Combating Ignorance and Extremism with
Education and Interreligious Engagement

The terrorist group ISIL is in the news, helping to drive negative perceptions about Muslims. At ING, we are hard at work dispelling misinformation about Islam and Muslims through education and interreligious engagement.

Last week, we held nine presentations at eight schools or community groups on various topics: Getting to Know American Muslims and Their Faith, Muslim Women Beyond the Stereotypes, Shared Values Between Faiths, and Social Justice in Islam.  We have already scheduled more than sixty presentations and interreligious panels at schools across the San Francisco Bay Area. Affiliates in twenty-two states will also deliver their own presentations based on ING content and research.

INGYouth Trainings Coming Soon

On August 20th, we launched the new INGYouth Program, which is designed to increase young American Muslims’ Islamic LITERACY to help them respond to frequently asked questions about Islam, as well as to prevent extremism which is often based on ignorance of authentic religious teachings; build CONFIDENCE in their Islamic identities based on a sound understanding of their faith; and inspire ACTION towards bridge-building between American Muslims and people of other faiths, or those with no faith. You can learn more about the program here.

Look for an upcoming schedule of trainings. If you’re interested in holding a training for your youth in your community, contact Kiran Palla at [email protected]

ING and Affiliates Participate in 9/11 Service Projects Across the Nation

ING – San Jose
On Wednesday, September 10th, ING sponsored a 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance at the Second Harvest Food Bank at their South Bay location. If you are interested in participating in future ING service projects, please write to [email protected].

Atlanta
The Islamic Speakers Bureau of Atlanta joined other community groups for the 9/11 National Day of Service and put together meal bags of dried goods for community organizations.

Alabama
The Islamic Speakers Bureau of Alabama affiliate took part in a 9/11 Memorial at the US Space and Rocket Center in conjunction with Redstone Arsenal and several other organizations in Huntsville to honor first responders, military, and all those affected by the 9/11 attacks. Deborah S. Abu-Alrub, head of the Alabama Islamic Speakers Bureau, shared a prayer of hope and healing at the event.

Post-9/11 Ethnic and Racial Discrimination Project

The San Francisco Human Rights Commission is seeking participants for a community-based photography project that will shed light on Islamophobia and post-9/11 ethnic/racial discrimination. Participants will take pictures and engage in a critical dialogue about their lived experience with Islamophobia and discrimination. For more information, please contact Sneh Rao at [email protected] or (415) 252-2525.