Asma Mirza
August 2007

Salams MSAers!  This month's Desktop comes to you from the University of Maryland in College Park.  Like many of you, I am both excited and anxious about the new school year.  Overall, I'm eager to start the new MSA year on the right foot.

First I'd like to welcome both Br. Zeeshan Qasim as the new West Zone USA Rep and Sr. Qudsiyya Zalgaonker as the new East Zone Canada Rep.  Br. Zeeshan is in his final year at California State University. In addition to a rigorous Accounting course load, Br. Zeeshan is very active in a local youth halaqa, or study circle, and interfaith work.  Sr. Qudsiyya is a student at McMaster University in Peace Studies and Mass Communication.  Her range of experiences stem from her years of work with her local MSA.  She served in the positions of Treasurer, Secretary and Senior Advisor to her MSA and was Co-Coordinator for the South Western Ontario MSA Council. I encourage everyone to read their introduction letters and welcome them both to the MSA National Executive Committee!

The past four weeks have flown by as the Executive Committee and Task Forces prepared for our largest event of the year: the MSA National Continental Conference in Chicago, IL held parallel to the ISNA and MYNA annual conventions.  We hope this year's conference will underscore the importance of the Continental Conference, the largest single meeting of MSA Students from across the US and Canada.

This year the Continental Conference will include Action Hour, an innovative program designed by the MSA National Executive Committee and leaders of Project Downtown to encourage students to put their faith into action.  For leaders of MSA Chapters, we've prepared three management training workshops by COMPASS that focus specifically on MSA issues.  In addition, we will hold an Executive Roundtable so MSA leaders can meet one another and have face to face discussions with their MSA National representatives.  Other highlights include the $1 Campaign, a powerful program, and new MSA merchandise.

I am also delighted to reveal the new MSA National logo at the Continental Conference!  Masha'Allah the logo competition was a great success with entries from all over the country and even a few from Europe.

In addition to our focus on the Continental Conference, we have already started looking ahead to Zonal Conference season.  We are in the process of reviewing several conference proposals for the East Zone USA and Central Zone USA Zonal Conferences.  Masha'Allah it's great to see the level of dedication and excitement by the proposed hosts.

This past month we also focused on media and public affairs.  I briefly met with members of the American Muslim Taskforce to hear about ways Muslim organizations are working to protect civil rights in America.  In response to incidents at campuses, I worked with our programs committee to create a session at Continental Conference about how to address anti-Islamic sentiments on campus.  I had the opportunity to work with former MSA National volunteers, local activists and media specialists to respond to articles and underscore the importance of Muslim Accommodations on campus.  I spoke to Muslim Chaplains and encouraged them to do the same.

Also noteworthy, I had the pleasure of speaking with MSAs from the Central Zone on August 16^th on a conference called "MSA Liftoff: Launch a New Semester."  I also attended an event with Imam Zaid Shakir and his wife Sr. Saliha.  It was amazing to hear their MSA stories and how much they love and support MSA National.

While it's been a busy month, I cannot wait to attend the 44^th Continental Conference.  I hope to see you there!

Asma Mirza
President
MSA National

EAST ZONE USA:

Assalamualaikum warahmatulahi wabarakatahu my brothers and sisters!

InshAllah I hope you all are in the best state of health and imaan! The beginning stages of the East Zone committee are done and the ideas have been brought to the table of how to make this year a successful one inshAllah. The committee has been put to work and InshAllah we plan on helping MSAs utilize MSA National to the fullest. With the Continental Conference coming up, one project known as the MSA National One Dollar Campaign will be showcased to support those in need. Not only will this bring about a friendly competition amongst the zones, but it will also encourage students to participate in serving humanity InshAllah. A fairly recent project that the zonal committee has already started to work on is to form state representatives across the zone within the next few weeks. Not only will this create an easy way of communication between MSAs and MSA National, but it will also help MSAs across the zone to network and exchange ideas. This amazing group is already working hard so look out for this years 2007-2008 East Zone committee!

Amine Chigani (VA- Virginia Tech) Public Relations
Tauqeer Zaidi (Boston-NortheasternUniv.) Public Relations  
Sarah Mostafa (ATL- Georgia Perimeter) Public Relations
Munzareen Padela (NY-SUNY:Stony Brook) Public Relations
Khadijah Moorehead (VA-GeorgetownUniv.) Secretary
Bilal Aslam (VA-Virginia Commonwealth Univ. ) Project Coordinator
Omer Iqbal (AL- Univ. Alabama Birmingham) Project Coordinator 
Nadia Sheikh (NJ- Rutgers) Project Coordinator
Khaled Adjerid (VA- Virginia Tech) Outreach Coordinator
Wafia Sayfalnasr (FL-Univ. Central Florida) Outreach Coordinator
Hazima Javaid (VA- Virginia Tech) Outreach Coordinator

Wassalam,  

Sumrah Haider
East Zone USA Rep, '07-'08
ezrepusa@msanational.org


CENTRAL ZONE USA:

 

Have something to say to your fellow students, parents, and community? Then TAKE A STAND AND SPEAK OUT at this year's 4th Annual MSA National Speech Contest. Each participant will be given 3 minutes to speak about a different topic, and a panel of selected judges will be scoring based on content, clarity, organization, timing, and delivery.

To register please send the following:

Full name:
E-mail address:
School:

RULES:
1. Must be registered for the Continental Conference
2. Must be an undergraduate student
3. Attending/registered school for the FALL semester 2007.

This year's competition is sponsored by Muslim Study Abroad. Promising Muslim student(s) from the US and Canada selected through this competition will be given prizes to learn Arabic/Islam on any of the trips hosted by Muslim Study Abroad in the coming year (through Summer 2008), including opportunities to study at Al 'Ayn University in UAE and the International Islamic University in Malaysia. Winners will be awarded credit towards the cost of a trip of their choice with Muslim Study Abroad for the following amounts:

1st place: $1,500
2nd place: $700
3rd place: $300

By popular demand, the Speech Competition registration deadline has been extended to August 27th 

To register send an e-mail to speech@msanational.org

COMPASS is MSA National's management training program, designed to address the growing need for developing effective campus leaders. The mission of COMPASS is to train Muslim students to manage highly effective campus organizations and to serve their campus community with dedication and excellence. The COMPASS training philosophy is rooted in the guiding principles of MSA National.

COMPASS programs are conducted by highly experience trainers who bring many years of professional and MSA experience. The trainers offer a relevant and empowering perspective to Muslim students. They are also graduates of COMPASS' train-the-trainers program.

The following COMPASS management training programs (CMTP) are currently available:

CMTP 101 is an interactive daylong management-training program that is geared towards MSA chapters that have not received prior COMPASS training. The training focuses on introducing the individual MSA activist to basic concepts and skills necessary for a successful and productive MSA activism experience. CMTP 101 is suitable for start-up and small MSA chapters and chapters that wish to build the skills of their individual members. Topics include time management, gender relations and effective communications.

CMTP 201 is a daylong management-training program that introduces MSA leaders and activists to state-of-the art management concepts that are the building blocks for an effective and dynamic organization. These modules are appropriate for an MSA chapter that has already hosted CMTP 101 or that is ready to start the process of institutionalizing its presence on campus. Topics include conflict resolution, project management and team building.

CMTP 301 is a daylong management-training program that seeks to put MSA chapters on the path towards long-term strategic planning. Essential elements of institutionalizing the organization are discussed, with a focus on sound financial management, effective fundraising and succession planning. The basics of strategic planning are also introduced. This module is appropriate for a mature MSA chapter with a continuous and established presence on campus. The topics discussed are relevant to MSA officers and individuals involved in the daily operation of the organization.

CMTP401 is a weekend long retreat where trained COMPASS facilitators work with MSA stakeholders to formulate a strategic plan. A typical program will include pre-retreat surveying of stakeholders, assessment of the strength and weaknesses of the organization, building consensus on the mission of the organization and an outline of near-term objectives and long-term goals. COMPASS facilitators are also available for follow up and evaluation throughout the implementation of the strategic plan.

Requests for COMPASS programs should be submitted at least 6 weeks before the intended program date. Contact your MSA National zonal representative or email compass@msacompass.org for more information.

As we eagerly count down the days until the Continental Conference, your Community Service Task Force Committee is putting final touches into the newly implemented Action Hour and Walk of Light. Some of you may remember Action Hour from this year's Zonal Conferences. Those who did can testify to its impact, not only on the community at large, but also upon the connection with Allah at an individual level. For those who are unfamiliar, the concept behind Action Hour is to begin implementing the amazing knowledge acquired at conferences into action right there on the spot. Some of the activities consist of making cards for terminally ill children at a local hospital, decorating mugs for the elderly at a retirement home, calling a loved one to express thanks, and much more.

This year at the Continental Conference, God willing, there will also be a series of off-site activities, namely, The Walk of Light and Project Downtown Live. The Walk of Light will allow participants to walk to a local park and clean up the streets of Chicago on the way to our destination. Upon arriving we will clean up the park and participate in other activities to give back to our community. If each of us did one or two acts of kindness, imagine the impact we could have on our community and our reward from Allah!  My brothers and sisters, it is time for us to apply, and not just speak, about our faith.  It is time for Action. 

Please make sure you also attend the Project Downtown workshop to learn how you can start your very own PD.

 

Our goal at this year's conference is to reach 5,000 acts of kindness and with determination and enabling grace from Allah, we can definitely do it!

 

For more info you can contact Sister Yasmin Hussein (Action Hour Coordinator) at ah@msanational.org or Brother Sohaib Khan (Community Service Task Force Chair) at pd@msanational.org

 

As we advance towards the blessed month of Ramadan, MSA National continues its tradition of offering MSA chapters the opportunity to be a part of the annual Ramadan Fast-a-thon.

The Fast-a-thon has become an impressive reflection of the creativity, dedication, and tireless efforts of Muslim students across the US and Canada. It enables MSAs to service the underprivileged, promote the ideals of Islam, and build bridges with non-Muslims who will continue to work with us for social justice in our communities. This year we are challenging ourselves and you to surpass our record high participation of over 200 chapters in 2006.

Please contact fastathon@msanational.org for updates, registration and new resources that can help make your event a success.

MSA National

The MSA Zone

COMPASS
Project Downtown

MIST
Task Forces Survey