Assalamu Alaikum,
Dear Muslim students:
Welcome to MSA National's September edition of the E-letter! If you have an MSA success story or would like to share MSA news, we would love to hear from you. The deadline for submissions is the 15th of each month.
Please send all submissions to eletter@msanational.org.
We are also pleased to inform you that the E-letter is now accepting advertisements. To advertise in the E-letter, contact: advertise@msanational.org
Please note: MSA National does not endorse and is not responsible for any of the activities, events and projects listed in the E-letter other than those organized by MSA National itself.
Thank-you,
Your E-letter Team
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| From the President's Desktop
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From the President's Desktop
Asma Mirza
September 2008
Salams MSAers! I pray everyone has gotten back into the school mode while taking full advantage of the wonderful month of Ramadan!
Alhamdulilah, its been a hectic few weeks. MSA National held its 45th Annual Continental Conference, held parallel to the annual ISNA Convention in Columbus, Ohio. Masha'Allah, the local community welcomed the convention to their city and did a wonderful job organizing the conference. The sessions were packed, the speakers were amazing, and the bazaar was, as always, buzzing. The program featured new and innovative sessions, such as "Gearing up for the 2008 Elections: Making Your Vote Count", "Overcoming Depression and Suicide" and "Exploring a Career in Politics". We also worked with Habitat for Humanity to do an on-site build to raise awareness about homelessness in America and how we can help alleviate this problem.
Your Zonal Reps and Task Force chairs worked hard throughout the weekend. The Zonal Reps held an MSA Roundtable to help MSAers network. They also met the MSAs that are submitting proposals to host the 2008 MSA National Zonal Conferences. Political Action Task Force (PATF) met with members of the MSA National Get Out the Vote (GOTV) campaign while the Education Task Force (ETF) finalized and awarded the first ever M. N. Ali Scholarship for Excellence, an MSA National Scholarship, (http://mnali.msanational.org/) to three amazing MSAers. The Media and Communications Task Force (MCTF) passed out another phenomenal issue of the MSA Link (http://www.msanational.org/files/msalink/msalink_fall-winter-08.pdf) , featuring articles about organizing Iftars on Campus and a Guide to Islamic Programs. This History Committee created an informative display outlining MSA's history in North America. Programs Task Force (PTF) had a hectic weekend running the program while COMPASS presented three dynamic workshops. The conference ended with the start of Ramadan and one of the largest Taraweeh Prayers in North America.
During the beginning of Ramadan, we paused as a community to observe two tragic events. On September 9, 2008 America lost one of its greatest leaders of the 20th Century. Imam Warith Deen Muhammad, who, after the death of his father Elijah Muhammad, became the spiritual leader of thousands of African American Muslims and abandoned totally the Nation of Islam teachings of black supremacy and moved thousands of its followers into mainstream Islam, was a pivotal leader and will be greatly missed. Two days later, on the day of his janaza (funeral), the Nation paused to remember the tragic events of 9/11. That week, I drove down GW Parkway in Washington, DC as I had done just under 7 years ago. The Parkway weaves past the Pentagon. 7 years ago, the side wall lay in ruins, a gaping hole as an eerie reminder. As I looked over at the rebuilt wall, I was surprised at how much time had passed, how much work had been done, and how much work we as an American Muslim Community have before us.
A few days later, as part of the 9/11 Unity Walk, an interfaith event in memory of 9/11, I spoke on behalf of MSA National at a banquet at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC. It was wonderful to meet with many of our interfaith partners from around the country. MSA National also met with many government officials to celebrate this year of cooperation. MSA National representatives also attended iftars at USAID, Capital Hill, and the State Department.
With the start of the school year, the Education Task Force (ETF) is excited to start another year of "Key Lessons for MSA Workers" conference calls, where Muslim Students can access scholars for free (http://www.msanational.org/events/conferences/). In addition, we are excited to launch a new program, PATH by COMPASS (http://www.msacompass.org/). This innovative, 1-day management training program provides MSAers the organizational and communication skills they need to succeed in both in their MSA and in their careers.
As we head into the last few days of Ramadan, I pray Allah swt will give us all the ability to make the most of these blessed days and nights while balancing our academic and MSA responsibilities.
Wassalams!
Asma Mirza
President
MSA National
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Updates From Your Zonal Reps
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CENTRAL ZONE USA
Assalamualaikum!!!
Insha'Allah you are all doing well. I would like to wholeheartedly wish everyone a blessed Ramadan. We are nearing the end of our Holy Month but insha'Allah it has been a beneficial one for everyone.
Ramadan kicked off in a unique way this year, as we all gathered together at the annual MSA Continental Conference at ISNA Labor Day Weekend, on the eve of Ramadan. I had the fortune of meeting many MSAers from all over the Central Zone, with our executive roundtable being one of the main highlights of our conference. We had MSAers from Texas to Southern Illinois to Kentucky to Ohioans. Many thanks to the Muslim students from the Central Zone, who were the main hosts of our annual national conference. Central Zone is keeping up great work as usual
In good news, we have kicked off the University Representatives for the Central Zone. We are hoping to have a liason on each MSA Campus. If your MSA does not have a liason and would like to establish one, please contact me!
I end with saying I hope you are all reaching deep into your hearts this Ramadan. Reach deep for a better connection with Allah, reach deep in your pockets to help others and take advantage of what is left of this great month.
Keep posted for some exciting news to come in October insha'Allah!
Wa Alaikum as Salaam,
Nura Sediqe
Central Zone USA Rep
czrepusa@msanational.org
WEST ZONE USA
Salaamualaikum West Zone!
It's been an exciting kick off to our Fall Semester with the advent of Ramadan--the most blessed of months. I encourage you all to reflect and give charity during these precious dwindling days and hopefully hold more activities with your local MSA's. I have just come back from meeting with some of you West Zoner's at ISNA and mash'Allah I am totally proud to work with you enthusiastic MSA members! But I want to make sure to inform all of you whom I haven't had the pleasure of meeting, that I am open to your emails and suggestions. Please feel free to contact me and ask me any of your MSA questions, I would love to help in any way. Because MSA National has the resources to provide quality training for MSA's through our COMPASS program, we hope that MSA's can take advantage of such a program and reap the benefits. I am working hard now to bring the COMPASS training program to the West Coast and encourage any group of 3 MSA's or more to contact me if you're interested in holding such a program on your campus. Training the leaders of tomorrow and those who will take your place is the KEY to an MSA's survival. I hope you all have a productive rest of Ramadan and keep the MSA family in your duas. Walaikumasalaam.
Yasmin Elhady
West Zone USA Rep
wzrepusa@msanational.org
WEST ZONE CANADA
Assalaamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh,
Ramadan Kareem to all!
I hope this find everyone in good health and a high level of faith Inshallah.
Alhumdulillah I had the pleasure of kick starting this blessed month of Ramadan with so many wonderful brothers and sisters from all over this large continent. Where was I, where else - MSA National's 2008 Continental Conference held in conjunction with ISNA. May Allah swt reward all the dedicated brothers and sisters who volunteered their time in order that the masses may enjoy and benefit from this year's conference, ameen.
Alrighty now lets get down to business. If an MSA from any school in West Zone Canada (which includes Manitoba and every province to the west of it) and are interested hosting this year's West Zone Canada Conference please submit a letter of intent/proposal as soon as possible.
Additionally, if you are an MSAer in one of the aforementioned provinces and would like to volunteer with MSA National, please email me ASAP. There are a few Zonal committee positions that are vacant so interested parties should apply, when doing so please include a brief bio of yourself with the email you submit, JazakAllah Khair.
Ok, we have a full year ahead of us Inshallah, so let's roll up the sleeves. Let's get ready to put in some solid effort into building upon the moment generated by last year's Zonal. I'm at your disposal people so don't be shy. Look forward to hearing from you and working with you.
Your brother in Islam
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MSA National does not endorse and is not responsible for any of the activities, events and projects listed in the E-letter other than those organized by MSA National itself. The following activities, events and projects are not organized by MSA National:
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Staples Youth Social Entrepreneur Competition
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To some, you're a HERO. To others, you're a LEADER. To us, you're a SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR.
That's a fancy title for someone who's finding innovative solutions for our planet, and changing the world for the better. The secret to your success is not money or power, but creativity!
Staples, along with Ashoka's Changemakers and Youth Venture, want to honor youth like you in our first global Staples Youth Social Entrepreneur Competition.
Post your idea or project at Changemakers.net to get feedback, find supporters, win prizes, and even secure up to US $1,000 in funding to advance your project.
Tell us your story! http://changemakers.net/en-us/competition/staplesyv
NOMINATE. ENTER. COMMENT.
NOW THROUGH OCTOBER 15
Winners will be announced November 12th.
Ashoka is the world's largest network of social entrepreneurs - creating a world of change by building an Everyone a Changemaker TM society. Visit www.ashoka.org.
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| Internships Available to Students
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Several organizations are offering internships to students. Please contact the following organizations directly for additional questions and application procedures:
1) Projects on Middle East Democracy - Reearch Associate Opening
The Project on Middle East Democracy is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to examining how genuine democracies can develop in the Middle East and how the U.S. can best support that process. Through dialogue, research, and advocacy, we aim to strengthen the constituency for U.S. policies that peacefully support democratic reform in the Middle East
To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and a short writing sample (5 page max) on a relevant topic to shadi.hamid@pomed.org. We will begin reviewing applications immediately and make decisions on a rolling basis.
2) CAIR Chicago - Government Affairs Coordinator
- For details on job description and qualifications, visit http://cairchicago.org/careercenter.php
-To apply, please send cover letter, resume, and writing sample to director@cairchicago.org
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| Teach for America: Join the Movement
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Of the 13 million children living in poverty in this nation, only ½ will graduate from high school. Those who do will read on average at an 8th grade level. Join the national corps of outstanding leaders - of all academic and career backgrounds - who commit two years to ending this inequity. Corps members teach in urban and rural public schools and become lifelong leaders for expanding educational opportunity for all children. Last year, 25 members of Muslim Students Association joined Teach For America. We encourage you to click here to join them in the movement or email shani.dowell@teachforamerica.org for more information.
Click here to learn about life after the corps and our graduate school and employee partnerships with top grad schools and employers.
Application Deadline: Friday September 19th, 2008
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| One Nation, Many Voices: Online Film Competition
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There will be $50,000 in prizes, fantastic videos, and a whole new insight into American Muslim life - including a special category for short films about interfaith friendships!
The "One Nation, Many Voices" Online Film Contest asks you to submit short videos illuminating the American Muslim experience and the values-liberty and justice-upon which America was founded.
Everyone in the U.S. is invited to compete, regardless of race or religion, so grab a camera, visit the contest website at www.linktv.org/onenation for the complete Rules and Regulations, and get filming! You could win some of the $50,000 in prizes, and every finalist wins a Flip Camera. The deadline is Fall, 2008.
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The Muslim Students Association National, headquartered near Washington
D.C., has been serving Muslim students on colleges and university campuses across the United States
and Canada since 1963. There are over 250 MSA chapters on university and college campuses throughout the
United States and Canada.
Sincerely,Your MSA National Board of Directors: Ex-officio: Mohamed Sheibani President: Asma Mirza Vice President USA: Randa Kuziez
Treasurer: Danish Adil
Your MSA National Zonal Representatives: East Zone Canada Rep: Kareem Mirza
East Zone US Rep: Tauqeer Zaidi Central Zone US Rep: Nura Sediqe West Zone Canada Rep: Samir Hassan
West Zone US Rep: Yasmin Elhady
Your MSA National Task Force Chairs: Community Service: Yasmin Hussein
COMPASS: Idris El-Bakri Dawah/Interfaith: Nasreen Badat
Media and Communication: Zainab Khan Information Technology: Meraj Ahmed Political Action: Asma Rehman
Programs: Atifa Chiragh
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Spotlight on MSA
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MSA National prays that Muslim students across the US and Canada experienced a wonderful Ramadan! May Allah accept your fasts, prayers and reward you for your good deeds, ameen.
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