UTSAV is a platform to connect South Asians living in the Pacific Northwest with local communities while developing and empowering civic leaders to serve & support a wide range of youth, adult & family needs. The goal is to reclaim the culture(s) of POC and ensure equitable existence of POC into the broader social and economic ecosystem.
UTSAV helps organize the services to promote equitable access to culturally competent, linguistically accessible services for under-resourced people of color and multi-ethnic communities. UTSAV develops community leaders who then provide services, education, promote grassroots advocacy and encourage civic participation. UTSAV also provides political education, encourages expression of community power by engaging policymakers to work towards elimination of personal biases (anti-harassment and anti-racism), and institutional racism.
UTSAV is a community where its citizens and members feel safe, respected, and comfortable. It is a place where everyone shares a sense of belonging with its members and we all call it HOME. UTSAV’s civic engagement strives for a goal of understanding and inclusivity. We provide an opportunity for the community to come together, build bridges of understanding and appreciation between groups with different ethnicities, religions, and backgrounds in our multicultural nation. Less transaction, more relation; less on audience, more on community. UTSAV also sets up events to provide an opportunity for attendees to explore, educate, learn, and participate in a cultural experience while also empowering leaders to manage the events.
This program was originated when our second-generation South Asian young adults wanted to build a stronger community. They wanted to honor the community they live in, while celebrating their cultural roots. While contributing to UTSAV is a great opportunity for service, leadership some of our engagements &/or benefits include the following.
Community Engagements & Benefits include:
- Growth as inclusive & empathetic leaders
- Scholarships & Recommendations for youth leaders
- Advocacy for issues impacting communities of color, low income communities, immigrants and refugees, and communities that are limited English speaking (ESL)
- Community outreach for cultural, gender, ability and racial differences’ sensitivity
Some of the methods used are:
- Celebrate through Events.
- Community engagements for advocacy.
- Build relationships and provide education and information.
- Provide services, health literacy, education, and emotional support.
