Over the past three years, 60–62% of Muslims in the United States have reported experiencing religious discrimination according to the annual American Muslim Poll conducted by the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding. Muslim students, too, report a higher rate of bullying from both educators and their peers than other religious groups. Half (51%) of Muslim families reporting religious-based bullying, which is twice more likely than the general public (27%). Muslim communities work tirelessly to advocate for themselves and their children, and these efforts can be aided by non-Muslim individuals who seek to build bridges and challenge anti-Muslim sentiment in their own communities.
Islamic Resource Group’s primary service centers on giving presentations about the Muslim community from a “real life Muslim” to non-Muslim audiences. But as religious discrimination against Muslims in the United States persists, IRG has identified an opportunity to further expand our multi-faith coalition and relationships through engaging our allies in a continued education program connected with our pre-existing IRG Ambassadors program.
To round out this program, IRG launched the “Certificate of Advanced Learning: Islamic Resource Group’s ‘Understanding Islam & Muslims’ Curriculum for IRG Ambassadors” in early 2021.
Register your interest for the program using this form.
View and download program PDF flyer.
Program Q&A:
What is involved to achieve the Certificate of Advanced Learning?
IRG’s certificate program is designed for ANYONE interested in learning about Islam. This cohort-style, virtual presentation model provides an opportunity to be an active part of multi-faith bridge building. Registered participants agree to attend four virtual IRG presentations that are given for their certificate group and term. For the Winter-Spring 2021 program, the offered courses are:
- Introduction to Islam and Muslims
- Women in Islam
- A workshop for educators and other professionals
- A multi-faith panel
Please note that a $25, one-time participation fee is required of all participants.
What is the timeline to achieve the Certificate of Advanced Learning?
For the Winter–Spring 2021 program, the four virtual presentations will be held the last Sunday of every month beginning in January. The presentations will take place from 7–8:3oPM CST. These dates are:
- Sunday, January 31st 2021 – Introduction to Islam and Muslims
- Sunday, February 28th 2021 – Women in Islam
- Sunday, March 28th 2021 – Professional Workshop
- Sunday, April 21st 2021 – Multi-faith Panel
What do participants in IRG’s Certificate of Advanced Learning program get out of their involvement?
Upon the completion of the four presentations and follow-up conversations, participants will be presented a certificate from IRG naming them an IRG Ambassador, as well as a branded IRG item. In addition, this is a networking opportunity, and participants will be presented with additional information on how they can stay involved with IRG, the Minnesota multi-faith community, and bridge building work across differences.
