South Asian American Policy & Research Institute

SAAPRI is excited to bring you the third installment of our Women’s Health Series, and this time, we’re focusing on a topic that’s rarely talked about but deeply important: Menopause. Menopause remains widely misunderstood—especially within South Asian communities. We're creating space for an open, informed conversation with medical experts to answer key questions: What is menopause? How does it impact your health? And how can you manage it effectively? For South Asian women, the menopause transition can come with unique challenges. Research shows that South Asian women often experience more intense symptoms like hot flashes and joint pain compared to other groups. They also face higher risks for metabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes and central obesity, which can amplify postmenopausal health concerns. Understanding these shifts—and taking proactive steps like staying active, eating well, and seeking medical care—can lead to better long-term health outcomes. To register, visit Eventbrite page: https://lnkd.in/g5Kyux5e ?? Can’t make it? Don’t worry—we’ll share a recording on our YouTube channel after the event. #SAAPRI #HealthEquityandWellness #healthawareness #womenshealth #menopause #desiwomen #chicago #desi #southasian #allofus #allofusresearch #allofusarc #NIH

We're #hiring a new Research & Civic Action Intern in Chicago, Illinois. Apply today or share this post with your network.

Data equity isn’t just about numbers, it is about making sure every community is seen, heard, and resourced. Congratulations to Chinese American Service League (CASL) on their first Change InSight Data Equity Summit! South Asian American Policy & Research Institute is glad to be a partner in this important work. For decades, South Asian American Policy & Research Institute (SAAPRI) has been committed to community-based research and advocacy, ensuring that data serves as a tool for empowerment rather than exclusion. When data is collected and used equitably, it leads to smarter policies, more inclusive decisions, and real investments where they’re needed most.?Here’s a sneak peek into our work: https://lnkd.in/gqnW_Bpw Change InSight: https://lnkd.in/gGn-D83h #DataEquity #CommunityDriven #InclusiveData #EquityInAction #CommunityBasedParticipatoryResearch #SeeUs

On January 28th, 2025, Executive Director Shobhana Verma attended the Black History Month Celebration, hosted by Cook County, as well as the Vasilopita Celebration, hosted by Cook County Treasurer. As we honor Black history and celebrate Lunar and Greek New Year's in the last few months, we recognize that the richness of our communities lies in our shared struggles and collective triumphs. In a time when support for immigrant and historically marginalized communities faces increasing challenges, it is more important than ever to uplift the voices, histories, and contributions of Black, Asian, and all underrepresented communities. At SAAPRI, we remain committed to advancing policies that promote equity and inclusion. Let’s continue to celebrate, protect, and strengthen the multicultural fabric of our society. #BlackHistoryMonth #LunarNewYear #GreekNewYear #DiversityMatters #SAAPRI

Take the Chicago Voter Engagement Survey! Go to: tinyurl.com/4vrmabj3 The Chicago Board of Elections has released a citywide online survey to gather information and opinions on Chicagoans’ voting experience and the top issues facing our elections. This feedback will be used to help shape the agenda for the future of voting in Chicago and Illinois. The survey includes questions related to: - Voter experience at the polls - Voter turnout, participation and engagement - The future of voting and new methods of conducting our elections - Challenges and opportunities facing voters and our election system This survey is intended for voters who reside within the City of Chicago and takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes to complete. Voters can submit their responses through Saturday, April 5, 2025.

Thank you for the invitation, Indian Roundtable! South Asian American Policy & Research Institute has a longstanding track record of over 20 years in community-engaged research and advocacy for South Asian Americans. We appreciated this important conversation aimed at addressing health disparities and bridging health literacy gaps within the South Asian American community. #healthdisparities?#healthequity #publichealth #healtheducation #hearthealth #dataequity

Since the enactment of the #TEAACH Act in Illinois, history educators have been actively expanding their knowledge and engaging in professional development to bring historically overlooked narratives into the classroom. Here’s another valuable opportunity: an AANHPI professional development workshop for Illinois educators, hosted by the Field Museum in partnership with South Asian American Policy & Research Institute and Duty to Country on Monday, April 14, 2025, from 10AM to 2PM. #SAAPRI is thrilled to share its Oral History Project and curriculum, offering educators valuable tools to teach South Asian American history and create inclusive classrooms. Join us to explore strategies for celebrating AANHPI voices year-round and enriching student learning! Register here until Monday, April 7, 2025: https://lnkd.in/eUbVRs3N #SAAPRI exhibit "Memories and Milestones" showcases the journey of South Asians who came to Illinois between 1945 and 1965. We have not only documented but are eager to share about the history of South Asian immigration to Illinois in the pre-civil rights era and how they were affected by issues of race, gender, and homeland politics. Connect with us ([email protected]) to learn about the Oral History Project Instruction Guide as well as the 3 Day Workshop, a comprehensive resource for educators in grades 9-12, aimed at equipping them to effectively prepare and engage their students. #AANHPI #TEAACHAct #SAAPRI #dutytocountry #SouthAsianAmericanHistory #filipinoveteransrecognitionandeducationproject #OralHistory

?? Join Us for the First Webinar in the Engaged Communities Series! ?? ?? April 10, 2025 | ?? 5 PM CST | ?? Virtual As we navigate the early days of Trump Administration 2.0, many in our communities are left with questions, concerns, and uncertainty about what’s ahead. Join SAAPRI and SAAJCO for a critical conversation on civil rights, immigration policies, and community protections in this new political landscape. Experts and advocates will break down the changes, provide key insights, and share actionable steps to stay informed and engaged. This is the first session in our Engaged Communities Series, a year-long initiative focused on empowering our communities with knowledge and tools to advocate for their rights. ?? Register here: https://lnkd.in/gEjpitGu #EngagedCommunitiesSeries #KnowYourRights #SAAPRI #SAAJCO #CivicEngagement #UnpackingHate #CivicParticipation #CommunityAction

?? Introducing the Engaged Communities Series! ?? South Asian American Policy & Research Institute (SAAPRI) & South Asian American Justice Collaborative (SAAJCO) are launching a year-long initiative to tackle civil rights challenges, hate, and civic engagement. Through webinars, podcasts, and discussions, we’re creating space for South Asian Americans to access knowledge, share ideas, and take action. Stay tuned for our first webinar on April 10! ?? Link: https://lnkd.in/gCttA85D #EngagedCommunitiesSeries #SAAPRI #SAAJCO #CivicEngagement Anushka Das Aakash Ray Francys Munoz Jordan Stalker, PhD Kalpana Peddibhotla Shobhana Johri Verma Karan Manohar Parshvi Patel

The South Asian American Policy & Research Institute (SAAPRI) is launching two surveys to better understand the South Asian community’s unique experiences with the U.S. immigration system, an area that remains largely underexplored. As immigration policies continue to shift, it is critical to gather firsthand insights on the challenges our community faces, from visa backlogs and family reunification struggles to barriers in accessing legal resources. Scan the QR code to complete the survey or access the links below to share your experience. Community Survey: https://lnkd.in/gtPZgKGj CBO's (community-based organizations): https://lnkd.in/g_cpGZiw Aakash Ray, Anushka Das, Jordan Stalker, PhD, Shobhana Johri Verma, Karan Manohar, Francys Munoz