This document discusses leadership in Sikhi and the role of the Sikh Students Association (SSA). It provides a brief history of the SSA since 1989 and discusses its purpose of bringing together Sikh students while exploring Sikh leadership. The goal of this retreat is to make the Sikh Students Collective initiative a reality by having Sikh student leaders from different campuses collaborate on activities and engagement to strengthen the Sikh community. The expectation is that participants will champion this cause when returning to their campuses and begin addressing important issues.

1. Leadership in Sikhi, Role of the SSA Sikh Students Collaborative

2. Leadership in Sikhi sglpurKmihpurKupRDwnu ] Among all, great are those swDsMigjwkwimtYAiBmwnu ] that give up their ego with the community. AwpskaujojwxYnIcw ] One who knows they are lowly, soaUgnIAYsBqyaUcw ] they are the highest of all. jwkwmnuhoiesglkIrInw ] One whose mind is the dust of all, hirhirnwmuiqinGitGitcInw ] recognizes the Waheguru in every heart (all people). mnApunyqyburwimtwnw ] One who rids cruelty from their mind, pyKYsglisRsitswjnw ] looks upon all the world as his friend. sUKdUKjnsmidRstyqw ] One who sees happiness/pain as the same, nwnkpwppuMnnhIlypw ]6] O Nanak, they are never soiled by sin or virtue.

3. History of the SSA in California Since 1989 at UCB Overtly political in early 1990s Proliferation in the late 1990s

4. Purpose of the SSA Long presence, but still remains unclear Stuck in old debates – cultural? religious? social?

5. Importance of the SSA Absolutely critical An age of exploration Incubator for Sikh leadership No community investment

6. Mission of the SCC – Sikh Students Collective The Sikh College Collaborative initiative seeks to bring university-affiliated Sikh organizations together in a cohesive entity that will: oversee and support collaboration on new and existing Sikh student activities foster forums for greater Gurmat-based activities promote increased engagement with the non-Sikh campus community, amongst Sikh students, and with the local sangat.

7. Goals of this Retreat Making this a reality Your are the first class You are the SSC

8. Expectations of this Retreat Creating the groundswell for a landmark event You will be champions of this when you return to your campuses We will begin discussing major issues You will be able to begin taking concrete steps towards change

9. Conclusion soDqsoDqsoDqsIiJAw ]Searching, searching, searching, success! gurpRswidqqusBubUiJAw ]By Guru's Grace, the all is understood. jbdyKauqbsBuikCumUlu ]Wherever you look, you are the source. nwnk so sUKmusoeIAsQUlu ]5]Nanak, so subtle, also manifest. ||5|| (SGGS 281)