In fulfillment of ING’s mission of promoting peace among all by fostering a deeper, more nuanced understanding of Muslims and other faith-based, racial/ethnic, and cultural communities, through teaching, learning, and engaging across differences, here are highlights of prominent events during this month.

Intercultural Speakers Bureau (ICSB) Events

2/21: Creating Inclusive and Equitable Communities in Oakland

From left to right, Asma, Lauryn, Emili, Isha, and Bay Area Director Ishaq Pathan speaking to high school students in Oakland.

The panel of student ING speakers addressed the history and impact of bigotry against Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, Black, Latinx, Asian, and Native American populations under colonialism and slavery, old and neo-orientalism, xenophobia, and internalized bigotry, concluding with calls to action to build an inclusive society. Hear from a few of the teen speakers here.

2/13: Creating Inclusive and Equitable Communities in Pleasant Hill

From left to right, Will McGarvey, Zula Reeves, Bay Area Director Ishaq Pathan, and Programs Manager Rahimeh Ramezany delivering a panel to interfaith leaders in Contra Costa.

ING staff led a panel for leaders of the Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County on the roots of xenophobia, bigotry, and systemic racism in the United States, and discussed their impact on themselves and on the families they work with while brainstorming strategies that we all can adopt to address these pressing issues.

To book an Intercultural Speakers Bureau panel, visit this page.

Interfaith Speakers Bureau (IFSB) Events

2/27: Shared Values Among Faiths in San Jose

From left to right, Noni Azhar, Madhu Kopalle, Berget Jelane, Katy Dickinson, Bob Frankle, and ING Programs Manager Rahimeh Ramezany speaking to counselors in San Jose.

Panelists briefly presented at the Bill Wilson Counseling Center about the basics of their faith tradition and answered questions from counselors on working with patients from various religious and ethical traditions.

2/4: Shared Values Among Faiths in San Jose

From left to right, Joy Aspenall, Esther Heller, Programs Manager Rahimeh Ramezany, Berget Jelane, Dilip Amin, and Executive Director Maha Elgenaidi speaking to school students in San Jose.

During this interfaith panel before an assembly of students, speakers answered questions on the basic teachings and the ethical values taught by their faith and then discussed the many things that all the traditions represented have in common.

To book an Interfaith Speakers Bureau panel, visit this page.

2/18: Countering Bullying with Civility & Respect in Rohnert Park

Bay Area Director Ishaq Pathan speaking to high school students in Rohnert Park.

Bay Area Director Ishaq Pathan addressed underlying roots of bullying before delivering a brief presentation about Muslims and Islam. He closed with ways students can act towards each other to promote a positive school environment.

2/18: Getting to Know American Muslims and Their Faith in Watsonville

Program Manager Rahimeh Ramezany speaking to school students in Watsonville

Program Manager Rahimeh Ramezany provided an overview of Muslims and Islam in the context of social studies content standards and answered questions about their personal experiences as Muslim Americans living in the US today. Hear from the teacher and Rahimeh here.

2/13: Muslim Women Beyond the Stereotypes and Sharia in North Carolina

Content Manager Ameena Jandali speaking to students at Duke University.

Content Manager Ameena Jandali presented an overview of the status of Muslim women today in areas such as education, work, government, and movements for reform and the contributions of notable Muslim women both historically and today in politics, academia, sports, and other fields. She addressed some major misconceptions about Muslim women and gave an overview of Muslim organizations working for women’s rights. Ameena also presented an introduction to Sharia, dispelling the widespread misrepresentations of this central element of Muslim religion.

2/12: An Overview of the Quran in Oakland

Content Manager Ameena speaking to members of Oakland WINGS (Women in God’s Spirit).

Content Manager Ameena Jandali gave an overview of the Quran in Oakland for Oakland WINGS (Women in God’s Spirit), presenting some of its basic teachings and its importance for Muslims. Speaking before an interreligious group of women, Ameena delivered a message of solidarity for peace building in our community.

2/5: Getting to Know American Muslims and Their Faith & Islamophobia and Its Impact in Oakland

Bay Area Director Ishaq Pathan presenting to school students in Oakland.

Bay Area Director Ishaq Pathan delivered a presentation on Islamophobia and its on impact on Muslim American students, and on how to be a good ally to Muslims and other victims of bullying. He encouraged students to learn more about one another and to challenge stereotypes about each group in media, Hollywood, and pop culture.

INGYouth Events

2/11: INGYouth Workshop in San Francisco

Bay Area Director Ishaq Pathan speaking with school students in San Francisco. 

Bay Area Director Ishaq Pathan led a Muslim teen workshop facilitating a discussion about their experiences as Muslims in their school before addressing proactive ways they can counter situations of racism and bullying.

2/1: INGYouth Workshop in Sacramento

Bay Area Director Ishaq Pathan speaking with high school students in Sacramento

Bay Area Director Ishaq Pathan presented an INGYouth workshop in Sacramento, training Muslim high school students on how to speak effectively and knowledgeably about their faith, respond to challenging questions, and stand up to bullying and harassment. Students practiced responding to difficult questions about Muslims by creating and acting out skits.

To book an INGYouth workshop, visit this page.