Bay Area Solidarity Summer (BASS) is a 5-day political action camp to cultivate South Asian American activists, ages 18–24.

It runs from Thursday, July 30 to Monday, August 3, 2020.

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Afghanistan • Bangladesh • Bhutan • Burma • India • Maldives • Nepal • Pakistan • Sri Lanka • Fiji • Diaspora

What is BASS?

Bay Area Solidarity Summer, or BASS, is a 5-day training program specifically for emerging progressive South Asian American activists and organizers, ages 18–24. (We explain “South Asian” below.) The training is low-cost or free, and includes housing, food, classes, and access to mentors.

Why should I attend BASS?

BASS will strengthen your skills as an organizer working for a just, equitable, and sustainable world:
  • learn concrete skills for creating real-world change
  • sharpen your analysis of race, gender, and power
  • explore the 100+ year history of South Asian activism in the U.S.
  • connect with a multi-generational community of peers and mentors

When and where is BASS?

BASS runs from Thursday, July 30 to Monday, August 3, 2020, and participants stay at a dorm-style retreat center in the San Francisco Bay Area. If accepted, we expect you to be with us all five days, from Thursday to Monday, to gain the full experience.

Should I apply?

2020 applications closed on March 1, 2020, but applications for fall 2021 will open in the spring.

Here's what we’re looking for: people who are excited to build movements for justice, interested in learning, open to receiving mentorship, with at least some prior experience around activism or organizing. You don’t need to know social justice jargon, or have a fancy resume.

We absolutely want you to apply, even if you don’t always feel comfortable in South Asian spaces, or maybe feel impostor syndrome in activist spaces.

Who will I meet at BASS?

At BASS, you might meet a Sikh feminist working for climate justice, a Bhutanese refugee youth organizer, a computer science student challenging ICE, or a queer Bangladeshi activist taking on Islamophobia. You'll get a chance to connect with a multi-generational community of activists, and maybe even find the mentor you never knew you needed.

What will BASS be like?

Alumni often describe the program as a life-changing experience. Recent participants have said:

  • "BASS gave me a community of South Asian activists who are dedicated to creating a space of mentorship, community knowledge, and love"
  • "BASS gave me skills, network, and inspiration…Without BASS, I wouldn't be a community organizer."
  • "Continues to provide me with motivation and support from my peers and organizers" 

What do you mean  by “South Asian”?

When we say “South Asian,” we include people with roots in places like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka—as well as Fiji and other parts of the diaspora. Our community includes people who are mixed-race, transracial adoptees, etc.

Do I have to be from Northern California?

 We prioritize local participants, but we’re happy to consider participants from across the West Coast or beyond. (If they're closer, you may want to apply to a program in New Jersey, Chicago, Los Angeles, or Houston.)

Can I afford it?

We will ask you to put in at least $50, but nobody gets turned away because of inability to pay. We provide five days of food, housing, workshops, and community. If you have financial need, just check the box in the application form to request a scholarship.

What if I have access needs?

Our program is wheelchair-accessible, and we will do our best to accommodate your dietary, religious, or other access needs. Please contact us for details.

Who runs BASS?

BASS is organized by a core group of volunteers who spend 9 months every year organizing the program. We invite some of our favorite South Asian and POC activists to be trainers, and get help from a loving community of volunteers, donors, alumni, former core, and local South Asian activists and organizers. BASS is a project of ASATA, the Alliance of South Asians Taking Action.

Why does BASS exist?

BASS was founded in 2011 by South Asian organizers committed to supporting and mentoring the next generation of South Asian organizers, building on the legacy of programs like YSS, OY, and Rad Desi Summer.  We’re hoping BASS will:

  1. expand the network of organizers in the South Asian community fighting for justice and working in solidarity across movements and communities
  2. build a cohort among participants and create lasting relationships between mentors and youth
  3. create a forum to innovate and share political strategies for a just, equitable, and sustainable world

I have another question!

You can email us, and we also respond to requests on Facebook and Instagram.