Outreach/FF
MAS Outreach and MAS Freedom Foundation have joined locally to offer various activities, events, campaigns, sub-departments, etc. to serve our community:
Media Foundation: Media, the most powerful medium of communication, can be a tremendous force for good. MAS Tampa hopes to work off their 2007 media workshop to further train other youth in the use of media equpiment, mainly video, to create unique and informative videos that will encourage positive change in the community, whether it be dispelling stereotypes, encouraging family values, or commenting on current events. To see a sampling of what Tampa and other chapters have already done, please visit the video section.
Voting is Power (VIP): For more information on this campaign, please visit the VIP website. Look for upcoming local events regarding voter registration and participation. Will you be “The Decider” in 2008?
Islam Presentation Series: We frequently give presentations at various churches, schools, universities, and other groups to inform those who are interested. It could simply be an “Intro to Islam” or something more topic specific as “Islam and the Environment.” If you are interested in having a presentation done at your institution, school, or group, please use our contact form (choose Outreach Dept as subject). We also welcome panel sessions where various religious groups speak on one topic from each perspective.
Interfaith Projects: We plan on increasing our interfaith activities in the future such as picnics or general social gatherings. The aim is to warm the hearts and create bonds with our neighbors.
Civic/Political Engagement: On occaision certain issues arise where we collectively take action such as peaceful rallies, writing letters to government officials, holding forums, submitting editorials/letters to magazines/newspapers, etc.
Service Corp: Part of outreach is giving back to the community that you are a part of. Think of the community as one living organism; if part of it is hurting, it affects the whole body. Muslims need to step up and be at the forefront of serving their community as it is taught in our faith. Such campaigns include the annual Udhiyah Meat Drive, where an individual can purchase an animal to satisfy their Eid sacrifice, of which it is then processed, packaged, and donated to the needy, regardless of faith. Another campaign is the Build a Backpack where individuals can sponsor school supplies for under priveledged children. For more info on the Service Corp, visit the national website.
Note: The MAS Youth department has its own MY Give which encourages youth to get involved and participate in various local community service projects. For more info visit our Youth site.
