General Information:
The main focus of the conference is to educate, inspire, and empower attendees through a series of interactive workshops. Our programming committee has worked hard to develop engaging ways of presenting information, fostering dialogue, and challenging students. These discussions will relate to the workshop topic, but will focus on attendees’ opinions and thoughts concerning the issues. Workshops are designed to be inspirational and to spark the attendees’ interests. Each workshop will fall into one of three categories: Recurring, Contemporary and Developing.
* Please note that the content and availability of workshops is subject to change between now and January.
Domestic Violence: Beyond Female Victimization
The common perception of domestic violence involves men abusing women. While this form of domestic violence does exist and is even more prevalent than most people realize, the issue goes far beyond female victimization. Domestic violence – both mental and physical - manifests itself in many forms, even against children. This workshop will address how South Asian culture has contributed – and continues to contribute to – the prevalence of domestic violence amongst South Asians. Being an interactive workshop, participants of hopefully both genders will not attend merely to listen and learn, but to discuss their own perceptions and share their voice on this important South Asian issue.
The Full Potential of “Traditional” South Asian Careers
Despite the increasing number of South Asians exploring “less-traveled” career paths, we still see that many are pursuing “traditional” careers. Here, “traditional” is defined as careers in business, medicine, and engineering. Have you ever wondered what all the possibilities are within traditional fields? Can they be utilized in unconventional ways? Speakers who have pursued traditional careers and explored their passions will discuss their insights and motivations. As a participant, we hope you will explore your own and all of its potential.
The Face of Changing Generations
The generation gap often discussed amongst South Asians is the one that exists between first generation South Asian youth and their parents. The purpose of this workshop is to go beyond addressing this generational gap, and think about the generation gap to come. Will the one between us and our parents parallel that of us and our children? How will you influence the cultural gap and differences to come? What needs to be changed? These questions will be explored as the speaker(s) will provide their own perspective on the old and new generation gap and lead a discussion with participants.
Government and Policies: The Impact on South Asian Americans
How are South Asians involved in politics and how can they be better served as citizens? The leadership and responsibility of South Asians in politics often sparks differences in opinion. This workshop will bring South Asians who have background and experience in politics to the table. A debate may be featured between the Republican and Democratic viewpoints, discussing the effects of the 2004 elections and how each party influences the South Asian community. Come prepared to challenge the speakers and your peers’ perceptions in politics and key issues that affect South Asian Americans.
Religious Identity, Diversity and Interfaith Action
Is there a dual nature to our religious identity? Do we compartmentalize the role that religion plays in our private life versus our public life, and if so, should these identities be merged? What relationship exists between one’s South Asian identity and his or her religious identity? This workshop will provide insight into the existence of this dual nature, and using this insight, spark dialog that will address the need for people of different faiths to work together.
Social Impact through Arts and Media
We appreciate the performing arts and media for the talent and exposure they provide. What are the relevant issues that are being addressed by South Asian performing artists and those working in the media? Do they have some sort of purpose or agenda? Do they hold responsibility? This workshop will have contemporary South Asian artists and media personalities discuss how they are using arts and media as an opportunity to make an impact. As a participant we hope you look into your own creative ways to make a social impact.
South Asian American College Culture
Why do we see fragmentation amongst South Asians within the college setting? Some may claim that certain “scenes” in the South Asian community exist based upon shared interests or even the regions of South Asia they come from. Other South Asians may feel that they do not want to belong to any of these so-called “scenes”. Are these sub-groups exclusive and are we willing to reach out of our comfort zone? Can we be exclusive as a community to other ethnic communities? If so, why? This workshop is an analysis and an opportunity to engage in dialogue about the relevant concerns that exist within the South Asian college community.
The Evolution of Media: E-Journalism and E-Magazines
With the evolution of media, we can take what we see and hear to be the truth and forget about the underlying biases and motives. How are South Asians being portrayed in mainstream media? Also, South Asian e-magazines and e-newspapers are on the rise, what do you care to read about? This workshop will discuss how online journalism is creating opportunities to access more people and information than ever before
Examining the “Act” in Activism
What do you envision an activist to be like? Activists are often noted as being extreme and idealistic, why does this common perception exist? Do you consider yourself to be one? Whether we are discussing social/political justice or humanitarian efforts, we decide what we chose to “act” upon. What major issues are South Asians becoming active about? In order to engage in dialogue, the first question to address is one of apathy. Do we find that South Asian American youth are apathetic to many issues? Do we really care to “act” about anything anyway? Come and analyze what activism means, but more importantly what it means to you.
Mental Health Concerns In The South Asian Community
What are the most relevant mental health concerns to South Asians? For example, do we feel pressure for academic success and overall achievement as a South Asian? What if the pressure is so great that a person cannot handle it anymore? Not recognizing certain psychological issues can lead a person to depression, even suicide. As taboo as it sounds, we often do not wish to discuss any psychological issues that others may be facing. Are we afraid of others in the community finding out? Where and how is support needed? Prepare for an intense discussion on a topic that often resonates in silence.
The Growth of Eastern Spirituality
As you browse through Barnes and Noble, you may see sections devoted entirely to phrases like “New Age Spirituality” or “Yoga and Meditation for Beginners”. Some say that the growing interest in eastern spirituality is just a trend that will have its end. What are the reasons for the sudden surge in popularity of these practices, and more importantly, what meaning does it have to South Asians and the general population? This interactive workshop will also explore your own personal thoughts and opinions on the necessity of spirituality in one’s life.
“E-rranged” Marriages
The concept of arranged marriages has evolved for the most part. The sudden surge of users on online matrimonial websites makes us wonder if finding your mate online is more sought after than the ‘western’ traditional norms of dating and relationships. This workshop will explore the popularity of online matrimonial websites including reasons for and against them. Does our generation think this is acceptable? The purpose is to look deeper at the age-old South Asian cultural value placed on finding a life partner.
"SAAN"geet
The Desi music scene in the U.S. is becoming more and more prominent. What lies behind this rising trend in incorporating Desi elements into American music? What is the motivation behind instigating such a mixture and how is this used to fulfill other means outside of the world of music? What happens as a result to the cultural fruits from which this new kind of music (i.e. Bhangra) is created from? Are they sustained? This interactive workshop explores the Desi music scene in the U.S and the fusion that has been created by the merging of these two cultural genres. It also sheds light on careers within the music world itself and some of the challenges and opportunities that face pioneers in the industry.