American Center
- Maitri
- Manavi
- Michigan Asian Indian Family Services
- Narika
- Raksha
- Sakhi for South Asian Women
- Satrang
- Sikh American Legal Defense & Education Fund
- Sneha, Inc
- South Asian Americans Leading Together
- South Asian American Policy & Research Institute
- South Asian Health Initiative
- South Asian Mental Health Awareness in Jersey
- South Asian Network
- South Asian Youth Action
- South Asians Stepping in Solidarity
- The Sikh Coalition
- Trikone Northwest
- United Sikhs