WASHINGTON–South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) and the South Asian Law Students Association (Washington College of Law) are jointly hosting the 2009 South Asian Summit on April 24-26 in this capital.

Organizers said the summit is an opportunity for organizational leaders and community members to engage with policymakers as well as government agencies. For more information, visit Summit09@saalt.org

The summit’s goals include: Creating forums for advocates and students to learn about emerging issues affecting the community through workshops and discussions; building skills of new advocates working in social justice organizations; and meeting with DC-based governmental and legislative liaisons who outreach to immigrant communities, and discuss how South Asians can affect policy change in the new administration.

The proposed schedule follows: April 24, Friday–Briefings with Congressional staffers and administration officials; meetings with Congressional offices, D.C. site visits; ChangeMaker Awards Reception, featuring Sudhir Venkatesh, author of Gang Leader for a Day and contributor to Freakonomics; April 25–Discussions and workshops about issues affecting the South Asian community and skills-building trainings, to be held at the American University, Washington College of Law, located on 4801 Massachusetts Avenue NW); and April 26–Regional Breakouts, Open Space, Closing Session.