|
September 16, 2006 - Plainfield, Indiana:: On Saturday, September 16, 2006, over 50 Muslim Hoosiers from across Indiana came together to discuss the future of Muslims of Indiana in grassroots politics. The event organized by the Muslim Alliance of Indiana, a statewide organization that seeks to connect 280,000 Muslim Hoosiers to each other and their public leadership, brought together Muslim organizations and leaders to attend the day long retreat.
The day started with the formation of the Muslim Alliance of Indiana Economic Development Task Frce (EDTF). The EDTF consists of Muslim Hoosier businesspeople who will connect with Muslim businesses across the state to create a statewide Muslim chamber of commerce. The EDTF will also work to attract Muslim businesses to the state of Indiana to enhance the states economic development program.
The Retreat was also attended by Eric Holcomb, Governor Daniels Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, Paul Okleston, Deputy Secretary of State for Indiana, Marquisha Bridgman, Mayor Peterson Interfaith Coordinator, Indianapolis' first Muslim City-County Councilman Patrice Abduallah and Ann DeLaney, Executive Director of the Julian Center, author of Politics for Dummies and commentator on Indiana Week in Review. Ann DeLaney was the luncheon keynote speaker and invited Muslims of Indiana to participate in grassroots politics within the political parties within the state. She encouraged Muslims to come together and organize to have a more effective voice in public policy.
Presentations from various Indiana Muslim activists helped the participants better understanding on how to negotiate with the media, communicate with the political leadership and establish stronger grassroots organizations. "All politics is local and we want to make sure that the Muslim community in Indiana is active in local grassroots politics," stated Alia Shah, MAI' Executive Director. The participants were encouraged to become a part of the various political parties within the state and to learn how they can become more engaged in civic activities.
The participants took time to brainstorm about the future directions of the Muslim Alliance of Indiana (MAI). The program ended with a keynote address by Indiana University Professor Abdul Kader Sinno. Professor Sinno presented his latest research regarding Muslim participation and representation in politics in Western countries. He noted that Muslim representation in American politics was far below their representation in European nation despite the population numbers. He articulated strategies through which Muslims in Indiana can become more involved and participate in making the state more vibrant through participation in the political process.
| 
