South Asian American Youth—Get Inspired!
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BASS 2012: August 2-6, 2012

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The 2nd annual Bay Area Solidarity Summer (BASS) is taking place August 2–6, 2012. Join Desi teens from across California at a residential summer camp in Berkeley, CA to learn about social justice issues affecting South Asians, art and leadership skills, and the legacy of South Asian activism.
BASS 2012 will include workshops, panels, a field trip, and lots of opportunities for arts and activism. BASS is an environment where Desi youth can feel safe, supported, and inspired.

BASS is run by a diverse group of volunteers of South Asian descent, including teachers, organizers, artists, programmers, lawyers, health professionals, and students working to increase civic engagement and social justice education for South Asian youth.

BASS is a project of the Alliance of South Asians Taking Action (ASATA).

Apply, volunteer, or more info

BASS 2012 is ready to go, and looking for South Asian American leaders.

Feedback from last year's participants

  • "All the workshops & organizers were great and amazing. I’d rather learn about this then go to my school. This environment is so supportive, while also challenging our minds." 
  • "I enjoyed meeting all the supportive organizers, the other participants, the community & the workshops, I learned so much from everyone and I learned so much about myself. I enjoyed the care and effort put into everything by the organizers."
  • "I really enjoyed meeting a lot of really interesting South Asian activists with so many stories. I also really liked the conversations, they made me think about things I hadn’t thought of before."
  • "I am so grateful, so so so grateful for this opportunity – this weekend has felt like a dream. Thank you so much." 

Highlights from last year

  • keynote speeches by author and professor Sunaina Maira and immigrant rights activist and law student Prerna Lal
  • spoken word workshop led by hip-hop artist Chee Malabar
  • a workshop on gender led by UC Berkeley's group Khush
  • a workshop on Islamophobia, profiling, and racism
  • an environmental justice themed hike through the Oakland hills
  • a youth activist panel featuring young community leaders
  • a workshop on South Asian narratives and legacy