SAYA! knows that immigrant youth have unique needs, and we want to help meet those needs. Unfortunately, it's not enough for our organization to simply deliver quality services to young people. That doesn't ensure that our community gains access to the resources and opportunities that breed success. We also need to focus on changing and influencing social and civic policies. We are devoted to helping fix the infrastructures that are failing us.

SAYA!'s advocacy efforts focus largely on education. If a student is having trouble at school, we act as advocates to help make a positive change. We educate school officials about the needs of immigrant youth. We notify our communities of gaps in services, and push for better policies at city and state level.

Often it's young people who are most effective at making changes happen. It makes sense, since kids are the eyes and ears of our communities. They know what's going on out there... and they can report back and tell politicians and civic leaders how to make things better. This was the case in April, 2001, when a delegation of eight SAYA! youth (accompanied by SAYA! staff) traveled to the state capital in Albany to participate in Advocacy Day. The event was organized by the New York Immigration Coalition, and along with other groups of immigrant youth from around the state, the knowledgeable, spirited SAYA! team made their voices heard in meetings with state legislators.

On a broader level, SAYA! also wants to change social attitudes that negatively impact South Asian youth. Through its girls program, for example, we've learned a lot about the barriers--like negative self-image and unhealthy partner relationships--that young South Asian women must face when trying to reach the top. "Certain beliefs and cultural attitudes need to change in order for girls to feel supported and empowered to make healthy decisions," says Aparna Lall, SAYA!'s Program Director.

We are very excited to announce that, with support from the Ford Foundation, SAYA! is going to create a nationwide campaign aimed at helping young South Asian women develop fantastic decision making skills and pride in themselves.