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Farewell 2011...
2011 has been one of our busiest and most exciting years yet! Here's a short recap highlighting some key events: - In July, we held our 5th annual retreat, "Cultivating Spirituality and an Ethos of Justice" in Berkeley, California. - Our anthology, Progressive Muslims Identities, was published in September, followed by book launches across the country. - On October 24th, Congressman Keith Ellison presented a keynote address at our first reception in Washington D.C. - MPV local chapters and affiliates continued to grow, including the addition of a Toronto chapter. - We launched our membership campaign (see below for more details on becoming an official member of MPV)!
The end of the calendar year is a time to count blessings and share gratitude with those we hold dear. It is in this vein that we share our sincerest thanks for your support over the last year. None of the above would have been possible without your belief in this movement.
As 2011 comes to a close, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to MPV . With your support, we can continue building upon our successes and nurturing our rapidly growing community.
Peace and blessings,
Ani Zonneveld on behalf of The Board of Directors | |
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MPV Reception Featuring Congressman Keith Ellison
 | | Congressman Ellison with MPV officers and board members |
MPV held its first reception On October 24th, 2011 in Washington D.C.. Congressman Keith Ellison presented a keynote speech on the subject of "Growing our Progressive Muslim Movement". The Human Rights Campaign generously provided us with space at their headquarters. The event drew a diverse crowd, including diplomats, White House representatives, interfaith leaders and the media. In reference to MPV's Literary Zikr project, the Congressman said, "It's very important to expand the basis of information and understanding, and I'm just proud they're doing it".
Thank you Congressman Ellison for your support!
And many thanks to the Host Committee Eboo Patel and Professor John Esposito.
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Membership
In the latest Gallup poll (page 25) 55% of Muslim men and 42% of women answered "None" to the question of which national Muslim American Organization represents you. Are you one of the majority of Muslims seeking an organization that reflects your values? Do you believe that Islam is inherently progressive, inclusive and egalitarian? Do you want to join a diverse community that is inclusive of all races, genders, sexual orientations and sectarian affiliations? Do you want to pray in spaces where families can worship together (like we do in Mecca), where women can lead coed congregations, and where mixed faith couples are welcome? If you answered 'yes' to all of the above then join us today by becoming a member of Muslims for Progressive Values! |
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MPV's Book Launch Featuring Dr. Khaled Abou EL Fadl and Comedian Aasif Mandvi
On November 6th, 2011 Muslims for Progressive Values launched its anthology "ProgressiveMuslim Identities: Personal Stories from the U.S. and Canada" edited by Vanessa Karam, Olivia Samad and Ani Zonneveld. Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl, Professor of Islamic Studies and Law at UCLA and one of the world's leading authorities on Islamic law and Islam, and a prominent scholar in the field of human rights, opened the event. Aasif Mandvi (of "Today's Special" and "The Daily Show") who wrote the foreword to the book, shared a few reflections of his own. Contributors to the anthology, Ahmed Morsy, M. Ameerah Saleem, Olivia Samad, Sahira Traband and Sumaya Cole read and answered questions from audience members.
The rise of Islamophobia, from the bullying of Muslim kids in schools to discrimination towards Muslims in the workplace and negative portrayals in the media, has made it all the more important to neutralize a growing fear of Muslims and Islam. This book is a collective effort by our community to share our experiences, and in doing so, combat Islamophobia and define our identities as North American Muslims.
In "Progressive Muslim Identities" the voice of progressive Muslims is presented by gay, straight, black, white and brown writers from the United States and Canada. Narrating their personal story, their voice powerfully highlights human dignity, freedom of conscience and the inner strength it takes to live by their ideals.
Buy your copy of the book! The book is a perfect gift for your Muslim and non-Muslim friends alike. For ordering details visit www.mpvusa.org/anthology.
Encourage your local bookstore to carry Progressive Muslim Identities. If you're interested in hosting a book reading in your community, please contact us at info@mpvusa.org.
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Donate Today!
Muslims for Progressive Values relies on donations from community members to implement our annual retreat and many other initiatives. Click here to support our organization with a tax-deductible donation today.
Muslims for Progressive Values is a registered 501(c)3 organization.
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