MCN members work to strengthen NYC Muslim communities by providing needed social services; promoting civic engagement, collaboration and interfaith dialogue; and developing sustained public education and outreach on issues that affect Muslim New Yorkers from diverse racial and ethnic, linguistic, and sectarian backgrounds.    Our community institutions and mosques must be further strengthened to serve the 600,000 plus immigrant and indigenous New Yorkers.   MCN provides a much-needed platform for participants to share information, develop joint projects, and enhance mutual support.  We work proactively to reduce the sense of isolation and help the community realize its potential within the vibrant human family of New York City.

Some past and ongoing projects include:

Developing a response to the serious health and mental health impact on NYC Muslims of 9/11 disaster; including through small grants to community organizations and consultation on and adaptation of a curriculum for group healing for Muslim participants. See a list of 2007 and 2006 grantees at Our Activities.

Responding to profiling, backlash, discrimination, misrepresentation in the media, and all forms of intolerance.

Planning and co-sponsoring events and workshops to promote wellness in a culturally and socially appropriate manner, not excluding sensitive subjects as Domestic Violence and HIV Awareness and Prevention (see Past Events).

Increasing community awareness and inclusive participation in Disaster preparedness, including coordination with city officials, promotion of backlash mitigation planning, law enforcement dialogue and shelter management training;

Supporting Civic Engagement, Interfaith and Intra-faith dialogue, community events promoting positive self-image, youth activities, volunteerism, media outreach and skills building, training and educational advocacy.

MCN's vision is develop in the following areas, as well as to continue connecting our communities and institutions to existing resources and opportunities in New York City.

Trainings

• Disaster Preparedness and Planning
• Best Practices for Non-Profits
• Health Promotion
• Civil Liberties
• Communication
• Diversity

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Community Empowerment

• Interfaith Dialogue
• Intrafaith Dialogue
• Speakers Bureau
• Know Your Rights
• Youth Civic Engagement

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Capacity Building and Incubation Projects

• Social Services Basics
• Transparency
• Burial Funds
• Strategies for Mutual Support and Coordination

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Communication

• Forums and Town Halls
• Newsletter, website, conferences to strengthen community, self-help and mutual assistance

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