- Speak to your social studies teacher ahead of time and ask for a half hour of class time on April 14, 2017 or any other day in April.

- Arrange for a special area or classroom with your teacher where you have access to a TV screen and a DVD player / internet. Your child/student’s school’s media room or auditorium will have these and will be able to fit a class or two of students. Present it as a fun and exploring a new culture activity – on a special day for Sikh Americans.

- Arrange to invite the media specialist, librarian, any other teacher/staff and administrators – Principal and others, as you are able to, for this cultural diversity presentation.

- Let the teacher you are interacting with know that you will bring samosas* as part of this Vaisakhi presentation/celebration. You may take brownies/cupcakes if you wish, but do make sure to take the cultural treat.

- The Cultural Safari DVD can be viewed at https://www.culturalsafari.org/for-educators then click on ‘Training Tools’.  Alternatively you can email us at info@kaurfoundation.org and ask for a copy of the DVD and Teacher’s Resource Guide to be mailed to you for your school. Present it to the highest ranking educator/administrator so it can be placed in the school library to be used as an educational resource.

- Once the class/audience settles down, welcome them to a cultural journey with the Cultural Safari, an award winning documentary that is part of school curricula in several school districts.

 
- Start by asking for a show of hands in response to the following question:
How many in the audience know who the ‘Sikhs’ are?
Then go on to establishing that there are so many different cultures and communities that come together to make America a great country, and today they will be learning about one of these communities/peoples – the Sikh Americans.

- Start the DVD, let them know that this is a 17 minute piece, and you will be available for Q&A after. This is usually a good time to take some pictures or short videos of the audience as they watch.**

- Once the DVD is done, you want to address any questions/comments the audience may have. (for about 10 minutes). Some questions you may start with are:
How did you like the DVD?
Is there anything about the culture that you found similar to your own
Etc.

- If you would like to make the presentation more interactive, you may encourage your child/student to display any cultural talent that he or she wishes to share with his her class. Ex: playing tabla/harmonium, or showing some bhangra steps.

- If possible, it is recommended that you send a picture along with the enclosed short write-up to your local newspaper.  This information sharing is beneficial to the community as a whole.

- This year we are running a special social-media campaign! Post your pictures and videos from the presentation through Twitter to @KaurFoundation.  The first ten posted will receive a $50 reward and a certificate of participation from Kaur Foundation!

* The samosas are an appreciation and Vaisakhi treat for the teachers and school staff. It is recommended that you take small disposable plates and napkins with you, to create the most professional appearance.

** It is recommended that you take a camera/video recorder with you to capture this monumental Vaisakhi day celebration where you were able to share our rich culture and heritage in the learning environment of a school, moving our community forward. Please make sure to inform the teacher ahead of time that you will be taking a few pictures.

 

With Chardi Kalaa and many thanks for your participation in making this awareness campaign for Sikh Americans a success, nationwide.
It is the responsibility of one generation to plant the seed… so the next can get the shade. - The Kaur Foundation