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We find ourselves in a moment where we are deeply polarized as a nation by divides—cultural, religious, political—that impact our communities and even our families. At this critical juncture in our history, we want to advocate a simple model for effecting social change: working at the grassroots level in our neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, houses of worship, and civic organizations to model the civility and respect we want to see upheld by everyone.
This is why Islamic Networks Group has launched the Know Your Neighbor: Multifaith Encounters Program with simple yet impactful tools and resources for reaching out to build mutual understanding and respect among all our fellow Americans. Studies show that all you need is a ten-minute non-confrontational encounter with a person from a different background to dispel stereotyping and prejudice. We believe that if enough Americans join our campaign by participating in one or two simple actions of mutual encounter, we can strengthen our communities, foster relations among all Americans, and live up to our national ideal of being one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
We invite you to participate in this effort by using the suggestions and resources on this webpage for individual and community actions. By building bridges across our current divides we can build the community and nation that we all want to live in.
What is the Know Your Neighbor Program?
Know Your Neighbor: Multifaith Encounters (KYN-ME) is a national grassroots interfaith program that is the outgrowth of the Know Your Neighbor coalition of around 15 groups that was launched at the White House in December 2015 to work on policy concerning civil rights.
Founded on American values of religious freedom, pluralism, and inclusion, and motivated by a desire to build peaceful communities at the grassroots level through community engagement, the KYN-ME program was created by Islamic Networks Group (ING) in February 2016 to promote understanding and mutual respect among Americans of diverse religious and ethical traditions.
KYN-ME has grown into a collaborative effort of over 75 partners with diverse missions and objectives who work together on campaigns that push back against bigotry and discrimination while promoting civil dialogue across differences, building relationships and peaceful communities, and advancing human rights and justice.
For a historical look at the reach and effect of KYN-ME campaigns, check out our impact report.
See this page to learn how to join the KYN-ME program as an organization and go here to get a closer look at our current program partners. You can also get caught up on past campaigns, newsletters, and webinars on interfaith best practices.
Know Your Neighbor Social Media Posts and Graphics
- Our diverse religious and ethical values look just like American values. Commit to #KnowYourNeighbor: www.ing.org/kyn
- Knowing your neighbors isn’t a conservative or liberal agenda. It’s America at its best. Join us: www.ing.org/kyn #KnowYourNeighbor
- Want to build a more perfect union? Here’s toolkits, tipsheets, and guides for getting to #KnowYourNeighbor: www.ing.org/kyn
- Do you feel like resisting political polarization in America? Start here with #KnowYourNeighbor: www.ing.org/kyn
- Check out our guide on inviting people to your house of worship. It’s time to get to #KnowYourNeighbor: www.ing.org/kyn
- Not familiar with your local minority religious community? Learn how to meet them with #KnowYourNeighbor: www.ing.org/kyn
- Do you feel alone doing interfaith work? The #KnowYourNeighbor program can help. Get connected: www.ing.org/kyn
- Looking for interfaith resources? We have them. Many of them. Check it out at the #KnowYourNeighbor program: www.ing.org/kyn
- Stand up against all forms of hatred and bigotry before they start. Join the #KnowYourNeighbor program: www.ing.org/kyn
- I am a [religious/ethical affiliation], and I believe that people of all faiths & cultures belong in America: www.ing.org/kyn #KnowYourNeighbor
- Our communities are stronger and safer when we know our neighbors. Join the #KnowYourNeighbor program: www.ing.org/kyn
- The #KnowYourNeighbor coalition has almost 100 members offering free interfaith resources from community organizing to dialogue to shared action. Get them here: www.ing.org/kyn
- We find ourselves in a moment where we are deeply polarized as a nation — a divide that impacts our communities and even families. At this critical juncture in our history we want to advocate a simple model for affecting national change: working at the grassroots level in our neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, houses of worship, and civic organizations to model the civility and respect we want to see upheld by everyone. It’s time to #KnowYourNeighbor: www.ing.org/kyn
- Millions of Americans fiercely reject the idea that we are a hopelessly divided nation, but that doesn’t mean that we can sit back and ignore the very real problems facing public dialogue these days. That’s why over seventy religious and ethical organizations across the country are calling us all to #KnowYourNeighbor through simple interactions like dinners and coffee conversations. Learn more: www.ing.org/kyn
- Social science research proves that even a 10-minute conversation with someone from a different political, religious, or sexual orientation can drastically improve perceptions of that group. It’s never been more important to #KnowYourNeighbor: www.ing.org/kyn
Know Your Neighbor Public Event Templates
We have created several public event templates that you can use to bring people together in your communities. They’re meant to provide the framework that you can customize to your needs. Enjoy!