22
May
2007

First Annual Conference Successfully Concludes0

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PROGRESSIVE MUSLIMS CONVENE; STRUCTURE NEW ORGANIZATION

Founding conference attracts diverse gathering resolved to create physical spaces for progressive Muslims

Bronxville, NY/Los Angeles, CA: The progressive Muslim movement in the United States took a significant step forward as a diverse collection of activists, organizers, and academics gathered at Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York, May 15-17, for the first conference of Muslims for Progressive Values (”MPV”, website: http://www.mpvusa.org). Coming together in fellowship, they joined in communal devotion, shared the various personal, intellectual, and spiritual journeys that brought them there, and discussed how to formulate their positions on political, social, and cultural issues and how to interact with other progressives and other Muslims. They also elected an Executive Board to lead them for the next two years.

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Posted: News, Events

15
May
2007

First Annual Conference - Agenda Announced0

The agenda for our first annual conference has been announced. This year’s theme is “Finding our Voice” and the conference will be held from June 15th through June 17th at Sarah Lawrence College in New York.

Friday June 15th, 2007

3pm Friday Congregational Prayer
Khatib and prayer leader TBA, preferably a female Imam.

4:00-6:00pm Conference Registration and Informal Activities
A hike around the SL campus, display of best khutbahs (sermons) from the first khutbah competition. Asr is at 5 pm

6:00-7:00pm Dinner (included in registration)

7:00-7:30pm Conference Opening
Pamela Taylor, co-founder of MPV: Introduction on how we came about, philosophy, vision and the principles. Introduction of organizers and some of the accomplishments to date.
Ani Zonneveld, fellow co-founder of MPV: Goals to accomplish for the conference; musical performance of “My Favorite Passages.”

7:30–9:00pm White Board Session
Conversation on what people hope to see from a Progressive Muslim organization – what issues are important to them, what activities, etc. Floor is open to each participant to introduce themselves and to express their hopes for the weekend. Maghrib begins at 8:30.

9:00pm-?? Informal socializing
Ani sings “Ummah Wake Up,” followed by open mic music/poetry. Dhikr session lead by Sheikha Fariha for those interested.

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Posted: News, Events