CIC v2.0
In 2014, when we created the formal CIC 501c3 non-profit, we had a few dozen Indian families in the Cambrian area, many of whom did not know each other. The original residents of the community were a tight knit few families but there were many more that were buying houses every month and there was a need for them to find each other and build lasting relationships.
The first innings of CIC was focused on bringing people together, for them to meet each other, for kids to make friends and for families to celebrate our festivals together. And we did an incredible job. Over the years through our Utsav, Discover India, Cambrian Karaoke, Mehendi Night, and of course Diwali events, we brought hundreds of families together to build lasting relationships. And then we took a pause. At its peak, we had a hugely successful Diwali event in 2017 after which we felt a little exhausted. We felt like the connections had been made and we wanted to rethink where we went from there. Through the next few years (including this year), we have continued to do small and large events but fewer than before. When the pandemic happened it changed things dramatically. As a non-profit, we had to be aware of indoor events that could potentially become superspreaders. With old, young and immuno-compromised in the community, it was our responsibility to keep them safe.
Thankfully the pandemic is mostly behind us. And it is time to get back in the game with a new identify and renewed purpose.
CIC v2.0
Our primary job is to still bring this thriving Indian community together. But many of you know each other. It feels like CIC’s role needs to evolve to meet these new needs. In addition, we have been immensely thrilled to see organizations like CIF filling the niche with Mehendi Night, Karaoke and of course, the immensely rewarding Senior focused events. The role of CIC will change so CIF and others can continue to do those events to even greater success.
Our role is not to duplicate, It is to solve the problems unsolved. To meet the needs unmet. And to that effect, you will see us do new things. And we want your support and partnership in figuring out what this community needs going into the next 5 years. So here is CIC v2.0.
Our Focus
When we started, CIC was incredibly important to meet the needs of a growing Indian diaspora in the neighborhood. Many of us have made lifelong friends in the community as a result. Today, the value of CIC is in strengthening those bonds and in offering things that the community can benefit from in their everyday life, while being anchored to what makes us different and unique in America. Here are a few ways we hope CIC can help shape the next decade for this community.
Help our kids build an identity and thrive here and elsewhere where their lives lead them.
Help our adults find like-minded adults in the community for work and to build new hobbies and experiences
Facilitate (where needed) more sports activities for adults and kids.
Celebrate Indian festivals and traditions (where there are no opportunities)
Our Activities
Keeping with our new focus areas, here are some things we are thinking about for the next few months and into 2025.
Revitalize our website to include community small businesses and events. We want to make it a hub for community members to find people and services. We have already reached out to many of you to update our website. There is more to come!
Build new foundations around Career Events, High School Student events, Hobbies, Workshops, etc. Really focus on growing the ties that bind us and serve us well.
Facilitate unique events - Cricket Quiz, Discover India, Utsav
And yes, bring back our signature Diwali (it's coming in 2025) with adult and kid performances and more!
It's All About You
In our first innings, we discovered the power of community and the kinds of crazy things it could achieve when it worked together. Now we want to put that community to work for everyone. To grow our local businesses, to develop our kids and adults with talents, to make ourselves healthier in mind and spirit and ultimately find home away from home.
We look forward to hearing from you on how you want to be part of CIC v2.0. We want your new ideas, we want to do the things you care about. And we want to help you shape this community.