July 2023 Resource Roundup

Our Shoulder to Shoulder Community & Congregational Network is an opportunity to connect with interfaith and community organizations and leaders throughout the country who are, in some capacity, addressing anti-Muslim discrimination in the U.S. In our meetings, members share resources, problem-solve, and reflect on this important work. Our network includes volunteer-run organizations and organizations with 10+ staff members. There are organizations in rural, urban, and suburban communities in red, blue, and purple states. Each of them recognizes anti-Muslim discrimination as a threat to our communities and country. Each of them is committed to addressing this issue in their community alongside their Muslim neighbors, friends, and siblings.

The notes below are a selection of public resources and events shared by network members and our various partners and friends. If you’re interested in learning more about our Shoulder to Shoulder Community Network, contact us and/or check out our website.

S2S Programmatic Updates:

Shoulder to Shoulder will be presenting sessions or attending these upcoming conferences. Reach out to our team if you’re attending any of these:

• Disciples of Christ General Assembly in Louisville, KY (July 29-Aug 1)
• August 5th — Browntown with Badar Tareen at Union Stage in Washington, D.C. We’re excited to share that the Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign will be highlighted at a comedy show produced by an S2S supporter, attorney, and comedian Badar Tareen on Saturday, August 5th at 5:30pm at Union Stage (740 Water Street SW Washington, DC 20024). This show will feature our dear friend, Yasmin Elhady, among other Muslim & allied voices. We invite you to come join us for this fun and funny summer event, gather with friends, and help spread the word! Learn more & purchase tickets here: https://www.unionstage.com/shows/browntown-feat-badar-tareen-jasmine-burton
• August 10th — Bystander Intervention Training in Public Spaces — Virtual — This virtual training is provided by Right to Be in collaboration with The Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign | We all have a responsibility to do something when we see street harassment happening, but too often, we freeze. We don’t know what to do. When we intervene, we don’t just reduce trauma for the person being street harassed. We also start to chip away at the culture that allows harassment to be so prevalent. This interactive training will teach you Right To Be’s 5Ds of bystander intervention methodology. We’ll start by talking about the types of disrespect that Muslims and those who are perceived to be Muslim are facing right now — from microaggressions to violence — using a tool we call the “spectrum of disrespect.” You’ll learn what to look for and the positive impact that bystander intervention has on individuals and communities. We’ll talk through five strategies for intervention: distract, delegate, document, delay, and direct, and how to prioritize your safety while intervening. We’ll have time in the end for practice, and you’ll leave feeling more confident countering Anti-Muslim and Xenophobic-Based harassment online or in person. Register Here

• Parliament of World Religions | A Call to Conscience: Defending Freedom and Human Rights August 14–18 Chicago Information and Registration | Email Becca if you’re attending and want to receive information about a meetup! Becca.Tyvoll@S2SCampaign.org
• Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) annual convention in Chicago September 1–4, 2023 | Email Nina if you’re attending and want to connect. Nina.Fernando@S2SCampaign.org

Resources & Upcoming Opportunities

Shared from various partners and friends:

Important Dates Coming Up

• August 5th | Oak Creek Sikh Gurdwara Massacre in 2012 killed 7 people. The Sikh community has called for August 5th as a national day of Seva (Service).
• August 26 | Women’s Equality Day

Events

• Clear and Present Dangers: Countering Extremism and Hate Facing Our Communities | Aug 15, 2023 12:00 PM CT | A quarterly series of insider briefings for leaders of civil rights and community organizations. Extremism and hate are surging across the nation, threatening our communities and our civil liberties. Join the ADL Center on Extremism to learn about the current threat landscape and how organizations can work together to counter the rising tide of hate. Our next briefing will explore: — Andrew Tate and “Tradwives”: The New Face of Online Misogyny — The Goyim Defense League Hate — Anti-Muslim Hate and Extremism. Register Here
• AmeriCorps, September 11, 2023: Each year, AmeriCorps works with 9/11Day.org, grantees and partners, faith-based, local, and national organizations to expand volunteering to honor the sacrifice of the families affected by September 11, 2001. This year, the 9/11 Day of Service is Sunday, September 11. You and your partners are encouraged to engage in service on this day and the days surrounding. AmeriCorps is calling upon organizations to become 9/11 Day Champions — promoting this national day of service as an opportunity to unite individuals, faiths, and communities. If you are spearheading a service project in your community, multi-faith or other, we invite you to become a 9/11 Day Champion and then register your project so that others may be inspired by your example and join your efforts. Still need ideas for projects, check out the resources and webinars on our 9/11 Day site.
• Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy in Religiously Diverse Societies | Tuesday, October 17, 12:00–1:15 pm, Online | The recent open-access volume Complexities of Spiritual Care in Plural Societies: Education, Praxis and Concepts (De Gruyter, 2022) contributes to an emerging field that could be referred to as “plural spiritual care and chaplaincy,” by innovatively bringing together contributions from a broad range of contexts and religious traditions. Including empirical work and conceptual explorations, the volume helps to fill the gap between practices and developments related to plural spiritual care and chaplaincy in the scholarly discourse, and their application for practitioners serving religiously diverse populations in health and chaplaincy settings. In this webinar, editor Anne Hege Grung will introduce the book and project, contributor Nazila Isgandarova will discuss female voices in Islamic spiritual care, and contributor Su Yon Pak will explore Buddhist chaplaincy education at a Protestant seminary. Time will be allowed for discussion and questions. Free and open to the public. Register Here.
• October 14th, Houston Upholding Democracy and Human Rights: A Global Call to Action — IAMC Support the global movement for Democracy and Human Rights by attending the 2023 Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) annual convention. At this event, you can listen to inspiring presentations, gain knowledge about the threat of Hindutva Nationalism, connect with activists, involve your children in leadership activities, and enjoy a program suitable for the whole family.
• The Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom is having a west coast regional conference, From Dialogue to Action, on October 29th in Sacramento, CA.
• Muslim Public Affairs Council is hosting its annual convention with award-winning journalist Mehdi Hasan on November 11th. You can get tickets here.

Fellowships

• Tri-Faith Initiative is pleased to announce the inaugural Emerging Clergy Seminar to Advance Interfaith Relationships and Understanding. This year’s theme is Growing Together. Participants will have opportunities to build rich relationships with other cohort members as well as with mentors in the world of interfaith work. The seminar includes five virtual gatherings and a one-weekend immersion experience at the Tri-Faith Commons. An exciting array of theological experts and interfaith leaders will lead seminar workshops and experiences. Travel, meal, and lodging expenses for the weekend at The Commons will be covered for cohort participants. READ MORE They are accepting applicants for the inaugural 2023 cohort! Applications are due by Friday, July 21, 2023. APPLY HERE
• NewGround: A Muslim-Jewish Partnership for Change | Applications are open right now for our Professional Fellowship and MAJIC High School Leadership Program.
• The Graymoore Ecumenical and Interreligious Institute (GEII) Internship is a paid opportunity for graduate students and seminarians to pursue their own research while supporting and participating in ongoing GEII programs and deepening their ecumenical/interreligious experience and perspective through collaboration with GEII staff. Application open until July 15.
• The Graymoor Peace, Reconciliation, and Ecumenicity Program (GPREP) is a retreat-based course of study and discernment intended to equip participants as “ambassadors of reconciliation” and “artisans of peace” within their communities and in relationships with religious others. Application open until August 15.
• Applications are open for Interfaith Center of New York’s new 2023–24 Racial Justice Advocacy Fellow position. You will work with colleagues at ICNY and our partner organizations to develop and implement multifaith advocacy campaigns, bringing the voices of diverse local religious leaders to bear on pressing racial justice issues, including criminal justice reform, closing the jails at Rikers Island, immigration reform, food justice concerns, and housing affordability. More information here
• Are you passionate about civil rights issues and combating antisemitism, domestic extremism and Holocaust denial? Or do you know someone who would be interested in joining a nationwide network of dynamic leaders (age 25–45) who share a passion for #FightingHateForGood? If the answer is yes, then don’t wait! Click here to APPLY today to be a part ADL’s Glass Leadership Institute. Click here to NOMINATE someone to join the 2023–2024 class.
• Applications are now open for the Interfaith Innovation Fellowship with Interfaith America! Join a community of emerging leaders dedicated to breaking barriers and building bridges across differences. Apply today and make a difference in your community.

Jobs

• South Asian lawyers: check out a new position Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund *specifically* focused on the South Asian community. Share & apply! We need you! Scroll to bottom of this link https://aaldef.org/about/jobs/
• Muslim Advocates is hiring! If you’re a values-aligned attorney who is committed to building power with impacted communities through deeply networked litigation and advocacy, please see here and attached for the job description. Please share widely!
• The Center for Security, Race and Rights is seeking to hire a social media and digital technology consultant. Interested persons can send their resume and a statement of interest to csrr@law.rutgers.edu
• ISPU is seeking our next Executive Director! It’s an incredible opportunity for an experienced executive with a passion for our mission to provide objective research and education about American Muslims to support well-informed dialogue and decision-making. You can find the post here.
• Director, Network Development & National Initiatives — CAIR
• Emgage is seeking an experienced, mission-driven professional to support our development operation as a development associate. Are you passionate about advancing our mission with value-aligned thought partners and supporters? This position may be for you! Learn more and apply here.
• Emgage is also seeking a development intern. Are you interested in mission-based fundraising? This job may be for you! Click here to learn more and apply.
• Emgage Michigan is seeking a program associate who will support our organizing operations by building a strategic development infrastructure with the development manager. Apply here.
• Emgage Michigan is also seeking a community organizer to grow Black Muslim American voter turnout and mobilize on key policy initiatives in coordination with Emgage’s African American Community Engagement efforts. Apply here.
• SALDEF Is Hiring a Program/Policy Associate Based in Washington, D.C. | SALDEF is seeking a resourceful, determined, and execution-oriented Program/Policy Associate to assist with the work of our Programs and Policy teams. Work will include: Execution of programs, policy communications, government relations, and community outreach; Execute and thoughtfully expand existing SALDEF Programs at the National SALDEF office based in Washington, D.C.; Support the Policy team in maintaining and adding to internal resources, managing stakeholders, and preparing outreach materials; Build leadership capacity within the Sikh-American community while elevating the Sikh American profile in corridors of power. Learn More and Apply
• Building Movement Project is seeking a part-time Associate of Finance and Administration to monitor finance and expense report management, maintain internal databases and other logistics. The Associate will work closely with BMP’s Finance, Grants, and Operations Manager and the Communications and Operations Associate to support the organization’s administrative functions and ensure compliance with the systems of our fiscal sponsor, TSNE. This is a U.S. remote position. Please share this opportunity with your networks! Learn more and apply: bit.ly/bmp-hiring-ops
• ReThink Media has an opening on our Rights & Inclusion team for a new Communications Associate/Sr. Communications Associate. Help us elevate and amplify partner organizations, creative producers, and advocates fighting for equity for Black, Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim, Sikh, and South Asian communities in the US. Learn More & Apply Now.

Resources

Organizations to check out:

• Get updates from the National Sikh Campaign by signing up for their emails.
• Follow Poligon Education Fund on Twitter to stay up to date.
• Sign up for the Religious Freedom Center’s First Five newsletter! It provides a weekly dose of First Amendment news.

Toolkits

• Explore the Institutional Islamophobia resource from the Institute for Social Policy Understanding (ISPU)
• Muslim American Experience Bibliography | ISPU
• Freedom Forum’s Guide to Teaching About Religion | This guide delves into the importance of religious studies while providing a civic framework for teaching about religion. Freedom Forum highlights a plethora of resources for educators, such as lesson plans, training modules, and guidelines.
• Living With our Deepest Differences — a collection of 10 lesson plans that explain the history and significance of the First Amendment religious liberty clauses and their decisive contribution to individual and communal freedom and to American democracy. Lessons are designed to deepen each student’s appreciation of the principles of religious liberty for peoples of all faiths and of none and to establish a strong civic commitment to the ground rules by which all citizens can contend robustly but civilly over religious differences in public life.
• “Pathways to Repair: An Illustrated Guide to Navigating Healing, Trust-Building, and Human Messiness” — created in collaboration with Faith Matters Network, The Dinner Party, and Rural Assembly from our series hosted last fall. You can download this powerful collection of stories and reflections about repair & conflict here.
• Building Movement Projects new resource called Writing A Solidarity Statement: Considerations and Process Questions. In the resource, you’ll find questions to reflect on before, during, and after drafting a solidarity statement, as well as examples of inspiring statements from different groups and networks.

Books

• Beacon Press: A Master Class on Being Human | A Black Christian and a Black Secular Humanist on Religion, Race, and Justice by Brad R. Braxton & Anthony B. Pinn
• The Systemic Reinforcement of Islamophobia: Five Recent Book Releases
• Between Two Moons by Aisha Abdel Gawad — Recently reviewed: Aisha Abdel Gawad debut novel called “Between Two Moons” reflecting post 9/11 America”

Reports

• Building Trust Across The World’s Divides: Case Studies | Initiatives of Change
• Starting Anew: The Economic Impact of Refugees in America | The American Immigration Council
• Othering and Belonging Institute memorandum on the Supreme Court Decision on Affirmative Action in Education | Detailed guidance on how to “advance equity” within the parameters of law, including those laid down today. Our new guidance provides helpful distinctions between confusing and often conflated terms, as well as practical guidance for what is permitted and what is not, with many examples.

Articles/Podcasts/Videos

• Where Religious Identity Fits into Your DEI Strategy
• How Lesser-Known Religions Protect Religious Freedom
• Who is a Real American — Bishop Elizabeth Eaton — Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
• In his blog post, “New York City: History and Values a July 4th Reflection”, St. John’s University Professor John Gonzales reviews the evolution of religious freedom beginning with challenges posed by the Quakers and others to Governor Peter Stuyvesant in New Amsterdam. Gonzales concludes his reflection by describing last week’s Interfaith Center of New York’s gala and the migrant-support work of Faith Justice Heroes Adama Bah and Imam Omar Niass. He cites ICNY’s mission statement as carrying on “the legacy of the signers of the Flushing Remonstrance by empowering and involving diverse religious institutions in the work of advocacy and social action.”
• New podcast episode delves into Banking while Muslim | On this episode of Deep Dives with ISPU, Executive Director Meira Neggaz talks with two experts about systemic discriminatory practices of U.S. banking institutions when dealing with Muslims and Muslim-affiliated organizations. Read the analysis. Read this Op-ed, Banking as an American Muslim? It’s a horror.
• Sabbath — Film from Journey Films www.journeyfilms.com. You can also find a series of SABBATH discussion and retreat guides on the website, as well as additional Zoom interviews about Sabbath with leaders from a large variety of religious traditions.
• In her latest piece, Dr. Rev. Audrey Price tackled the pressing issue of division in America, examining the impact of religion on racial issues, and offering insight on how religion can help heal rifts that separate us.
• Read Simran Jeet Singh’s latest article, co-written with Joshua Seftel, Director of Stranger at the Gate, on the power of storytelling.
• Everyday Heroes Finalist: Imran Malik

Closing:

An excerpt from The Gift of Our Wounds by Arno Michaelis and Pardeep Singh Kaleka

Pardeep: As I look at that fateful day in August 2012, I do so free from disdain in my heart. For I bore witness to a great human family that refused to be defined by the hate that took seven lives* and instead demonstrated the vast healing power of love. Bearing witness is “to be evidence or proof of.” As the Sikh community grieved, we witnessed the truth upon which our religious was founded. We call it Ek Onkar. It means we are one, from a single creator, and we share this divinity with all of creation. When our community felt the most victimized, the most vulnerable and hurt, we saw Christians, Muslims, Hindus, and Jews, people of all ethnicities and backgrounds, gather together outside our Gurdwara in the spirit of Oneness. Thousands of people, in a rainbow of colors, speaking different languages, stood together in kinship, engaging in communal prayer and helping each other to heal.

It was in this continuation of spirit and defiant love that we saw light in what had seemed like infinite darkness. Ours was a brotherhood of genuine honesty, compassion, understanding, gratitude, and joy. Together we were mindful of the truth that forgiveness is not forgetting, but rather forging a path to healing. It was not condoning the offense, but instead bridging individuals and communities–the ultimate vengeance against cycles of suffering that will challenge human existence. What I learned from that experience is that forgiveness is freedom.

*An 8th person, Baba Punjab Singh, died in 2020 of his wounds suffered in 2012. In this book, the authors count the gunman among those killed that day.