Fostering Muslim Civic Engagement through Faith-Based Community Organizing

Brad Fulton

doi:10.18060/21406

Abstract

<p>Muslim Americans often encounter discriminatory practices similar to those experienced by other minority groups living in the U.S. Such practices range from mass incarceration and anti-immigration efforts to racial and religious profiling. In response, a growing number of Muslim American leaders are organizing their communities and collaborating with non-Muslims to address these issues through civic participation and political action. At the same time, several foundations throughout the country have begun asking how to promote civic engagement among Muslim Americans. Although little is known about Muslim American civic engagement and its outcomes, data from a national study indicates that faith-based community organizing is becoming a viable pathway for Muslim communities to (1) strengthen themselves internally by developing civic leaders and mobilizing everyday Muslim Americans to address issues affecting their community and (2) strengthen their external ties by bridging religious and social differences and by promoting policies that also benefit non-Muslims.</p>

Highlights

Muslims often encounter discriminatory practices similar to those experienced by other minority groups living in the United States
A growing number of U.S Muslim leaders are organizing their communities and collaborating with non-Muslims to address these issues through civic engagement and political participation
This study offered a portrait of the Faith-based community organizing (FBCO) field that informed practitioners and simultaneously credentialed the work of faith-based organizing for a broad circle of funders, researchers, advocates, and potential collaborators

Summary

Assessing Muslim Civic Engagement in the United States

The FBCO model for promoting civic engagement and developing leaders—especially those who have been marginalized by mainstream society—resonates with many U.S Muslims who aspire to develop civic skills and become leaders within their communities (Jamal, 2005; Sirin & Katsiaficas, 2011). A significant challenge with assessing Muslim civic engagement in the United States and its consequences is the limited data on Muslim civic participation at local and national levels (Read, 2015; Siddiqui, 2014) Data of this nature could help mosques, community organizations, and government entities better understand, represent, and address the needs of Muslim communities (Downey, 2009; Jamal, 2005). To highlight the expanding scope and scale of faith-based community organizing in the United States and to examine its role in promoting Muslim civic engagement, this article uses data from the National Study of Community Organizing Organizations (NSCOO), which is a replication and expansion of the study conducted in 1999 (Fulton, Wood, & Interfaith Funders, 2011). In 2011 donations from corporations constituted 4.5% of total reported local organization revenues, with secular foundations constituting 34.5%.5

Muslims Increasing Religious Diversity of FBCO Organizations

Findings

Conclusion