Objectives:
o	To function as a catalyst in the development of civic consciousness and promotion of political awareness among all Indian Americans
o	To provide opportunities for learning through educational sessions such as lectures, seminars, symposia and workshops on civic, economic, political and social issues and current legislative and regulatory developments affecting the lives of individuals of Asian Indian origin residing in the United States of America
o	To facilitate informal exchanges of ideas between Forum members and political leaders, including public officials, and to develop an atmosphere of mutual respect, goodwill and understanding through such exchanges of ideas
o	To promote voter registration among Indian American citizens and to encourage them to study major issues involved in the political campaigns in order to exercise their civic duties responsibly
o	To educate Forum members to recognize their individual, social, and professional respon­sibilities by involving them in community and public affairs
o	Promote relations between Indian Americans and local communities
o	Encourage Indian Americans to exercise their right to vote
o	Encourage and assist Indian Americans to run for public office
o	Educate, discuss, debate and deliberate the contemporary political issues of concern to the Indian American Community
o	Educate our elected representatives about our commitments and contributions to this great democracy
o	Improve the India - US relationship in both the political and business environment
Major Issues:
o	Break through the 'glass ceiling' job discrimination and barriers to equal opportunity
o	Fight quotas restraining Indian American students in university admissions and professional training
o	Increase representation in government at local, state and federal levels. Demand government agencies' assistance to support Indian American small businesses
o	Help solve legal immigration issues: spouse reunification, green card/visitor/student visa problems. Support new immigrants' acculturation
o	Improve Indo-Us relations and the image of India in US media by providing unbiased facts about India
Strategies:
o	Enhance political awareness through seminars, symposia and other learning opportunities related to issues affecting Indian Americans
o	Formulate a plan of action for participating more actively in the democratic institutions of this country in the coming years
o	Disseminate regular political and civic information of interest to the Indian American community to the general public and to the Indian Americans
Copyright © 2009 Indian American Forum for Political Education.