• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
South Asian Network

South Asian Network

JOIN OUR E-MAIL LIST DONATEEXIT
  • About
    • Mission & Vision
    • Our History
    • Our People
    • Impact Stories
    • Partners & Allies
    • Funders & Supporters
  • Programs & Services
    • AWAZ: Voices Against Violence
    • CHAI: Community Health Action Initiative
    • CCE: Citizenship & Civic Engagement
    • EMH: Emotional & Mental Health
    • REQUEST A SERVICE
  • Resources
  • Media
    • Blog
    • In the News
    • Press Contacts
    • Newsletters
    • Gallery
  • Calendar
  • Engage
    • REQUEST A SERVICE
    • Donate
    • Contact Us
    • Work with Us
    • Volunteer

The Significance of American Citizenship and Civic Engagement

August 13, 2022 by Cynthia Chockalingam

This past Sunday—August 7th—I gave a short speech regarding the importance of civic engagement and the power of American citizenship. Keep scrolling to read the speech:

I would like to stress the importance and significance of your citizenship; its value is not limited to just the certificate in front of you today or the oath you took when you were officially naturalized. It is great to become a citizen, but it is even greater to exercise citizen responsibilities and rights. A whole new world has opened up to you, and I mean that in a figurative and literal sense.

When you first sat down with us at SAN for your citizenship appointment, one of the first questions we asked was: “why do you want to become a citizen?” One of the main answers we received was “to travel more.”I remember just a few years ago—before my parents were citizens—we would take long, 3 leg flights all the way to Chennai from Chicago. Layovers would last hours at a time where we would be cramped in the airport with no fresh air or food. We couldn’t step outside the airport and be able to get back in without an American passport or a travel visa. Now, on our trips over, we are able to step out of the airport in London, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai to see our friends and family after years without having to obtain extra visas. That is a power of American citizenship; it quite literally opens us up to a new world. Unlike green card holders and lawful permanent residents, you also have the ability to travel for more than 6 months at a time without repercussions. With this importance of family, you now also have more power to petition to bring family permanently to this county, as well. 

With this luxury, we—as American citizens—also gain access to a new set of responsibilities and powers. As great as you may perceive this country to be, we can all agree that it is not perfect. This is where your new civic abilities become so important. You are now eligible for federal government jobs and can run for public office. You can even volunteer for the city as a poll worker. Even more important than either of those is the ability to vote. Voting is a civic responsibility and right. Voting and elections are what dictate and guide our futures. Each ballot has a say in each of our own futures—including who is making important decisions and what policies become law. 

This is even more imperative to recognize here in the state of California. In our state, we don’t just vote for elected officials, we also vote on propositions and ballot initiatives—which include funding issues, public benefits, education policies, taxes, and more. Now, we understand this can feel overwhelming. We do not want this right and responsibility to feel like a burden. So keep your eyes wide open for future SAN resources and feel free to come to us with any questions. Around October, SAN will provide a guide on voting issues. This year is more important than most. 2022 is an election year; the ballot this November will impact the many years to come. It often feels like immigrant voices are overlooked in this nation. The civic abilities provided with citizenship amplifies your voices. Please let the certificate in front of you be a reminder of the greater power you now have.

_____

By: Cynthia Chockalingam – Civic Engagement Coordinator @ SAN

BACK TO OUR PEOPLE BACK TO BLOG BACK TO OUR STORIES

Footer

South Asian Network

southasiannetwork

Join South Asian Network for an evening with Profe Join South Asian Network for an evening with Professor Sangay Mishra and an important discussion on the political lives of South Asian Americans. Refreshments will be provided. RSVP link in bio!
Do you enjoy bollywood dancing or learning about m Do you enjoy bollywood dancing or learning about mental health? If so come join SAN and @bollyxfitness on June 3, 2023 at Great Park Irvine! You don’t want to miss this! 

RSVP here: https://bit.ly/sanbollyx

If you have any questions, please call 562-403-0488.  We hope to see you there!
Join Artistas de Color Unidos @adcunidosx and Sou Join Artistas de Color Unidos  @adcunidosx and
South Asian Network (SAN) for a Zoom
arts-based healing workshop on May 30, 2023 at 6 pm! You
don’t want to miss this!

RSVP at https://forms.gle/KFw714XU8VH7VYfcA
In light of Mental Health month, it is important t In light of Mental Health month, it is important to take a step back and observe how a variety factors such as environmental, financial, and interpersonal can affect your mental health.  Read more from Mental Health America to find out how these factors, which are also known as social determinants of health, can contribute to the state of our mental health.
Join Artistas de Color Unidos and South Asian Netw Join Artistas de Color Unidos and
South Asian Network (SAN) for a Zoom 
arts-based healing workshop on May  30, 2023 at 6 pm! You don’t want to miss this!

RSVP at  https://forms.gle/KFw714XU8VH7VYfcA
This AAPI and South Asian Heritage Month, we are h This AAPI and South Asian Heritage Month, we are highlighting significant achievements South Asians have made throughout history. In today's post we are highlighting the voices of Malala Yousafzai, Bhagat Singh Thind, Zar Aslam, and Urvashi Vaid.  If you like this post, let us know in the comments which South Asian or Asian historical figure you'd like us to cover next!
Are you looking for information on how to renew yo Are you looking for information on how to renew your Medi-Cal? Read more to find out the importance of renewing your Medi-cal  coverage and the steps on how to do this!
Join SAN along with faith based leaders to discuss Join SAN along with faith based leaders to discuss issues on community safety, hate crimes, and community connection on May 18, 2023 from 6-8:30 pm at 4915 Alton Pkway Irvine, CA 92604!
Within the South Asian community, mental illness i Within the South Asian community, mental illness is a topic that is often unaddressed and ignored. In order to change the conversation on this, it is important for us to talk more about mental health. Read more to learn about South Asian mental health and ways to break the stigma on mental illnesses.
May is Disability Pride Month. Swipe right to read May is Disability Pride Month. Swipe right to read more information on the Americans with Disabilities Act, the history of Disability Pride Month, and how you can support those in our community who are disabled.
RECAP: Thank you to all of those in the community RECAP: Thank you to all of those in the community who attended our SAN Speaker Series by Thenmozhi and our march and book talk! We had over 160 people come to the event. Shoutout  to @equalitylabs for helping us coordinate this event, and @usc_adaa and @uscaslibaat for their special performances!
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, SAN is In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, SAN is appreciating  our lovely EMH therapist Mahtab Javed Siddiqui! Mahtab is a highly skilled trauma therapist who we are grateful for everyday! Along with starting the trend of Meditation Thursdays and this month's wellness challenge, Mahtab has hosted numerous mental health workshops for our community members. We appreciate everything you do Mahtab!
We welcome everyone in the community to celebrate We welcome everyone in the community to celebrate Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month and honor those in the Asian American and South Asian community for their societal and cultural contributions and successes. Since 1992, Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month has been celebrated by many Asian Americans for the entire month of May.
Join SAN in honoring sexual assault survivors worl Join SAN in honoring sexual assault survivors worldwide by wearing denim on April 26, 2023. Read more to learn about the history of Denim Day and why we wear denim on this day.
On April 20, 2023 the House of Representatives pas On April 20, 2023 the House of Representatives passed H.R. 734, also known as the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2023 . H.R. 734 specifically prohibits transgender, nonbinary, and intersex individuals from participating in female athletic  school programs. Please reach out to your congressional official to oppose H.R. 734 and  to help protect transgender, non-binary, and intersex rights for school sports.
Load More Follow on Instagram



18173 Pioneer Blvd., Suite “I”, Artesia, CA 90701
Phone: 562-403-0488 • E-mail: saninfo@southasiannetwork.org
Office Hours: 9 am to 5:30 pm, Monday to Friday.


Copyright © 2023 · SOUTH ASIAN NETWORK

site credits