The Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) envisions a vibrant and truly pluralistic America, where Muslims are strong and equal participants, and believes that relevant, rigorous research in the right hands will help us get there.
Founded in 2002, ISPU has been at the forefront of discovering trends and opportunities that impact American Muslims and offering effective, evidence-based solutions to common challenges for more than 15 years. A nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, we do the legwork so that others don’t have to. We answer the questions that many are already asking. And we share what we know in easily digestible ways with the general public, policymakers, media professionals, community leaders, and more. In this way, ISPU empowers Muslim communities and all those working toward full and equitable inclusion of Muslims in America with solution-seeking, rigorous research that makes it possible to stand up, to speak up, and to thrive.
Our work already makes a significant impact, but there is still much to be done. In an effort to increase the reach and influence of our research, we invite individuals who share our vision to apply for our Ambassador Program.
What is the ISPU Ambassador Program?
ISPU Ambassadors will be official representatives of ISPU, trained and equipped to share groundbreaking research on American Muslims and the issues that impact them with their local and regional communities.
Who is the ISPU Ambassador Program for?
This program is meant to equip local community leaders, outreach educators, and interfaith partners with tools to enhance theirexisting work to educate their communities on American Muslims. We will train you with the latest research on American Muslims and certify you as an ISPU Ambassador. Our goal is to empower you to do what you are already doing even better.
Who is the ISPU Ambassador Program not for?
At this time, the ISPU Ambassador Program is not for folks who want to learn how to speak publicly or who do not yet speak on the topic of American Muslims but want to start. It is also not for those seeking to learn about Islam as a faith. The program focuses on American Muslims’ demographics and social and political perspectives, not the theology of Islam.
Applicant Criteria
Excellent Public Speaking Skills
- Experience speaking and working in Muslim communities or allied spaces is required. This is not a public speaking training program. We will train you on ISPU research but expect only seasoned public speakers to apply.
- Applicants will preferably have presented on topics related to American Muslims on at least three different occasions in the past year.
Dependability
- Applicants should be committed to serving as a reliable, responsible, and dependable point of contact.
Professionalism
- Applicants should desire to enhance their work with evidence-based research findings and be prepared to answer research-related questions in a courteous and professional manner.
Educational Requirement
- Applicants should have at least a high school diploma.
Duration
The Ambassador position will run from July 1, 2019 to December 31, 2020, with the potential for reapplication at the end of the term.
Ambassador Responsibilities
- Attend a day-long Ambassador training on July 13, 2019 in Washington, D.C. (travel expenses and lodging will be covered by ISPU).
- Participate in regular check-in calls (approximately every 1-2 months).
- Report impact numbers and information related to each Ambassador speaking engagement.
- Distribute sign-in sheets at each event.
- Submit event photographs to ISPU if available.
- Proactively develop and pursue opportunities to share ISPU’s work in their respective communities.
- Respond to talk requests from ISPU.
- Commit to giving 3-5 ISPU research focused presentations in 2019.
- Utilize ISPU’s PowerPoint slides.
- Use ISPU Ambassador title in all presentations (in addition to other local titles if relevant).
Ambassador Benefits
Training
- ISPU Ambassadors will attend a free, all-day training on how to effectively engage audiences with ISPU’s research findings.
- ISPU Ambassadors will be trained on 2-3 specific ISPU PowerPoint presentations using data-based talking points.
Content
- ISPU Ambassadors will also have access to ISPU-developed PowerPoint slides for all Ambassador speaking engagements.
- ISPU Ambassadors will have first-hand access to the latest data on demographic trends, attitudes, opinions, as well as the challenges and triumphs of American Muslims.
ISPU Affiliation
- ISPU Ambassadors will hold an official title with the organization that will be used when giving presentations. The ISPU affiliation is IN ADDITION to the individual’s other affiliations and will add an additional level of credibility to present research.
- In addition to their affiliation with ISPU, Ambassadors will have the opportunity to connect with members from the ISPU research team and with other Ambassadors nationwide who share their passion for research-based, community education.
Expanded Network
- ISPU receives many speaking requests each year. Many of these requests will be sent to ISPU Ambassadors, giving them the opportunity to connect with new audiences of Muslim and allied communities.