President Obama today addressed a large gathering at the Islamic Society of Baltimore, his first visit to an American mosque during his presidency. He was introduced by Saba Mukhtar, a pre-med student at the University of Maryland, who spoke about her own Islamic and American identity and the way that she lives her faith every day. She spoke impressively about the need for more religious literacy and interreligious engagement, two of the hallmarks of the INGYouth Program, which is holding multiple workshops in coming weeks (see below for details). You can watch a recording of Saba and the President’s speeches here.

The President called for “a sustained effort to listen to each other, to learn from each other, to respect one another, and to seek common ground”. Such sentiments are welcome, especially during a time of increasing anti-Muslim bigotry. Education and engagement among diverse groups are key strategies for peacebuilding. Two upcoming events tackle those ideas head-on: a February 27th workshop on answering difficult questions about Islam and Muslims, and our February 6th Endowment Supporters Dinner, where Haroon Moghul will ask his own difficult questions, like “Can American Muslims Stay Muslim?” We urge you to attend both of these events, as well as those organized through our Interfaith Allies initiative. ​

New Event: Answering Difficult Questions about Islam and Muslims in the Current Political Environment
Saturday, February 27th, 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM

For Muslims participating or wishing to participate in interfaith work or speaking to the public about Islam, this workshop was designed for you. Non-Muslim interfaith allies welcome.

The current moment is one of the most challenging times to be an American Muslim. Islamophobia is at an all-time high, fueled in part by recent tragic national and international events. Muslims often find themselves called upon to answer difficult questions about their faith and loyalty. To help chart a path through, we’ve organized this day-long workshop focused on guidelines, methodology, and knowledge for understanding and responding to frequently asked questions about Islam and Muslims. The workshop is suitable for ages high school and above. Attendees will receive a certificate of attendance and a printed kit with answers to common FAQs.

Registration fee: $10 which covers materials and a light lunch.

For questions, contact Programs Manager Henry Millstein at [email protected]

Endowment Supporters Dinner
Saturday, Feb. 6th, 6:00 PM – Register Now!​

Haroon Moghul is an academic and public commentator, regular guest on network news on Islam and public affairs, and creator of the Confessions Ramadan video series on YouTube. Event time is 6:00 to 9:00 PM. We look forward to sharing our successes and our plans for the future as we initiate new programs and expand our current offerings. Register here.

Tickets for the event are $55. Free babysitting provided by the Ramadan Playgroup.

Parent and Educator Webinar Recordings Available

In January, expert guests from some of the nation’s leading educational, civil rights, and religious pluralism organizations joined ING staff for a webinar series. The webinars explored ways that parents can support Muslim students and best practices for teaching about Islam and World Religions in public schools.

We are delighted to announce that the recordings of the Parent Webinar and Educator Webinar are now available on our website and YouTube channel. Please share these valuable resources with others in your networks and community!

Upcoming INGYouth Workshop
with Colorado ING Affiliate
February 20th, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Later this month, ING staff will travel to Colorado for an INGYouth Workshop with the Colorado Muslim Speakers Bureau, an ING Affiliate.

Upcoming Adult Interfaith Training and INGYouth Workshop with Michigan ING Affiliate
March 5th and 6th, 2016

ING staff will travel to Michigan for events with the Islamic Education & Resources Network (ILearn), an ING Affiliate. On Saturday, March 5th, the Muslim Unity Center (MUC) will host an adult-focused event on Effective Interfaith Training for Muslims: Thriving in Difficult Times. On Sunday, March 6th, the MUC will also host an INGYouth Workshop for students aged 10-18 and their parents.

Featured Events from Interfaith Allies Program:
Meet Your Muslim Neighbor

Islamophobia and American Muslims
Sunday, February 28th, 10:30 AM in Berkeley