ISPU’s tagline is Research Making an Impact. That means ISPU not only conducts rigorous research and educates the public, but also equips decision makers with these findings to help strengthen their work. In 2021, ISPU directly reached more than 2,000 leaders and partners with our research. Since 2002, ISPU has done data-driven outreach to change makers, including the following:
- Media organizations
- Congress, the Department of Justice, the White House, and other policymakers
- Schools, community colleges, and universities
- Community leaders and groups
- Faith leaders
- Law enforcement
- Nonprofit leaders
- Advocates
- And many more
Outreach + Workshops
ISPU’s tagline is Research Making an Impact. That means ISPU not only conducts rigorous research and educates the public, but also equips decision makers with these findings to help strengthen their work. In 2021, ISPU directly reached more than 2,000 leaders with our research. Since 2002, ISPU has done data-driven outreach to change makers, including the following:
- Media organizations
- Congress, the Department of Justice, the White House, and other policymakers
- Schools, community colleges, and universities
- Community leaders and groups
- Faith leaders
- Law enforcement
- Nonprofit leaders
- Advocates
- And many more
Outreach
Throughout the course of a year, ISPU presents research in dozens of open- and closed-door gatherings all over the country. In 2021 alone, ISPU trained leaders from nearly 1,400 institutions—including schools, mosques, government offices, media outlets, and more—on our research findings and recommendations. But ISPU’s reach goes beyond meetings where our staff is present. We actively work to equip leaders from other organizations and journalists with our research so the data and recommendations are amplified exponentially.
Want to learn more about ISPU’s outreach activities? Contact us at info@ispu.org.
Workshops
A core element of ISPU’s work includes providing training and workshops, both in person and virtual, which equip leaders and change makers. To that end, we’ve brought our research to thousands of journalists, policymakers, community leaders and advocates, teachers, and others to use in their own important work. ISPU’s signature evidence-based training for members of the newsmedia, educators, and faith leaders have been replicated across the country.
EDUCATORS + ADMINISTRATORS
ISPU holds trainings for classroom teachers and school administrators, sharing information about American Muslims and their contributions. We have partnered with a number of school districts to organize and hold day-long training courses where teachers earn continuing education credits. ISPU equips educators with data on American Muslims and their diversity of experiences to allow them a deeper understanding of Muslims in America beyond the headlines. Educators learn to consider internal biases, as well as how to challenge them in others; share ideas for curriculum and class discussions; network with local Muslims; and get connected with resources including access to a closed listserv, quarterly calls with trainers, free access to a toolkit for educators, and sample curricula.
NEWSMEDIA
The role of the media in informing the public has never been more important, especially when it comes to coverage of marginalized communities. At the same time, journalists are constantly asked to cover more and more with less resources. To support the media in its critical role, ISPU hosts interactive, evidence-based workshops for newsmedia professionals that provide a deep dive into insightful research and useable information about American Muslims. ISPU’s journalist trainings serve both to alleviate the pressure on reporters thrust into covering issues related to American Muslims and to connect journalists with expert sources and original research on American Muslims. These workshops include scholar presentations, an introduction to new resources and tools, direct connections with experts for future stories, and interactive activities to build on new skills.
FAITH LEADERS
Through partnerships with interfaith organizations such as the Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign and Neighborly Faith, ISPU shares research at trainings for faith leaders, lay leaders, and multi-faith or faith-based organizational leaders committed to countering anti-Muslim discrimination in their communities.
ISPU often presents interactive sessions based on our Reimagining Muslim Spaces project, which equips American Muslim communities to build more accessible and community-friendly mosques by reducing barriers to engagement and increasing mosque capacity. In partnership with the Muslim Legal Fund of America, ISPU brought RMS workshops to 15 cities, as part of the Muslim Nonprofit Leadership Conference.