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In This Issue
MPV YouTube
Artist Highlight
Karima Bennoune
Poetry Corner
AIM
MPV In the Media
United Nations
Annual Retreat
Spirit Day
MPV Action
Help MPV Grow!
Want to Keep Up with MPV?

MPV YouTube
MPV has several videos on YouTube that highlight our work and the work of others.

Please visit our YouTube Channel for the latest updates!

Artist Highlight
Leila and Omnia
MPV had the awesome honor of having sister Omnia and Leila Hegazy perform at the MPV Annual Retreat.

Omnia's music is informed by guitar-driven American pop/rock, maqam-based Arabic folk, and the politically-charged singer-songwriters of the past and present.

Leila is inspired by past and present leading ladies from the soul and jazz scene


Congrats!

Karima Bennoune, author of  Your Fatwa Does Not Apply Here, is a finalist for the Dayton Literary Peace Prize. Support Karima by visiting her site and learning more about the book and the stories related in it in the fight against Muslim Fundamentalism.
Poetry Corner
 
The Most Frightening Fact 
Frank Parmir 
MPV-Columbus (OH) 
The most frightening fact
I know about the terrorists
is that every one of them
was once an innocent child.
And the pains that eviled them
cannot be bombed away.
And while those pains remain,
the supply of terrorists
will not ever end.

I swear:
I will keep watch;
when I see the negligence,
when I see the injustice,
when I see the judgment
that must bring pain
arising in my heart,
I will repent.
And return to Love.

So help me God.

AIM - Alliance of Inclusive Muslims
In partnership with our U.K. friends Quilliam Foundation and human rights lawyer Tehmina Kazi, Muslims for Progressive Values launched AIM - Alliance of Inclusive Muslims

We believe Muslims all over the world are extremely tired of the sectarian conflict and the injustices justified in the name of Islam. We believe Muslims all over the world want to uplift themselves and to challenge the oppression that keeps them down. 

AIM is open to self-identified Muslim individuals and organizations. Names will be kept confidential particularly for those living in fear of retaliation from their governments. 

Join AIM! 

 

 

Be Yourself. Be Muslim.
September 2014
Peaceful Greetings!     
 
August and September has been a busy time for MPV!
 
In August, MPV not only participated in the United Nations DPI/NGO Conference in New York, but was a part of a panel that highlighted how interfaith progressive values promote universal human rights. We also met with several organizations and nation states to move forward action towards human rights, justice, and compassion for all. Our efforts resulted in inclusion of our recommended wording in the the Conference Declaration, which is presented to the UN General Assembly.

MPV held it's annual retreat, sponsored by MPV-NY and supported by the Metropolitan Community Church, which provided its entire facility for our use during the retreat. We focused on critical thinking within the context of Islam and had workshops focused on such topics as child marriage, blasphemy laws, supremacy in religion, and challenging Islamic tradition.

In September, MPV has been hard at work participating in the AIR Conference in South Africa. We have been organizing post-MPV retreat with the local communities for programming throughout the year.

MPV has also been working hard to counter the voices of violent extremism, particularly those of ISIS/ISIL/DAISH (scum) seen (and promoted) in the media. MPV has been featured in several articles across the globe speaking out constantly against violent extremism done in the name of religion.
 
If you would like to see MPV continue to expand the work it does, then please donate. Your donation will enable us to develop content needed, to amplify our voice further, and to support the basic logistical needs of running a non-profit such as ours.

People are listening. Show us you are listening, too! 
 


MPV In the Media
Terna and Wazina from Coming Out Muslim
Two trailblazing performers "Coming Out Muslim"
Eric A. Gordon - People's World
 
"Yes, the double entendre is intentional: Coming out as gay/lesbian and simultaneously affirming (or adopting) a Muslim identity." 
 

 

Muslims Stand Against ISIS, Too
Junaid Juhangir - 
HuffPost Canada


"A friend told me recently that the horrific conduct of ISIS -- Islamic State in Iraq and Syria -- has left many people with the impression that all Muslims are like ISIS. However, a simple Google search reveals the Muslim response to ISIS."


A Ten-Point Plan for Defeating ISIS and Muslim Fundamentalism
Karima Bennoune - Huffington Post

"We need a worldwide coalition of people of Muslim heritage standing together against Islamist ideology. Ani Zonneveld, founder of Muslims for Progressive Values, is categorical: 'ISIS's slaughter of innocent people is a disgrace to Islam. As Muslims we need to go beyond condemnation and get to the root. We must ask ourselves, 'How did this come about, and are we doing enough to stamp out this theology of hate?'"

65th Annual UN DPI/NGO Conference
MPV participated in the UN DPI/NGO Conference the week of August 25, 2014.

Some highlights of the week include:
MPV's 8th Annual Retreat- Islam for Thinkers

Muslims for Progressive Value's National Retreat is an annual gathering of diverse forward-thinking Muslims from all over the world.

The retreat was held August 30 and offered discussions and lectures that covered a wide range of topics pertinent to the Muslim community. It was a chance to hold open, judgment-free dialogue on topics, which may be considered taboo in the mainstream. These were interactive sessions and attendees were encouraged to ask questions, share their views and engage in discussions.

Farouk A. Peru presented on the topic of "Reforming Islam: Radical Dissociation" via YouTube and answered question via Skype.

Go Purple on October 16 for #spiritday

Muslims for Progressive Values will support Spirit Day on Thursday, October 16, 2014. This day is sponsored by GLAAD

Millions go purple on Spirit Day in a stand against bullying and to show their support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth. Observed annually since 2010, individuals, schools, organizations, corporations, and public figures wear purple, which symbolizes 'spirit' on the rainbow flag.

To find out more and participate, click here or contact kelly@mpvatlanta.org.
MPV Action
MPV Amplifies Its Voice

MPV participated in a convening of members of the Muslim community, Hollywood entertainment heavy hitters, techies and gamers in creating a counter narrative in response to radicalism, and in amplifying moderate Muslim voices in America. Keep a look out for more details!

MPV Raises Awareness on Women's and Girls Issues

On October 2, 2014, MPV (in partnership with MPV-DC) will participate as a consultant to the the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in Washington, DC. This session is an opportunity for MPV to interact with the U.S. government, including representatives from the White House and other U.S. federal agencies, to work within communities to prevent FGM/C and to provide support to those affected.
Readers like you are the reason we can accomplish so much and have such a large voice in the international community. MPV continue to operate an all-volunteer organization and wants to continue to grow our presence, including a goal of having paid staff to be constantly present at the United Nations and to help continue to grow and organize MPV and the worldwide movement of progressive and inclusive Islam.

Join MPV and/or Donate today!
 
Much Peace,
 
Muslims for Progressive Values