Hindu American Foundation

EDUCATION: Improve the understanding of Hinduism and Hindus.

1. Work towards an equitable and accurate portrayal of Hinduism in K-12 textbooks and in classrooms.

2. Promote a balanced understanding of Hinduism as a lived tradition in academia.

3. Improve narratives about Hindus and Hinduism in media.

POLICY: Promote policies for the well-being of Hindus worldwide and the benefit of all people and the planet.

1. Advocate for policies that enhance the well-being of Hindus in the US.

2. Advocate for policies that secure the human rights of Hindus around the world and promote peace, prosperity and pluralism in India, the spiritual homeland of Hindus.

3. Advocate for solutions aligned with or inspired by Hindu teachings for the benefit of all people and the planet.

COMMUNITY: Empower Hindu American communities and partner institutions.

1. Enhance the well-being, safety, and security of Hindu communities and institutions.

2. Build a culture of advocacy.

3. Promote the recognition of Hinduism and Hindu contributions.

The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) is an advocacy organization for the Hindu American community. The Foundation educates the public about Hinduism, speaks out about issues affecting Hindus worldwide, and builds bridges with institutions and individuals whose work aligns with HAF's objectives. HAF three areas of focus are education, policy, and community. Through its advocacy efforts, HAF promotes dignity, mutual respect, and pluralism to ensure the well-being of Hindus and for all people and the planet to thrive.

HAF is politically agnostic and non-partisan, meaning we are informed, but do not favor or endorse any one political party or its positions. We will work with all individuals and institutions committed to and constructively engaged in promoting dignity, mutual respect, and pluralism.

HAF is not affiliated with any religious or political organizations or entities. HAF seeks to serve Hindu Americans across all sampradayas (Hindu religious traditions) regardless of race, color, national origin, citizenship, caste, gender, sexual orientation, age and/or disability.

Our positions are based on a relentless pursuit of facts; deep consideration of Hindu principles and American values, such as freedom, equality, and justice; and the input of subject matter experts. If we like a policy, we'll say so, and rigorously substantiate our position.

HAF positions will always be based on our guiding principles. And we will always advocate for what we believe is rooted in Hindu Dharma, and serves the well-being of Hindus and the greater good of all.

*Satya. Be truthful. We pride ourselves in offering programming and information with accuracy, integrity, and honesty.

*Ahimsa. Be non-harming. We aspire to work and communicate fairly and respectfully.

*Viveka. Be discerning. We approach our work through careful contemplation, reason, and consensus building.

*Nutana. Be innovative. We aspire to keep our work and approach relevant to our constituents by being creative, innovative, and flexible.

*Sadbhavana. Be collaborative. We seek out partnerships with other individuals and organizations to forward our objectives.

*Kutumbakam. Be big-hearted. We value and respect each other as individuals, work well together as a team, and respect each other's work/life balance.

*Utsaah. Be passionate. We are passionate about Hindu Dharma, the global community, and our work.

HAF has a full-time staff of 14 of highly qualified, motivated, and passionate individuals. They are dedicated to ensuring that the objectives and goals set forth by the Board of Directors with input from HAF's National Leadership Council, staff, and supporters. HAF's National Leadership Council is a small body of dedicated and knowledgable volunteers who work with HAF's staff and board in ensuring progress towards the organization's stated objectives and goals. With two attorneys on staff and a staff team with decades of work experience, HAF is a highly capable industry leader.

Education & Awareness
➤ Created, produced and distributed Hinduism2Go cards, media toolkits, and Hindu holiday toolkits
➤ Developed teaching tool "Using Nonviolence to Fight Oppression: Examining the Impact of Mahatma Gandhi on Social Change Movements"
➤ Released “Guide to Temple Security & Safety" outlining hate crimes prevention, response and staff needs
➤ Launched interactive, web-based multiple module Hinduism 101 Program to learn about Hinduism
➤ Created Hinduism 101 Training programs and trained 3,200 school teachers across the US, 200 TSA reps, and 60 Bureau of Prisons chaplains
➤ Advocated 100 landmark improvements to TX public school textbooks through the public comment process
➤ Successfully advocated to approve new history and social science standards in various states
➤ Launched nationwide anti-bullying and anti-bias survey sharing results with federal agencies
➤ Featured in the bullying prevention public awareness campaign Fact Sheet launched by the White House
➤ Featured in the NY Times and CNN for Take Back Yoga Program for honoring yoga's Hindu roots
➤ Served on National Geographic advisory panel for upcoming Morgan Freeman “The Story of God" series
➤ Invited to review Disney Pixar's Oscar nominated film short “Sanjay's Super Team"

Policy: Civil & Human Rights
➤ Launched Kashmir advocacy, learning webinars, FAQs, history videos and exodus vigils
➤ Raised awareness on human rights in Bangladesh through a Congressional resolution
➤ Testified at a Congressional hearing about the plight of Bangladeshi religious minorities
➤ Educated Congressional/Senate offices on Diwali leading to passage of 1st resolution officially recognizing Diwali
➤ Hosted Congressional Briefings advocating for Kashmiri, Bangladeshi and Pakistani Hindus
➤ Defended a student's right to use a religious symbol & educated university leaders accordingly
➤ Partnered with FBI and DOJ to add an anti-Hindu category for official hate crimes reporting
➤ Participated in Multi-Faith Emerging Leaders Network for Climate Action Conference in Italy

Community: Intrafaith & Interfaith
➤ Released Guidelines for Commercial Use of Hindu Images
➤ Oversee the only Hindu American Capitol Hill Congressional & Advocacy Internship program
➤ Organized events responding to anti-Hindu hate crimes collaborating with DOJ, FBI and local law enforcement
➤ Launched Bhutanese American Project in support of resettled refugees in the U.S.
➤ Issued a grant to Nepali Dalit Youth Empowerment Program uplifting those suffering caste-based discrimination
➤ Declared Hindu American Awareness and Appreciation Months (HAAAM) in several state legislatures/city councils
➤ Served as community partner for U.S Department of State's 1st Diwali celebration
➤ Worked with diverse coalition to successfully advocate for Senate confirmation of Surgeon Gen. Dr. Vivek Murthy
➤ Invited by Oprah Winfrey to attend premiere of her Belief series, gave invocation and resource for “O" magazine