The nation’s oldest Sikh civil rights org. focused on building leadership and capacity in the Sikh American community. RTs/Likes not necessarily endorsements. SALDEF is the nation’s oldest Sikh American civil rights and advocacy organization. Founded in 1996. SALDEF is a national Sikh American media, policy, and education organization. Our mission is to empower Sikh Americans by building dialogue, deepening understanding, promoting civic participation, and upholding social justice and religious freedom for all Americans. We are grounded in our values of optimism, humility and service, inspired by the community for the benefit of all. Observant Sikhs are distinguished by the dastaar (Sikh Turban), uncut hair, and other articles of Faith.