Meet Our New Executive Director 

 

“Given the environment we are in, the need continues to grow. The timing for me to step into this role could not be better. I feel committed, passionate and ready. Prior to this position, I previously worked in various roles in Sales, Strategy and Operations in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors. I aim to bring my diverse background in business and community organizing to help further the vision of Dasvandh Network.”  - Mandeep Singh, Executive Director, Dasvandh Network 

 

The Next Phase of Dasvandh Network 

 

As we previously shared, we are excited that Dasvandh Network has officially merged with Ik Manzil. Ik Manzil is a collective of Sikh’s seeking to empower and cultivate Sikh activists and organizations through grant-based giving. Dasvandh Network is an online crowdfunding platform that actively promotes the spirit of dasvandh and amplifies activism through many of the Sikh organizations and projects within the community.  

After working together for a few years, the synergy between our organizations was very clear: 

 

• Ik Manzil was founded in 2008 and gives close to $700K in donations to Sikh organizations annually.
• Dasvandh Network to date has raised over $3M across 150+ panthic causes.
• We can now pool our resources to better serve Sikh organizations, with total annual giving in excess of $1 million today and plans to grow substantially over the next few years. 
• This allows us to provide more transparency to our donors and increase the number of projects and causes on our platform. 

Both organizations collectively decided that we can pursue our shared vision for encouraging dasvandh and supporting Sikh activism better as one organization together. This merger doesn't affect existing platform, donors, or projects in any way. We know together we can achieve greater impact. 

We hope you are as excited as we are about Dasvandh Network’s new developments. If you have any questions, comments or simply want to connect, please feel free to contact me at [email protected].

In the meantime, we thank you for all of your support, seva, and for being part of the Dasvandh Network community.

Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh,

Mandeep Singh

Executive Director

Dasvandh Network

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Stronger Together Through Seva this #GivingTuesdayNow

 

#GivingTuesdayNow, taking place today, May 5th, is a global day of giving and unity organized in response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19.

 

 

Our Dasvandh Network family of projects and organizations have been continuing their service during these unique times. Here are some highlights of the contributions and impact they’ve provided:

 

1. Eco Sikh continuing their mission to create a more sustainable future has hosted a variety of live streams on growing your own food to learning how to compost. They shared this powerful video from Extinction End Share that is worth a watch. 
2. Author, Gurmeet Bhenji, of Fascinating Folktales, hosted a virtual reading of her book.
3. Ahead of International Workers Day, Jakara Movement hosted a livestream to discuss what is being done to keep workers safe from COVID-19 and unemployment.
4. Khalis Foundation is providing free remote homework help for K-12 students in English, Maths and Science.
5. Khalsa Aid USA mobilized their network of volunteers to help feed those in need across 14+ states and counting. Together, with your generosity, we recently helped them raise $30,000 to further their COVID-19 emergency efforts. 
6. Seva: Selfless Service has continued to serve the community through these unique times with contactless dropoff of meals and safe social distancing setups. (Congratulations to them celebrating 8-years of seva this past Saturday!)
7. SALDEF along with partner organizations put together information on the Paycheck Protection (PPP) for small business owners. 
8. The Sikh Coalition launched ‘Kid’s Corner’, a virtual learning series on their Facebook page that has engaged thousands of kids, parents, and teachers online. See all their efforts summarized in a letter from their Executive Director. 
9. Sikh Family Center has been sharing many helpful resources like a recent video on “5 Safety Planning Considerations During Quarantine.”
10. Sikh Research Institute (SikhRI) has been hosting meaningful conversations around the current state of the world through webinars and podcasts. Listen to a recent conversation with Sidakers on the frontline, where they share their profound insight into their work and staying connected to Sikhi.
11. Sikh Youth Alliance of North America is planning a virtual retreat May 23rd-24th for anyone ages 18-35. They invite you to contribute your thoughts to topics and questions you’d like addressed at the retreat.  
12. United Sikhs has provided PPE Kits to heath staff on the frontlines combating COVID-19 as well as relief supplies and provided over 1-million meals to families across the globe.

This #GivingTuesdayNow we honor all these wonderful acts of kindness, response initiatives and seva. We thank everyone that is doing their part during these unique times. Together, we are stronger. 

At Dasvandh Network, we are committed to recognizing and amplifying projects and organizations featured on our platform. Thank you for being part of our Dasvandh Network community! Stay safe and be well.

 

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A Note From Our Team 

 

Vaaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Vaaheguru Ji Ki Fateh

 

On behalf of the Dasvandh Network team and board, we hope you and your family are safe and healthy during these times.

 

This is a challenging time for all of humanity, especially for those who are directly impacted, at higher risk, in greater need of support or even being impacted financially. We’ve had many internal discussions on how we can continue to be of service to you and the greater community during this COVID-19 world crisis. 

 

As part of our mission at Dasvandh Network, we strive to maximize impact for the Sikh community. In light of the new world environment, we are committed to identifying promising projects to invest in and strategically partner with organizations to help them grow and create real, meaningful impact for our communities, now more than ever.  

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Matching Fund Announcement: Supporting Khalsa Aid USA COVID-19 Efforts 

We are excited to announce that Dasvandh Network is partnering with Khalsa Aid USA to help amplify and support their COVID-19 efforts. Khalsa Aid is an international humanitarian organization established in 1999 with the aim to provide humanitarian aid in disaster areas and civil conflict zones around the world. 

 

Dasvandh Network is thrilled to offer a matching fund to help double the impact to those who are directly impacted by COVID-19. Starting Friday, April 17th, 2020, Dasvandh Network will be matching funds to the Khalsa Aid COVID-19 Emergency Outreach Project. Enter matching code, COVIDFUND at checkout to receive matching funds. Donations to their project will be matched up to $1,000 per donation, until the matching fund runs out.

 

Khalsa Aid USA is currently working nationwide to serve seniors/low-income/vulnerable individuals who cannot pick up groceries/essentials due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. 100% of all funds from this campaign will go towards the purchase of groceries/essentials. Double your impact by donating here.

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