By far, the most important function of the PSA is the planning, organization and management of its activities for both members and non-members. It is through these group activities that the PSA is able to realize its organizational objectives on-campus.

As such, in addition to planning for individual events when need arises, the pre-planning of all PSA activities for the full academic year is required. Without a clear vision of what the objectives of the PSA are for the year and how these will be translated into productive activities, the planning and coordination of events will be random, disorganized and without direction.

The PSA's Executive Committee, in consultation with other Committee heads, must decide what activities the PSA should pursue, either regularly or occasionally, for the course of the year, and set a timetable for their implementation. Ideally, the mix of activities should present a balance between those designed to educate and those designed to entertain.

Educational

These activities are planned and pursued by the PSA to educate its members and the general public about issues & causes of importance to the campus community, the local Pakistani community, North American society, or Pakistan itself. By raising awareness, promoting and supporting humanitarian, religious, and community development causes, the PSA can play a role in bringing about positive change in individuals and the host society.

In addition, these activities will be designed to bring the Pakistani community on campus together to strengthen their national identity and sense of belonging through a genuine understanding, respect and appreciation of their religious tradition and cultural heritage.

Entertaining

These activities will give Pakistani students opportunities to meet regularly, socialize, and discuss ideas and experiences, while enjoying the company of their fellow Pakistani brothers and sisters with whom they share a cultural and religious bond.

All activities that the PSA undertakes should always aim to accurately present the rich, colourful and culturally diverse heritage of Pakistan, including its many peoples, faith, history, languages, talents, and contributions to the world. The PSA and its members are representatives of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the world; hence any positive (and negative) portrayal on their part will impact the general perception of the Pakistani community at large.

Often, PSA's concentrate their resources on events and activities that only have entertainment value, at the cost of the immense opportunity to use the PSA as a tool and platform for social change.

Following are a few ideas for activities and projects that the PSA on your campus may choose from to pursue.

Ideas for Activities

• PSA Orientation - start of academic year
• PSA Cricket Match/Tournament/Cup - all Pak or vs. Indian Students Assoc.
• PSA Field Hockey Match/Tournament/Cup - same as above
• PSA Soccer Intramural Team
• PSA Eid Dinners - twice a year, local invited speaker from Islamic centre, collaborate with MSA for joint dinner
• PSA BBQ/Picnics/Outdoor Trips - with invited local youth speaker active in Pakistan community
• PSA Fundraiser - for Pakistan-related humanitarian, developmental and relief causes e.g. Afghan refugees, child/adult literacy, clean drinking water, 'sponsor-a-village', Kashmir orphans/widows sponsorship, medical facilities, disaster relief. Partner with other charitable org. working in Pakistan like HDF
• PSA Movie/Drama/PTV Serial Night - "Jinnah", "Sunehre Din", etc.
• Speech/Talk/Seminar - on important developments in Pakistan or raising awareness about social/humanitarian issues e.g. human rights, literacy, poverty, Islamic identity, politics, international relations, economy, future of Pakistan, Pak/India/Kashmir conflict (excellent opportunity to liaise with IndianSA to present in balanced non-confrontational way)
• "Yehi Zameen" Pakistan History Night/Week - Pakistan history, independence, British rule, Pakistan movement, Muslim struggle, Iqbal/Jinnah's vision

For more info on PSA National email info@psanational.com

Date/Time Last Modified: 6/18/2002 8:06:44 AM

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