Norton was elected in 1990 as a Democratic delegate to the House of Representatives and has served as DC's delegate ever since. On April 14, 2014, she introduced a resolution condemning Dalit untouchability, the practice of birth-descent discrimination against Dalit people, which is still widely practiced in India, Nepal, the Asian diaspora and other South Asian nations, and calling on these countries to recognize the human rights of the Dalit people and end all forms of untouchability within their borders.
Ambassador Mark Green (ret.) was sworn in as the 18th Administrator in August 2017. Prior to joining USAID, he served as president of the International Republican Institute, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing democracy and human liberty around the world. He has also served as president and chief executive officer of the Initiative for Global Development, a nonprofit organization that engages corporate leaders to reduce poverty through business growth and investment in Africa and senior director at the U.S.
Building on the accomplishments and positive feedback from the First Global Conference on Defending Dalit Rights in 2015 and Global March against Caste-based Discrimination 2014 in DC, to formulate and implement international human rights frameworks and advocacy strategies. The goal is to enhance collaboration with diverse partners for upcoming global initiatives in 2018 and 2020.
Diaspora from caste-affected countries take a special interest in ensuring diversity for all both in their current countries, and the countries of their families. This panel brings members of diaspora and their affinity groups together to strategize on building a culture of inclusiveness for all around the globe.
The Summit will offer more than 5 sessions, led by sector experts, on topical issues and initiatives that improve dignity for all that ICDR is working on. An evening event will follow where you will have the opportunity to network with attendees and speakers- drinks and refreshments provided.
Registration is FREE!
Welcome and Objective Overview Remarks:
Dr. Donald Zimmerman, Vice-Chair, Board of Directors at ICDR International
Opening Sessions: Binding Resolution against Caste- and All Forms of Discrimination by US Congress
Dr. Rajesh Sampath, Associate Professor of the Philosophy of Justice, Rights and Social Change and Associate Director of the Graduate Program in Sustainable International Development at Brandeis University.
Caste Freedom Index as a universal framework to Promote Dignity, Diversity and Development
Seminar I: Empowering YoungStars: Ensuring Dignity, Diversity and Development
Goal: The Dalit YoungStars Initiative promotes Dalit youth-lead organizations to develop and transform leadership and skills to bridge generational GAPs nation building, and civic engagement. The summit serves as a common platform for conversation, strategize and action to build vibrant and inclusive society better involve young people, especially those who represents Dalits and vulnerable populations. It also supports the youth-led peace-building and conflict-prevention programs that are essential to good governance, human rights and rule of law. This marks the beginning of a grassroots effort to lift-up and advance the work of exceptional innovators, technologists, scientists, advocacy leaders, researchers, and development practitioners and entrepreneurs.
10.30 am – Facilitate and introduce to the panelists
Ms. Elizabeth Clay Roy, Co-Chair of YougStars Initiative at ICDR International
10:40 am – Educating girls: ensuring dignity and diversity
Dr. Mary Cameron, Professor of Anthropology at Florida Atlantic University
10.50 am – Youth Migration, Modern-day Slavery and Equal Opportunity
TBD – Humanity United (Invited)
11.00 am – Bridge GAP through promoting Youth Leadership and Entrepreneurship
TBD –
11.10 am – 12.30 - Group discuss, strategic framework, Q&A, presentation and endorsement
Seminar II: Reflecting Outcomes of Global March/Conference: Strategize for Global March 2018, and 2020 Global Conference
10.30 am – 12.30 pm
Building on the accomplishments and positive feedback from the First Global Conference on Defending Dalit Rights in 2015 and Global March against Caste-based Discrimination 2014 in DC, to formulate and implement international human rights frameworks and advocacy strategies. The goal is to enhance collaboration with diverse partners for upcoming global initiatives in 2018 and 2020. Its mission is to promote global movement of people fighting caste- and descent-based discrimination, exclusion and injustice in caste- and descent-affected countries. Its overall objective is to review and discuss national, regional, and international laws, policies, and processes to advance legal access, cultural-political remediation and social justice.
10.30 am – Facilitate and introduce to the panelists - Mr. Krishna Sob & RAJ Cerukonda, Vice-Chairs, Global Initiative at ICDR International
10:40 am – Reflecting impact of global to local movements - Dr. Purvi Mehta, Assistant Professor at Colorado College
10.50 am – Empowering grassroots organizations and community leaders
11.00 am – Engaging Diaspora and international community
11.10 am – Building coalition with African-American and other marginalized groups
11.20 – 12.30: Group discuss, strategic framework, Q&A
LUNCH BREAK: 12.30 – 1.30
Seminar III: Engaging Diaspora for Diversity and Development
2.00-4.00 PM
2:00 pm Facilitate and introduce to the panelists
Mr. Farook Sait Esq., Co-Chair, Diaspora Engagement Initiative at ICDR International
2:40 pm – Engaging Diaspora and social responsibility
TBD – (President of the Non-Resident Indian Association)
2.50 pm – Diaspora influence for government’s accountability:
Liesl Riddle, PhD Associate Professor of International Business & International Affairs, The George Washington University School of Business
3.00 pm – Reflecting Diaspora: How much inclusive
TBD – (president of Non-Resident Nepali Association)
3.10 pm – 4.00: Group discuss, strategic framework, Q&A
Seminar IV: U.S. Congress: A Binding Resolution: Caste-and All Forms of Discrimination
2.00-4.00 PM
This session will introduce the binding resolution/law, in order to make sure that it is appropriate and fit for purpose; Improve understanding of public and policy-makers required to have an awareness of caste or descent for the first time, about the new law and the nature of any duties connected with it; Prepare and introduce binding resolution/law on caste, including any necessary exceptions to the caste provisions, within the framework of U.S. domestic discrimination law; Develop arrangements for collecting information on aspects of caste- and similar forms of discrimination in the United States to begin the process of determining the appropriateness of binding resolution on caste in accordance with the Constitution, Civil Rights Law, international and other appropriate laws.
2:00 pm Facilitate and introduce to the panelists
Mr. Richard Gold, Vice-Chair, Legislative Initiative at ICDR International and former Head of the Rule of Law Division, Department of Democracy & Governance in USAID
2:40 pm Improving Understating of Public and policy-makers on caste-, descent and All Forms of Discrimination
Dr. Brian Joseph, Sr. Director, Asia Department National Endowment for Democracy
2.50 pm – What would be a best strategy for public consultation in preparation the binding resolution/law on Caste-, Descent and All Forms of Discrimination
Ms. Marie Clarke, Executive Director, ActionAid USA
3.00 pm – Prepare and introduce Binding Resolution on Caste and All Forms of Discrimination within the framework of U.S. domestic law
Rachel Wagley, Foreign Policy Advisor for Congresswoman Ann Wagner (MO-2), US Congress,
3.10 pm – Strategy to collect information on aspects of caste- and similar forms of discrimination in the United States
Dr. Maria Suchowski, Co-Chair CFI and a Rep. of Statistics Without Borders (SWB)
3.20 - 4.00: Group discuss, strategic framework, Q&A
BREAK -4.00 TO 5.00
COME CELEBRATE EXCELLENCE! AND JOIN THE CAMPAIGN
“I’M WITH CONGRESSWOMAN NORTON FOR U.S. CONGRESS’S BINDING RESOLUTION AGAINST CASTE & ALL FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION”
This year, to recognize the significant milestone that we have made together, we are hosting our first annual gala celebration in conjunction with the Annual summit. The gala will take in DC following the end of the first day of the summit, October 27. We will recognize individuals for their specific contributions to their organizations and the ICDR community. We welcome participants in a VIP event to celebrate excellence and recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant milestones together.
5.00 pm 6.00 - Start from VIP RED Carpet, Photo session, networking
6.00 – 7.00 – Certificate distribution for Sponsors
7.00 – 8.00 – recognize and award for individuals and organizations and keynote speaker
The 2017 International Summit for Dalit Rights will take place at Spaces NoMa, which is conveniently located 1.5 blocks from the NoMa Metro Station, in the same building as the REI building. There is underground lot parking for an estmated $9/day, and a nearby uncovered lot for $5-8. Check Parking Panda for the best parking options. Once you arrive to the building, sign in at the registration desk and walk straight ahead. We'll be on the main floor in the training room.
IICDR thanks and recognizes Spaces NoMa for their generous donation to the cause of Dalit Rights. They are providing the venue free of charge.
Spaces NoMa, which opened in spring 2017, is building a collaborative working community in the NoMa neighborhood of DC. They have generously sponsored the venue for this summit. If you're interested in finding a co-working space, they offer solutions for the individual consultant, freelancer or soloprenuer with memberships starting at $300/month, and single offices starting at $700. This includes access to a great gym, too! If you're interested, check out more from their website by clicking on their logo below.
ICDR International is a grassroots and diaspora-driven global Dalit rights organization leading a global movement of people fighting caste- and descent-based discrimination, exclusion and injustice. With over 250 members in caste- and descent-affected countries, we are working to promote the dignity, equality and rights of Dalits and other marginalized and underprivileged people worldwide.
About ICDR:
The ICDR International (International Commission for Dalit Rights) is a grassroots and diaspora-driven Dalit rights organization, leading a global movement of people fighting caste- and descent-based discrimination, exclusion and injustice. With over 250 members in caste- and descent-affected countries, ICDR is working to promote the dignity, equality and rights of Dalits and other marginalized and underprivileged people worldwide.
ICDR collaborates, networks, and provides technical support for its members, NGOs, government agencies, and the international community as they strive to promote equal opportunity and proportionate representation in governance, rights and dignity. We investigate and expose discrimination, educate and mobilize the public, provide pro-bono public services and campaign to leverage for changes in policy as well as transform societies.
We understand how exclusion and discrimination based on caste/descent, race, origin, hate crimes and gender can have multiple consequences on Dalits and other underprivileged and marginalized people. ICDR promotes the rights of these groups through integrating their struggles with the global human rights and social justice movement.
ICDR is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-governmental organization in the U.S. with an international governing council, board of directors and advisory committee. Our staff consists of professionals including lawyers, development practitioners, policy-makers, advocates, country experts, journalists, and academics of diverse backgrounds and nationalities.
Established in 2006, ICDR is known for its international policy advocacy, impartial reporting, effective coordination and mobilization of diverse organizations, diaspora, media, and collaboration with targeted civil society organizations. Please contact us via email at icdrintl@icdrintl.org for more information and follow us through the following links:
http://www.ICDRINTL.org
http://www.Facebook.com/ICDRINTL
http://twitter.com/ICDRForum
