In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful ISLAMIC RESOURCE GROUP Building Bridges Through Education About IRG Islamic Resource Group (IRG) is a nonprofit/tax-exempt educational organization, based in Minneapolis & St. Paul with a chapter in Rochester, MN. IRG delivers presentations relating to Islam & the Muslims following the Islamic Networks Group (ING) model. IRG’s presentations are conducted through its Minnesota Islamic Speakers Bureau (MN ISB) program. IRG is a member of the national Network of Affiliated Speakers Bureaus (NASaB) that currently has 26 bureaus nationwide in its network. Our Mission Our mission is to eliminate stereotyping through educational programs. Surveys indicate that nearly half of all Americans believe that Islam condones terrorism, is anti-American, poses a security threat and oppresses women. Our Educational programs meet the following objectives: 1) Correct misinformation about Islam. 2) Teach Islamic fundamentals, including Islamic beliefs and practices 3) Provide tailored information about Muslims as it relates to the needs of the public institutions 4) Foster a sustainable relationship between public institutions and the local Muslim community Our strategy Our strategy is tailored educational programs that are delivered directly by informed Muslims to the following institutions: 1) Schools 2) Media 3) Law Enforcement 4) Businesses 5) Hospitals 6) Community Education 7) Faith based organizations IRG Principles IRG’s Programs are based on the following principles 1. We are educators and a bridge between Islam and non-Muslims. 2. We emphasize local activism and the importance of building honest, intimate, and long-term relationships as an effective process for teaching about Islam.  3. We stress face-to-face interaction, giving a human face to theoretical or seemingly foreign practices, which is the most powerful tool in overcoming stereotypes and prejudices. 4. Our educational programs are mutually beneficial, meeting the needs of public institutions as well as the needs of Muslims.  5. We work towards being a trusted source of information on Islam.  6. We focus on proactive activity, which means we initiate instead of react.  7. We interact with people based on the belief in their innate nature as decent and honorable human beings. S^chools IRG’s goal in working with schools is to correct any misinformation about Islam found in textbooks as well as give a human face to the fastest growing faith in America. Our strategy for achieving this goal is face-to-face interaction between Muslims and school children and teachers.  Our most effective process in this area is participating in the existing public education of Islam in the context of World History and Social Studies.  At teacher’s invitation, the speakers give a presentation, which combines a formal presentation using either the transparencies or an LCD projector with an informal interaction with the students. Beginning with an introduction to the Islamic greeting, “Assalamualaikum”, we cover a variety of topics such as Islamic beliefs and practices, and how they relate to everyday life in America; Muslim population around the world, including America; and, Islamic holidays and celebrations. In addition, speakers may tailor their presentations to cover broader topics such as social issues for American teens, women and families, stereotypes and perceptions, and conflicts around the world involving Muslims. “I have more knowledge about their culture and with that comes more acceptance and more respect. Many misconstrued ideas I had about Islam have been corrected.” (11^th grader ) “Thank you so much for wonderful presentations. Our staff was extremely impressed and felt it was such an honor to have you as part of our professional development day. Continue your fine work. Education is key to global understanding. You have helped us learn and appreciate your faith and culture”. (Asst. Principal of a Middle School) C^ommunity Education IRG considers this to be one of the best grass-roots efforts to educate America about Islam. Each city has a Community Education program. This program allows the residents of the city to offer educational courses.  IRG will work with interested Muslims living in various cities in the twin-cities and surrounding areas and help them offer educative courses on Islam. Courses can be of any duration ranging from one time session to a semester long course. M^edia IRG’s goal for working with the media is to educate the media about Islam and Muslims. Our strategy for achieving this goal is to build long-term relationships between media decision-makers and Muslims, while becoming a trusted source of information on Islam. L^aw Enforcement IRG’s goal for working with law enforcement is to ensure the safety and security of Muslims. Our strategy for achieving this goal is to familiarize law enforcement with Islam and Muslim culture by teaching protocols for interaction with Muslims. We plan to participate in law enforcement hate crime networks and State Commissions on diversity training. B^usinesses IRG's goal for working with corporations is to ensure "fair employment" practices for Muslim employees as well as provide better understanding and tolerance between employees. Our strategy for achieving this goal is familiarizing corporate managers and employees with Islam and Muslim religious practices on the job. Our most effective process is implementing educational seminars for managers and employees, which are usually scheduled through Muslim employees of that company. F^aith Based Organizations In the aftermath of September 11th, people of all faiths are sensing the need to come together, learn more about each other, and share our commonalities while understanding our differences. At IRG, we feel the key to understanding is education and dialogue. To this end, we have presentations especially designed for faith based organizations and community centers to learn more about the religion of Islam and its 1.3 billion adherents.