On October 18th, 2018, SAAPRI and the University of Chicago’s South Asian Student’s Association (SASA), Indo-American Center (IAC), and Chicago Board of Election Commissioners co-hosted an all-in-one 2018 Midterm election event with dinner, conversation, and action. The first half of…
The Future of South Asians in the U.S.
On October 6th, 2018, SAAPRI collaborated with the Indo-American Center (IAC), Hamdard Center, and Chicago Desi Youth Rising to host “The Future of South Asians in the U.S.” Participants met with several local organizations at a resource fair who work…
2017: SAAPRI’s Year in Review
2017 has been a year of new beginnings for SAAPRI as we charged ahead with a focus on developing new means of community engagement. Below is a review of some of the initiatives of which we have been a part. Ahimsa:…
2016 Post-Election Analysis Event
On November 29th, 2016, SAAPRI hosted a post-election analysis event with special guests David Orr, Cook County Clerk, and Ameya Pawar, 47th Ward Alderman. Mr. Orr and Mr. Pawar spoke about the importance of community organizing and unity in moving…
Fundraiser to support Civic Engagement: Our Vote Matters!
On September 15th, 2016, SAAPRI hosted “Our Vote Matters!,” an event focusing on the organization’s civic engagement initiative. The event brought together over 40 supporters, board members, and staff together for a thoughtful conversation regarding SAAPRI’s Get Out the Vote…
Report – A Roadmap to Civic Engagement for South Asian Americans in Illinois
SAAPRI’s Civic Engagement Initiative South Asian Americans are one of the fastest growing groups in Illinois and across the nation. However, the community’s influence on elections has not increased at the same rate as its population. South Asian Americans represent…
2016 Get Out the Vote Campaign
In advance of the 2016 elections, SAAPRI has been involved in nonpartisan Get out the Vote (GOTV) work. 15 SAAPRI volunteers staffed 35 phone banking shifts over three weeks targeting a list of 7,656 infrequent South Asian voters. Over 2,500…
SAAPRI leads Chicago South Asian Deferred Action Coalition (SADAC)
2016 ELECTION: THE WAY FORWARD WITH RESOLVE AND RESILIENCE On November 9th, 2016, we woke up to the reality of a deeply divided voter base, with almost an equal number of voters supporting divergent, even opposing visions for America’s future. The…
Report – Voter Registration, Activation, & Engagement in South Asian American Communities in Illinois
This 2015 report analyzes data from the United States Census Bureau, the Voter Activation Network (NGP VAN), and other recent research to highlight voter registration, engagement, and mobilization among South Asian Americans in Illinois. Community-based organizations, policymakers, government officials, media…
Report – Illinois Embraces Election Day Registration (EDR): A Review of Election Day Pilot Program for the 2014 General Election
On December 2nd, 2014, in partnership with Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and JustVote, SAAPRI released a report titled “Illinois Embraces EDR: A Review of the Election Day Pilot Program for the 2014 General Election.” The report…