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ING Training for Law Enforcement Receives High Marks
“Usually ‘cultural diversity’ classes come as being accusatory of us being racist and this class is not that.” – police officer after an ING training
ING conducted a law enforcement cultural diversity seminar for 150 police officers to enhance their cultural competency skills and help them develop relationships with American Muslim communities in their area. The seminar covered the impact of anti-Muslim bigotry, including hate crimes, introduced American Muslims and their faith and practices, and suggested protocols for interaction with both individuals and community institutions. Participants had the opportunity to ask questions and share their experiences serving Muslim communities.
Evaluations following the seminar demonstrated its value and impact. Based on a scale from 1 to 5, participants reported that the training helped them understand Muslims today in the current political environment, understand the religion and culture better, and interact more effectively with them. The officers attending also gave high ratings to both the content and the ING speaker’s skill and knowledge. The evaluation results are shown in the graph above.
Anecdotal feedback repeatedly told us that the seminar was very informative. One officer shared: “I realized how much I didn’t know about the Muslim community. This is very important to law enforcement to help create better relationships. I would love to learn more.”
To request a diversity seminar for law enforcement, go here.
Upcoming Featured ING Events
Islam and the Environment and Muslim Women Beyond the Stereotypes: February 15 via Webinar
ING Content Manager Ameena Jandali will be speaking on “Islam and the Environment” and “Muslim Women Beyond the Stereotypes” via webinar to a public audience at Western Michigan University. This presentation is co-sponsored by our ING Midwest affiliate. To book a presentation on either of these topics, visit our site.
Join us for Common Values of Abrahamic Faith Traditions: February 16 in Rocklin
Members of the Interfaith Speakers Bureau (IFSB) will speak on a panel for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sacramento. This panel will be part of a continuing education day titled “UNUM SINT” – Unity and Justice in Tumultuous Times. There will be various events from 8:00am to 8:00pm with ING’s panel on “Interfaith Dialogue: Common Values of Abrahamic Faith Traditions” from 1:00pm to 2:30pm. To book an interfaith panel, visit our site.
Living the Faith: February 17 in Los Gatos
Members of the Interfaith Speakers Bureau (IFSB) will speak to a Jewish/Israeli discussion group on “Living the Faith.” They will draw specifically on their understanding and experiences living in the San Francisco Bay region. To book an interfaith panel, visit our site.
Developing Cultural Competency: Working with American Muslim Communities: February 26 and 28 in San Jose
ING Executive Director Maha Elgenaidi will present a cultural diversity seminar to the San Jose State University Police Department to increase awareness of American Muslim culture, enhance cultural competency skills, and develop relationships with American Muslim students on campus. These presentations will take place on February 26 and 28. If you’re an SJSU student, or a police officer in the Bay Area, and are interested in attending either of the seminars, write to [email protected]. To book a cultural diversity seminar, visit our site.
Religion and Pluralism: February 28 in San Jose
Members of the Interfaith Speakers Bureau (IFSB) will speak to a group of volunteer trainees at the Bill Wilson Center on “Religion and Pluralism.” In this panel discussion, representatives of major world religions will address the question of pluralism, explaining how each of their traditions is able to adhere to its convictions while taking a positive and respectful stance toward the diverse beliefs of others. To book an interfaith panel, visit our site.
Overview of ING and Opportunities for Collaboration with Japanese-American Communities: March 5 in Berkeley
ING Deputy Director Ishaq Pathan will engage in a conversation on ING programs with the Berkeley Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), looking for opportunities to collaborate on shared interests and concerns and to learn more about ING and ways to join our peacemaking mission in education and interfaith engagement.
Past ING Events
ING Presented at Stanford University’s Hollyhock Equity in Education Conference
ING Executive Director Maha Elgenaidi spoke at the Hollyhock Equity in Education Conference for the Stanford Graduate School of Education. Her seminar for teachers covered common stereotypes relating to Muslims and their faith followed by a conversation on Islamophobia and its roots. She gave an overview of Muslim traditions and practices and discussed pertinent contemporary issues concerning them and their implications for Muslim students. Her presentation was followed by a lively discussion between teachers and administrators about their experiences teaching in today’s diverse classrooms. To schedule a seminar, visit our site.
Students Learned About Muslim Contributions Throughout History
Supplementing world history curriculum, ING Content Manager Ameena Jandali presented to a Peace and Conflict Studies class at a high school in Oakley on “Muslim Contributions to Civilization.” Students were animated and excited to learn about the various contributions Muslims have made throughout history. To book a presentation about Muslim contributions, visit our site.
Students Excited to Learn About Architectural Masterpieces by Muslims
Supplementing social studies curriculum, ING Deputy Director Ishaq Pathan presented on “Muslim Contributions to Civilization” to a middle school in San Leandro. Students were energized and excited to learn about architectural masterpieces from Muslims, such as the Taj Mahal and the Dome of the Rock. To book a similar presentation, visit our site.
ING Engaged in Dialogue with Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition
ING Executive Director Maha Elgenaidi participated in a round table discussion with the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition about American Muslim demographics in the region. We’re now seeking Muslim cyclists for a possible public relations campaign of SVBC. To book a presentation about American Muslims, visit our site.
ING Participated in a South Bay Interreligious Council Panel on Religious Symbols
ING Community and Civic Engagement Coordinator Raania Mohsen presented alongside Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish and Christian community members on a Silicon Valley Interreligious Council panel titled, “What In the World (Religions) Are These Symbols?” To view each of the speakers’ presentations, go here. To book an interfaith panel, visit our site.
INGYouth Speaker Presented at Creating Peaceful Schools Conference
INGYouth Speaker Maahum spoke alongside ING Deputy Director Ishaq Pathan about the INGYouth Program at the Creating a Peaceful School Conference hosted by the Mt Diablo Peace and Justice Center. Maahum spoke about her gratitude for the tools and resources she gained from the program and delivered a short presentation on Muslims and their faith. To learn more about the INGYouth Program, visit our site.
Gratitude Expressed for ING’s Presentation on Getting to Know American Muslims and Their Faith
ISB speaker Aisha Jill Morgan presented on “Getting to Know American Muslims and Their Faith” at a church in Santa Rosa. The organizer of the presentation remarked, “She gave a beautiful, informative, and delightful presentation. All of the nearly 100 members of the class appreciated her generosity and engaging manner.” To book an ING presentation, visit our site.
ING Delivered an Educator Seminar on Accommodating Muslim Students in Oakland
ING Deputy Director Ishaq Pathan spoke to a group of educators who run the Newcomer programs at Oakland Unified School District. He addressed Muslim traditions, their impact on a student’s life in school, and important considerations to make for accommodating Muslim students. To book a seminar for educators, visit our site.
ING Interfaith Panel as Part of World Interfaith Harmony Week
In the spirit of World Interfaith Harmony Week, ING Executive Director Maha Elgenaidi facilitated an ING interfaith panel with Hindu, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim speakers to an assembly of middle school students in San Jose on “Shared Values.” Students asked questions about panelists’ personal relationship to faith, religious symbols, rituals, and traditions. Be on the lookout for an upcoming video showcasing ING’s Interfaith work. To book an interfaith panel, visit our site.
