Know Your Neighbor Upstander Campaign Generates
3 Million Impressions, Hundreds of Posts

Last week, millions of Americans came together across lines of difference to stand up for each other and pronounce that we are stronger together through the Know Your Neighbor Upstander Campaign, results of which you can read about here. See below for two upcoming Know Your Neighbor-inspired local events that you can attend as well:

Planting Seeds in New Land: April 25th in Berkeley
Please join us at Urban Adamah as we share our rich personal histories of movement from one land to another. We will create a safe spiritual space in which we can meaningfully connect, learn together and enjoy a delicious Kosher and Halal meal.

Ladies Afternoon Tea: May 6th in Los Gatos
While people in our community come from a variety of backgrounds, ideologies, and religions, one thing many of us hold in common is a shared appreciation of food, coffee, and tea. Join ING at Congregation Shir Hadash for the opportunity to get to better know others in our community over high tea, snacks, and good conversation. RSVP required.

Job Opening at ING

Development Associate Position Available

Come join the team! We’re searching for a Development Associate to support management in planning and implementation of fundraising- and development-related activities for ING. Learn more about the position and its qualifications at our employment page.

Upcoming ING Events

What Does it Mean to Be Muslim?
April 16th in Mountain View

On Monday, April 16th, ING Executive Director Maha Elgenaidi will participate in the first event of a three-part series entitled “Understanding Islam.” The discussion of Islam as a religion and an identity in modern America and abroad will also feature Anita Husen, Associate Dean and Director of the Markaz Resource Center at Stanford University, and Jihad Turk, ‎President of Bayan Claremont Islamic Graduate School. Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian will moderate the panel.

Interfaith Panel on Religion and Gender:
April 19th in San Jose

San Jose State University’s Gender Equity Center will host a special interfaith panel focused on the intersectionality between faiths and genders as well as cultural backgrounds. Refreshments will be provided.

INGYouth Speaker Training Workshop:
April 21st in San Jose

The INGYouth program has trained almost 300 Muslim teens in 7 states on bullying prevention and presenting on their faith. Our accompanying teen speaker program has produced 85 certified Muslim teen speakers who have delivered dozens of presentations in their school classrooms and assemblies. We’re hosting an INGYouth Speakers Training Workshop at the ING office to certify and prepare teen American Muslims to counter bigotry and respond knowledgeably to challenging questions and negative stereotyping not only from their peers but also from teachers, school staff, and administrators. Register today!

Islamophobia and Its Impact:
April 24th in Menlo Park

ING Executive Director Maha Elgenaidi will talk about xenophobia as it has been experienced by many different groups throughout American and European history, and will discuss the current state of Islamophobia and the efforts to combat it.

Islamic Speakers Bureau Training:
April 28th in Plano, Texas

All it takes to dispel negative stereotypes of Muslims is a ten-minute face-to-face conversation. An upcoming Islamic Speakers Bureau training at the Islamic Association of Collin County (Plano Masjid) in Plano, Texas on Saturday, April 28th, will provide ordinary Muslims with the tools to answer difficult questions about Islam and to present in schools, churches and other venues about American Muslims. Register today!

Past Event Highlights

Working With Muslim Students and Their
Parents In An Age of Islamophobia

American educators face increasingly diverse classrooms. They want to do their best to provide safe, inclusive learning environments for all their students, but they need the right tools and training to do so. That’s why ING Executive Director Maha Elgenaidi recently delivered our cultural diversity seminar “Understanding Muslim Students: Fostering an Inclusive Environment” for educators and counselors at the Alum Rock School District

“What can we do to prevent genocide?”

West Valley College in Saratoga hosted its annual Global Citizenship Conference where students and community members discussed how education is the most powerful tool to prevent violence and genocides. ING Community Engagement Manager Kate Chance spent the day talking with students about the work ING does to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions of people of all faiths and none, working to create a more compassionate world for everyone.

How Can Christian Ministers Engage in
Productive Dialogue With American Muslims?

The Jesuit School of Theology at Santa Clara University’s Renewal Program serves experienced Christian ministers who want to update their skills. Productive interfaith dialogue is a highly-requested topic, and ING Content Director Ameena Jandali recently delivered a special presentation for a group of ministers on Christian-Muslim dialogue. She highlighted historical and contemporary examples of such exchanges and answered numerous questions on how to broaden interfaith efforts in their respective communities.

Wilbur Awards Honor the Best in Religion Reporting

ING Communications Manager Tim Brauhn attended the Religion Communicators Council’s (RCC) annual convention in Atlanta last week to engage with other communications professionals and journalists. For over 20 years, the RCC has presented the Wilbur Awards to encourage excellence in the communication of religious faith and positive values through a variety of secular media. Visit the RCC site to see a full list of the award-winning journalists, writers, and filmmakers telling eloquent, important stories about faith and culture.