Newsletter (July 2024): Register for IAMC retreat in Chicago; five new op-eds, and more
Assalamu alaykum!
July was a month for big news – we announced our upcoming Annual Retreat, hopped on the radio to talk about the implications of Modi’s third term, published a number of op-eds on threats posed by Hindu supremacy to peace and democracy in India and the US, and more.
Here’s our bullet point summary.
BULLET POINT SUMMARY:
- IAMC announced its upcoming retreat for grassroots volunteers
- Published five op-eds in outlets across the country
- Started pushback on the planned inclusion of a Ram Temple float in an NYC parade
- Displayed a table booth at ISNA Regional Conference
- Associate Media Director Safa Ahmed interviewed on Indian elections
Keep scrolling to learn more about the retreat as well as our achievements in detail.
UPCOMING: IAMC RETREAT
We’re thrilled to announce our upcoming annual retreat for our grassroots volunteers from all over the country! This year’s retreat will be hosted by our Chicago chapter from Friday, August 23, through Sunday, August 25, 2024.
Why should you join us? IAMC’s annual retreat offers a unique networking opportunity, where you can engage in discussions, share ideas, and advance our advocacy efforts. You’ll have the chance to meet IAMC National leadership, staff, representatives, and volunteers from chapters nationwide, all under one roof.
IAMC will cover accommodation, food costs, and shuttle services for the retreat. Participants are advised to book flights to Midway (preferred) or O’Hare International Airport. To maximize the benefits of the retreat, please plan to arrive on Thursday evening and depart on Sunday evening.
Be sure to RSVP for the retreat here, and join us in growing our impact.
IAMC ON NEW YORK’S RAM MANDIR-FLAUNTING PARADE
Once again, Hindu far-right groups are planning to turn Indian Independence Day into a means to flaunt hate symbols. An upcoming Independence Day parade in New York City plans to include a float showing off the Ram Temple – a blatant symbol of mob violence and anti-Muslim hatred.
We’re taking a stand. Read IAMC’s press release on the issue here.
Want to spread the word? Watch and share the video below to hear IAMC Associate Media Director Safa Ahmed explain the Ram Temple’s hateful symbolism:
Explainer: Why the Planned Inclusion of a Ram Mandir Float by Far-Right Hindu Groups in the India Day Parade is hateful? IAMC’s Associate Media Director, Safa Ahmed Explains pic.twitter.com/JvqBahflsF
— Indian American Muslim Council (@IAMCouncil) July 30, 2024
IAMC ON AIR & IN THE MEDIA
We’re on air yet again! South Africa’s Radio Islam interviewed Associate Media Director Safa Ahmed on what’s next for Indian minorities in the face of a third Modi term. You can listen to Safa talk about Indian elections, Hindutva in the diaspora, and the need to support Indian Muslims’ human rights here.
We also put out five op-eds on topics ranging from Indian political prisoners to the American Hindu right. Check them out below:
- Religion News Service: America’s far right is learning from India’s Hindu nationalists, by IAMC Executive Director Rasheed Ahmed
- Santa Maria Times and Santa Ynez Valley News: Indian Americans have a role to play in educating Californians about Hindu nationalism, by IAMC General Secretary Ishaq Syed
- Jacobin: Release India’s Political Prisoners, by IAMC Associate Media Director Safa Ahmed
- Marin Independent Journal: Indian Americans have a role to play in educating state about Hindu nationalism
We’re also staying relevant in the media – you can keep up with our Press Mentions here, and our Press Releases on important issues here.
CHAPTER ACTIVITIES
Our chapters are making sure IAMC gets highlighted in the local advocacy scene, and are gearing up for a new wave of events that’ll last through the summer. Keep scrolling to see what they’re up to!
Atlanta
- Displayed a Table booth at ISNA (Islamic Society of North America) Regional Conference in collaboration with YMTA (Young Muslim Talent of America) on July 13 and 14
Boston
- Working on plans to host a youth conference for aspiring young leaders and rising stars within the Indian American Muslim community
- Will host an Independence Day commemoration event, finalized for August 18
MORE
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