Since the terror attacks of 9/11 there has clearly been a backlash against Muslims, ranging from hate crimes and hate speech to restriction on civil rights and immigration. With the ongoing atmosphere of fear, the sense of crisis among Muslims has not abated.

The cultural diversity of NY Muslims, fragmentation along race, gender, and class lines, and an under-resourced Muslim social services sector are additional factors that limit our ability to respond collectively and creatively to current challenges.

Therefore, Muslim Consultative Network seeks to strengthen the capacity of our fragmented and under-resourced communities. MCN promotes inclusion and collaboration among local organizations that serve Muslim communities. Coalition members collectively work to support organizational development and capacity building. We also promote community members’ access to resources by organizing and co-sponsoring community trainings. Our vision and our hope is that as we promote greater cooperation and increased civic engagement, we will also promote more resilient communities.

MCN services are faith-based, but we do not proselytize. We also do not limit our assistance to those in our circle of faith but rather aim to support and partner with all New York communities, irrespective of race, class, religion or gender. Members advocate women's access to local mosques where facilities are currently limited due to cultural and/or economic reasons. Members are also active in interfaith dialogue, recognizing its importance as an essential component of our service.

MCN, as a coalition of NY activists, community leaders, and organizational representatives, is uniquely well positioned to empower and engage community members across ethnic, class and racial boundaries. This New York network is also distinctive in its equal representation of male and female Muslim community leaders.