Desis for Progress

Dear DFP supporters,

As 2022 comes to a close, we wanted to share an important update with you. After six years, DFP will be closing its doors at the end of this year. While this was not an easy decision, we felt this was the best decision for both the board and the community.

DFP started in 2016 to serve as a pipeline to help South Asians participate on Capitol Hill and the federal government. Its trajectory shifted after the 2016 elections when we saw our communities being attacked once again, and helped to further build out a community of caring and thoughtful individuals that seek to create a kinder world through building community and having difficult discussions. We have watched the community grow not just in relationships, but through the development of organizations like South Asians for America and Indian American IMPACT. We’re so grateful to these organizations, and others like them, that will continue DFP’s mission.

In the spirit of continuing to support efforts that move our communities forward, the board has identified three organizations that align with DFP’s values that will receive DFP’s funding by the end of 2022. We highly encourage you to follow these organizations and support them, too!

-KhushDC: Since 2015, KhushDC has grown to a prominent non-profit organization serving the DC, MD, and VA area South Asian LGBT population. From hosting social events to participating in political rallies and educational forums, KhushDC is paving the way for future South Asian Q***r and Trans leaders.

-SAAVETX: SAAVETX’s focus is to increase the political power of Texas’ South Asian American community through education, engagement, and empowerment.

-SURJ DC: This is the DC chapter of Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ), a national network of groups and individuals organizing white people for racial justice. They support Black- and People of Color-Led organizing work and follow their leadership.

We at DFP have loved our time here, and are so grateful to all of you for your support over the years. We’ve built strong connections and look forward to building community with you in new ways.

Happy Holidays and onward to a prosperous 2023!

Sincerely,

The DFP Board

There's still time! Sign up to join APIAVote's phone bank today at 5PM in DC!

DC friends, join DFP and Asian Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote) for phone banking on Nov. 3! We will be conducting nonpartisan voter outreach to voters in Texas and Ohio between 5PM and 9PM (dinner provided). Sign up today to help us turn out the South Asian vote! https://buff.ly/3Uc9Gaf

is just one week away! Check out our updated Candidate Tracker to learn about some of the candidates this cycle. We’ve added primary results and more South Asian candidates running at the federal, state and local levels. https://www.desisforprogress.org/tracker/

DC friends, join DFP and Asian Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote) for phone banking on Nov. 3! We will be conducting nonpartisan voter outreach to voters in Texas and Ohio between 5PM and 9PM (dinner provided). Sign up today to help us turn out the South Asian vote! https://buff.ly/3Uc9Gaf

Big news! DFP is proud to endorse candidate Rishi Bagga! Rishi is running to serve in FL House District 35. To learn more about Rishi and about how you can support his campaign, check out buff.ly/3Fyv3P0.

To all who celebrate, wishing you a happy, healthy, and blessed !

"The British government’s hasty exodus from the region was a catalyst for a violent and chaotic migration between the two new countries: There were 500,000 to 2 million deaths, and 15 million South Asians were displaced.

According to experts, it has affected not only which South Asians get to be in the U.S. but how they are received when they get here."

As we mark the independence days of multiple South Asian countries, we're taking time to reflect on the remaining marks partition has left on the South Asian continent and across the diaspora. Read more reflections here:

75 years since partition: South Asians still grapple with the worst trauma of their families' lives Seventy-five years later, South Asian Americans whose families were forever changed by partition say generational trauma still lingers. “This affects everything.”

Join us THIS Wednesday @ The Admiral in D.C. from 6.30-8.30pm. Come mix & mingle, reflect on our last 6 years, & learn what DFP has in store for the future. Free snax & drinks available for purchase! RSVP: https://DFPturns6.eventbrite.com

Thinking about plans for next week? Join us for our 6th anniversary celebration on 8/17 @ The Admiral! Apps & drinks will be available, with the first 10 drinks on us! Register here: https://DFPturns6.eventbrite.com

Join DFP on August 17th at The Admiral in D.C. to celebrate our 6th anniversary! Light bites will be provided & drinks will be available for purchase. Come early - the first 10 drinks are on us! Learn more & register here: https://DFPturns6.eventbrite.com

We mourn the loss of those who were murdered 10 years ago today at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin in Oak Creek. We are reminded that hate does not have a place in our country and we must continue to work together for a more inclusive future for all.

From our friends Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund- "On the morning of August 5, 2012, a white supremacist gunman entered the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin...where he shot and killed six worshippers and severely injured others." Learn more about the 10th anniversary commemoration here:

Oak Creek 10th Anniversary Remembrance Oak Creek 10th Anniversary RemembranceHeal. Unite. Act. Learn More If you are unable to attend the commemoration, we invite you to watch the event livestream. Friday, August 5th Saturday, August 6th Sunday, August 7th Join us in honoring the lives of Paramjit Kaur Saini, Sita Singh, Ranjit Singh, Pr...