South Asian Americans Leading Together Inc

Programs: Policy research and advocacy: saalt engaged in policy analysis and advocacy on key issues affecting south asians, from civil rights to immigration reform to access to services and benefits. Saalt presents south asian voices and experiences at policy-making tables with government agencies and congressional offices. Saalt also releases policy reports and issues briefs on various topics. In 2017, saalt's activities included tracking policy developments in civil rights and civil liberties, immigration reform, racial profiling and racial justice. Saalt's policy advocacy also encompassed engaging the general public and policymakers on the above issues, and included preparing public education materials, speaking at congressional briefings, and engaging with the general public on policy developments that affect them. Saalt also published and released a comprehensive report documenting hate violence and xenophobic political rhetoric aimed at south asian, muslim, arab, sikh, hindu, and middle easter americans during the 2016 election cycle.

community mobilization: saalt engages in activities that bolster grassroots and community infrastructure via trainings and town halls. In 2017, saalt hosted and participated in regional town hall meetings and know your rights trainings to bring together south asian organizations and individuals on a regional level to collaborate and curate discussions on common issues and campaigns with an emphasis on priorities at the state and local level. Saalt also hosted the biennial national south asian summit bringing together 325 registered participants and 100 community based organizations from across the country to build leadership skills, connect with government officials and congressional offices, expand their networks, and to strategize with others on how to demand justice, create change, and claim power through collective action. The summit consisted of 36 community driven educational and skill-building sessions. Saalt also generated and disseminated various resources and "know your rights" materials around immigration and hate violence.

communications: saalt's communications work is focused on providing important information about issues affecting south asians to media, stakeholders and to the community. To influence the perception of south asians in the united states of america, saalt writes opinion editorials, maintains a website and engages in electronic communications and social media outreach.