As Chair of the Fletcher Women’s Network Subcommittee on Social Outreach and Public Action, I’m really excited about our first initiative (and, in part the reason that we were formed) to promote more public understanding of Islam as a religion and Muslims as part of our societies.  See below for the message we sent out to our alumnae.

At some point, we will be reaching out to external groups for collaboration, so please let me know if you’re interested, and in what capacity.

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Fletcher Women come from a diversity of nations and regions, cherish a full-range of spiritual and religious practices, appreciate different cultures, and share a commitment to knowledge, respect and understanding.  Seeking to reach beyond our community to have a positive impact, our new sub-committee is presenting this proposal – and needs members who can commit to making it happen.  The idea is at the brainstorming stage, and will gain shape and purpose as a result of those who participate.

We are a group of Fletcher alumnae and students who wish to come together out of concern about the prevalent hostile public discourse of Muslims in our society.  Forming this committee results directly from our recognition of pervasive levels of misunderstanding and intolerance of Islam and its faithful.

Given our Fletcher-related interests and experiences, we believe we might employ our our global viewpoints to discuss these pertinent issues, and explore possible public actions relating to them.

We suggest that genuine dialogue should be a critical first step – first among our members, and then with others.  Our immediate goal is to leverage our international perspectives and sensitivities, and to develop our own internal views and awareness.  Ultimately, we would like to promote external dialogue and undertake some form of public action to affect this matter positively.

Beyond issues relating to attitudes towards Muslims (including Muslim women), our committee’s longer-term goal is to open other conversations and initiatives on issues around the world.

We are not able to undertake such initiatives without forming a cadre of of members who are willing and able to contribute their time, creativity and energy to making it happen.  If you are interested, please contact Kate Brodock at kate@katebrodock.com.