The 2011 Working Group Papers are now available online.
 

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Enhancing Impact in the Public Square: Building Capacity and
Developing Leadership among American Muslims and Their Organizations
DEVELOPING LEADERSHIP AND CAPACITY IN THE MUSLIM NONPROFIT SECTOR AS A BUILDING BLOCK FOR SUSTAINING PARTNERSHIPS AND CHANGE
Convened by Brie Loskota and Nadia Roumani 
This working group addressed the development of faith-based organizations and the roles they play in the American public square, and looked at how other religious minorities, specifically the Jewish and Mormon communities, have navigated this space. The participants then examined the current state of affairs among Muslim FBOs in the United States, and conclude by offering recommendations in their final paper for how to increase the capacity of Muslim organizations to be more effective public actors. Read more

Higher Education Reform in the Arab World
Convened by Safwan Masri and Katherine Wilkins
Higher education has a critical role to play in the national and regional restructuring of Arab economic and political institutions that is currently underway. The new pressures for political change may provide a unique opportunity to break free from some of the obstacles that have held back meaningful educational changes in the past. Working group members reviewed the current state of higher education in the Arab world and considered the key challenges facing this critical sector of society. Read more

The Role of Muslim-Majority and Muslim-Minority
Communities in a Global Context
Convened by Imam Mohamed Magid and Humera Khan
In an increasingly interconnected world, the relationship between majority and minority communities, both in the United States and abroad, must be better understood. This working group explored the roles and responsibilities of minority and majority communities toward each other and in a global context. Participants discussed topics in the context of five major issues: integration and identity, the impact of media and politics, security and counterterrorism, the treatment of marginalized communities, and interfaith relations. Read More

Disconnected Narratives between the United States
and Global Muslim Communities
AMERICA AND THE MUSLIM WORLD: THE TALE OF TWO MEDIA
Convened by Leon Shahabian
This working group analyzed the media landscape through a practical lens and asked how partnerships can be developed to leverage public-private initiatives to promote a more open environment that can correct stereotypes and lead to better understanding. Participants came up with platforms to challenge preconceived notions and put forward a series of recommendations that address issues related to methodology, market calibration, and media training initiatives. Read more

The Role of Entrepreneurship and Job Creation
in U.S.-Muslim Relations
Convened by Ahmed Younis and Mohamed Younis
In light of these historic changes across the region, it is imperative for both Muslim-majority governments and the Obama administration to chart clear, coherent, and nuanced policies aimed at building sustainable and job-creating economic environments in the region. It is also an important moment for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and development agencies to take stock of what this new reality means for their programs and initiatives in a region with potentially crippling employment challenges. Read more