Indian American Impact, an organization set up in 2016 to bring out Indian Americans and South Asians into American public life and politics, is leaving no stone unturned to enlist support for US Vice-President and Democratic Presidential nominee Kamala Harris.
“Naturally, then, we must aim at increasing the involvement of Indian Americans in the political processes of America as well as seeing more members of this community occupying public offices. We are currently moving at an incredible pace to mobilize our communities behind her campaign. So that the turn-out for her would be great,” said Chintan Patel, Impact Executive Director and a veteran campaigner/political organizer who joined this group earlier this year, to The Times of India.
“We are focusing on getting Indians in these battleground states like Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina and Pennsylvania which have high number of immigrants from India. We believe that Indian Americans in these states can make or break the outcome of the November Presidential Election,” added Patel who himself is based in Virginia. Indian-Americans constitute one of the fastest-growing immigrant groups in many U.S. states where their political influence is growing.
Some of Impact’s effort towards Harris include phone banking targeted at having one on one talks with south Asian voters living especially in Michigan swing state; writing and distributing postcards for voters; sharing articles and social media posts through online networks; walking door-to-door among community members for support. There is also a website launched by the organization as a single stop way for South Asian America electorates to back her since it has endorsed her candidacy.
“The enthusiasm is infectious and people are stepping forward from the community to support VP Harris. We had 1000 volunteers signing up within just one week,” added Patel who has 15 years’ experience working with grassroots movements and political campaigns notably at End Citizens United/Let America Vote as vice-president for Political Affairs. In his last role he was responsible for political strategy across federal and non-federal races, won 350 campaigns, and built relationships with community stakeholders.
Indian American Impact has been endorsing and supporting 164 candidates across the country leading to a surge in Indian and South Asian representation in politics. They are also reaching out to many other elected officials, as well as leaders from the community at all levels. “We survive with strong candidates emerging from our community who have our values. And We are now approaching them for support on Harris’s campaign,” Patel said.
”We are also collecting money from Indian Americans for this election. “On the ground there is a lot of support for Harris among people of South Asian origin. Fundraising is an important part of the campaign but it happens at grassroots level involving different sections of society. There are many small donors who want to show their support and be a part of the campaign”, he added.
