The American Sikh Council (ASC) is the umbrella organization representative of Sikhs in the United States. It is the representative and elected body of Sikh Gurdwaras (Sikh places of worship) and institutions that meet its criteria for membership. The major governing purpose of the organization is to represent the collective view of all Sikhs in the United States. ASC works to promote Sikh interests at the national and international level focusing on issues of advocacy, education, and well-being of humankind. The main objective can be listed as below:
- To be the representative voice of all Sikhs in the United States of America.
- To represent the Sikh community of United States of America at the Global level.
- To facilitate access to the teachings of Sri Guru Grant Sahib.
- To serve the Sikhi interest of the member organizations in every possible way, such as, but not limited to:
- Preservation of and respect for a distinct Sikh identity.
- Safeguarding the cultural heritage of the Sikhs.
- Advancement of social and economic interests of the Sikhs.
- Promotion of quality education among Sikhs.
- Promotion of Sikh studies in general and religion, theology, liturgy and history in particular.
- Promotion of public awareness of Sikh beliefs and practices in order to enhance educational and employment opportunities for the Sikhs.
- Developing programs for proper upbringing of Sikh children and youth and imparting to them sound knowledge of, and inspiring in them real pride in the Sikh identity, religion, culture, tradition, and history.
- Acceptance and implementation of Panth Parvanit (approved by the Panth) “Sikh Rehit Maryada” (the Sikh way of life) as notified by the Shromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).
- Propagating awareness of, and strengthening faith in fundamental human rights and the dignity of the human person.
- Emphasizing equality of all human beings as preached by the Sikh Gurus and ensuring equal rights to men and women.
- Harmonization of relations among various social and religious groups, associations and institutions in order to establish a strong and forward-looking international brotherhood, firm in Sikh spirit and resolutely committed to the Sikh way of life.
- Cooperating with national and international organizations in maintaining the rule of law, establishing peace and security, and promoting the basic Sikh tenet of SARBAT DA BHALA (well-being of all people).