Combating Islamophobia
Action and Resource List:
->Educate Yourself about Islam and What’s Happening
◦ Check out Islamfactcheck.org (for common false assertions and factual responses)
◦ Check out the FAQ at Islamic Network Group (for answers to questions about Islam)
◦ Learn about the Islamophobia network:
▪ Report called “Fear, Inc.”: islamophobianetwork.com
▪ Report called Confronting Fear”: islamophobia.org
◦ Join the Network Against Islamophobia to stop Islamophobia and racism
◦ Check out Southern Poverty Law Center’s guide to anti-Muslim Extremists here
◦ Learn about the hate attacks in our country: hatehurts.net
◦ Visit a mosque: contact outreach@mapsredmond.org to arrange date/time for visit to Muslim Association of Puget Sound (MAPS) in Redmond, WA
◦ Email MuslimActionList@gmail.com to get an electronic copy of this action sheet and learn of future events
◦ Email MAPS-AMEN@mapsredmond.org to volunteer with MAPS-AMEN (American Muslim Empowerment Network), a new initiative to address the challenges of our times
◦ Join distribution lists or follow organizations like Jewish Voice for Peace or a mosque like Muslim Association of Puget Sound to stay informed
->Meet Muslims and help others get to know Islam/Muslims
◦ Get to know your Muslim neighbors, colleagues, and fellow citizens
◦ Host interfaith gatherings and introduce your Muslim friends to non-Muslim friends
◦ Host a talk/event on Islam (get speakers from CAIR–WA, MAPS, ING)
◦ Learn about American Muslims through studies like this one, or this Pew Research Center study on American Muslims, or the study on mosques
->Be an Active Ally and look for opportunities to provide support/assistance
◦ Publicly and vocally welcome Muslims as your neighbors
◦ Show up with signs of support when you hear of mosque protesters, hate crimes, etc.
◦ Speak out when you hear someone being harassed/attacked or hateful rhetoric used
◦ Offer to accompany Muslim women or others who may be afraid right now
◦ Listen to Muslim youth who may need understanding/counseling on these issues
◦Find, publicize and attend interfaith and other educational events – bring friends
->*** Use the Power of Your Pen and Voice ***
◦ Speak publicly and vocally through mainstream media – it’s the most effective way to change hearts and minds! Write an op-ed or letter to the editor about the lives and contributions of American Muslims you know and the need for us to unite on our shared American values of religious freedom, tolerance and diversity. You can find messaging, data points, and other help here: cairseattle.org/allies
◦ Use personal conversations, group discussions, blogs, and social media to promote the letters you write to media about American Muslims and to stand against hate
◦ Speak about your values as a person of faith and help educate your social network about similarities in our faith traditions and the need to stand together
◦ Speak out when you hear hateful rhetoric or conspiracy theories being spread about minorities, because hate speech leads to hate crimes
◦Stand up for those being physically or verbally attacked or dehumanized in person or on social media – don’t leave it to the victims to respond
->Look for and Build Solidarity Movements
◦ Check out and support “Neighbors in Faith”: http://www.neighborsinfaith.org/
◦ Join a Neighborhood Action Committee: https://www.neighborhoodaction.info/
◦Build solidarity movements within your own circle of friends and network of colleagues, and brainstorm ways to help
◦ Find and sign statements of solidarity, relevant petitions, etc.
◦ Have your church, synagogue, temple, company, or other entity post/display a Muslim solidarity sign or message (in newsletters, reader boards, etc.) ◦ Wear a safety pin as a symbol of solidarity. More info here
->Respond in Positive, Constructive Ways to Negative Actions
◦ Use tragedies/attacks as way to bring people together, stand in solidarity, and educate the community
◦Take action in response to destructive and dangerous behavior by individuals, politicians, and commentators by organizing and speaking out
->Donate your Time and Money to Worthwhile Causes
◦ Volunteer with and/or contribute to the local chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations, Muslim Legal Fund of America, or other organizations
◦ Join or contribute to other organizations working to fight hate and discrimination, like the Southern Poverty Law Center, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
◦ Volunteer to participate in interfaith service activities, like those organized by the Muslim Community Resource Center
->Get (and Stay) Involved Politically
◦Contact your political leaders to insist they use every opportunity to publicly and vocally speak about our shared American values and stand against hate
◦ Urge your representatives to support the “No Religious Registry Act,” H.R. 6382
◦ Contact the White House to ask that President Obama dismantle the NSEERS regulations. More info here
◦ Sign up with Faith Action Network to learn of opportunities for political involvement
->Pray!
◦ Pray individually or together for vulnerable communities and for love to prevail