South Asian Legal Impact Initiative

Impact Litigation | Advocacy | Community Forums

 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why this Initiative?

As the South Asian population in the US grows, it continues to diversify and there are unique legal needs, particularly for low-income communities that have the least access to justice. The goal of this inaugural program is to help fill the unmet needs of the South Asian communities today, many of which we have seen in the news but also many of which haven't made it into the news precisely because our desi folks don't have the voice and constituency to garner attention to their needs. Our goal is to learn from AALDEF and other groups as we work toward establishing a secular South Asian Legal Defense and Education fund.

2. What is AALDEF and why is the Foundation partnering with them?

AALDEF, founded in 1974, is a 501(c)(3) organization that protects and promotes the civil rights of Asian Americans. AALDEF focuses on critical issues such as immigrant rights, civic participation and voting rights, economic justice for workers, language access to services, educational equity, housing and environmental justice, and the elimination of anti-Asian violence, police misconduct, and human trafficking. AALDEF, with its history of working at the frontlines of Asian American rights, is uniquely suited to train and supervise a fellow in issues affecting South Asian communities in the US, has the trust of the broader Asian community, legal expertise, the “name brand” to get media and political attention to push change through the courts and through the legislatures, and connections with community organizers and activists.

3. What will the South Asian Legal Impact Fellow work on?

The SABA Foundation has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with AALDEF. The person selected will work with the legal staff at AALDEF on promoting access to justice with a specific focus on the civil and immigrant rights of members of different South Asian communities. Further, the Fellow will assist in building further capacity at AALDEF to protect and promote the civil rights of South Asian Americans.

4. Who will employ the South Asian Legal Impact Fellow?

AALDEF will employ, host, and supervise the Fellow at its national office in New York. AALDEF will make and be responsible for all employment decisions concerning the Fellow. AALDEF will provide an established supervisor consistent with the reporting structure for other fellows and will be responsible for the day-to-day supervision and training of the Fellow.

5.     How much do we need to raise to fund the South Asian Legal Impact Fellow at AALDEF?

Approximately $180,000 - $200,000 for 2 years, Depending on Experience (DOE). The Foundation has raised (or has pledges) for over 60% of the funds needed thanks to committed individuals, the support of SABA North America, SABA chapters, such as SABA NorCal, as well as seed funding from the Foundation.