NAVIGATION

MCRP | Summer by the Sea- Free Screening (two movies) | Mon 18 & Fri 22 January 2016

[Edited extract from public address]

Joint-screening of local movies ‘Melbourne Down Under’ and ‘Baykeepers’

Two in one! As part of the Summer by The Sea 2016 program, Bayside Council will be hosting a free, joint screening of two of the best and most important home-grown environmental documentaries to date.

‘Melbourne Down Under’

For those Melburnians with more than just a passing interest in coastal and marine matters, the new documentary film Melbourne Down Under is a must see.

This magnificent movie by Sheree Marris and Jarrod Boord takes you on a journey to uncover Melbourne's best kept secret - a marine environment that rivals tropical reefs in colour and diversity.   Here you'll find magical kelp forests, dragons that sparkle like jewels, the mysterious and the downright weird.  From fish that fish for other fish, fathers that give birth to the young and creatures that look like anything other than what they are. It's a surprising secret that few people have known about ... until now.

The remarkable vision captures the jewels of Port Phillip and highlights yet another feature of why Melbourne is regarded as one of world’s most liveable cities. See film trailer here
http://www.melbournedownunder.com.au/index.php/project/documentary-and-dvd

 ‘Baykeepers’

After hearing about expansive amounts of plastic in every major ocean, Port Phillip Baykeeper Neil Blake finds the sands of his local beaches are turning into a kind of micro-plastic confetti. In his journey to measure how far the age of plastics has invaded the bay, Neil discovers a growing community striving to protect Port Phillip's health for generations to come.

Neil discusses Rex Hunt's plastic bottle win campaign - most unusual.​ See film trailer here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyV-n2wYVbk

When:
Monday 18 Jan ​201​6​ | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
And
Friday 22 Jan ​201​6​ | 2:00pm – 4:00pm

Where: Beaumaris Yacht Club. Melway Map 86 B8.  Turn off Beach Road into carpark B17 just north of Ricketts Point Teahouse

How: Register at EventBrite
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/marine-and-coastal-connection-2016-screening-of-port-phillip-marine-movies-beaumaris-tickets-20137718458

MORE

Marine Care Ricketts Point
Tel: Virginia Mosk 0408 800 685

YWN | Yalukit Wilum Ngargee | Sat 6 February 2016

[Edited extract from public address]

The Yalukit Wilum Ngargee is an annual free Indigenous music and cultural Festival. 

Where: St Kilda’s O’Donnell Gardens, a significant contemporary Indigenous meeting place.

Program: YWN main festival day brings you a deadly program of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music and arts. Now in its eleventh year, this annual celebration of Indigenous culture features emerging and established Indigenous musicians, dancers and performers, market stall holders, children’s activities and festival activities.

How: Bring your family, bring a blanket and enjoy our best Indigenous entertainment, under the sun and into the summer night.

Yalukit Wilum Ngargee is a family-friendly event so please avoid bringing any glass bottles, containers or items onto the Festival site.

Cost: Free

MORE

Website: yalukit.com.au

CCJRC | The Jewish Course of Why | 6 session course | From Tuesday 1 March | 7.30-9pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Enjoy a fun and dynamic learning experience, encounter rational insights into the most intriguing aspects of Judaism, and give your Jewish knowledge a boost.

What: A new 6 x Tuesdays course from the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute
The Jewish Course of Why spans a diverse range of topics from fun, light and off-the-beaten-track questions to more complex and controversial issues.
"Why doesn't G-D respond to my requests?"
"Why is slavery sanctioned in the Torah?"
"Why are there no miracles of Biblical proportions?"
How: Visit myjli.com to join.

Cost: $95 Single, $170 Couple

MORE

Chabad on Carlisle - Jewish Russian Centre
366 Carlisle Street, Balaclava
Tel: 0452 448 770
Website: myjli.com

PPLS | Invisible women | Thursday 11 February | 6.30-7.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Invisible women: powerful and disturbing stories of murdered sex workers

Kylie Fox and Ruth Wykes talk to crime author Angela Savage about why the murders of sex workers so often meet with indifference. Ordinarily, when news of murdered women hit the headlines in Australia, people sit up and take notice.

Why: Invisible Women tells the stories of several murdered sex workers – all of whom are somebody’s mother, daughter, wife or sister – whose identities have been erased. Why do we see some lives as less valuable than others, and what price do we all pay for this shocking lack of care? These amazing stories of incredible women are both deeply moving and shocking in their insight and clarity. And definitely way overdue.

Where: St Kilda Library

How: Please book online through Eventbrite:  http://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/invisible-women-sisters-in-crime-event-tickets-20007557142
A waiting list is available on Eventbrite if you are unable to secure a ticket. If you book and are unable to attend please let us know so that we can pass your ticket on to another patron.

Who: Presented by Sisters in Crime.

MORE

Port Phillip Library Service
Information: 9209 6655 or library@portphillip.vic.gov.au

NGV | Andy Warhol - Ai Weiwei | 11 Dec 2015-22 April 2016

[Edited extract from public address]

The Art of Winning!

This major international exhibition features two of the most significant artists of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries: Andy Warhol and Ai Weiwei.

Andy Warhol | Ai Weiwei, developed by the NGV and The Andy Warhol Museum, with the participation of Ai Weiwei, explores the significant influence of these two exemplary artists on modern art and contemporary life, focusing on the parallels, intersections and points of difference between the two artists’ practices. Surveying the scope of both artists’ careers, the exhibition at the NGV presents more than 300 works, including major new commissions, immersive installations and a wide representation of paintings, sculpture, film, photography, publishing and social media.

Presenting the work of both artists, the exhibition explores modern and contemporary art, life and cultural politics through the activities of two exemplary figures – one of whom represents twentieth century modernity and the ‘American century’; and the other contemporary life in the twenty-first century and what has been heralded as the ‘Chinese century’ to come.

Andy Warhol | Ai Weiwei premieres a suite of major new commissions from Ai Weiwei, including an installation from the Forever Bicycles series, composed from almost 1500 bicycles; a major five-metre-tall work from Ai’s Chandelier series of crystal and light; Blossom 2015, a spectacular installation in the form of a large bed of thousands of delicate, intricately designed white porcelain flowers; and a room-scale installation featuring portraits of Australian advocates for human rights and freedom of speech and information.

MORE

National Gallery Victoria
Website ngv.vic.gov.au

MF | Midsumma Festival | 17 Jan - 7 Feb 2016

[Edited extract from public address]

Since 1988, Midsumma has provided Melbourne with a cultural festival that embraces and celebrates all sexual and gender diverse identities.

Midsumma, Melbourne's annual Queer Celebration, is a federation of arts and cultural events spread over 85 different venues throughout Melbourne and Regional Victoria. The festival is presented over three weeks from mid January to February and, having been held annually since 1988, is a significant attraction on the Melbourne festival calendar. Midsumma is funded through the involvement and financial support of our sponsors, our patrons and our wonderful community. Our vision, mission, profile and strategic objectives are outlined in the Midsumma Strategic Plan: 2014-2016.

Midsumma Festival brings a diverse mix of artists and performers together under a single umbrella for an impassioned celebration and innovative presentation of queer arts and culture. The festival program is made up of a wide range of events and activities including visual art, theatre, spoken word, cabaret, film, live music, parties, sport, social events and public forums.

Offering a diverse, exciting and relevant program, Midsumma continues to attract a broad and ever-evolving audience to Melbourne and Victoria. Each year over 150,000 individuals from around the globe participate in and attend festival events.

Midsumma's largest iconic events are Carnival, T Dance and Pride March, all of which are outdoor public celebrations that have evolved over the years. Carnival and T Dance are supported by the City of Melbourne, annually draw in approximately 100,000 people and have become the traditional opening day events.

MIDSUMMA festival director Tennille Moisel believes the festival has helped Melbourne’s LGBTI community create its own history.

“Unlike other minority groups, we [LGBTI] don’t have documented histories to remind us of where we’ve come from, no formal celebrations to bring us together to commune or reflect,” she told the Star Observer.

“Every time we choose to come together at something like Carnival or the Melbourne Queer Film Festival, or tune into JOY 94.9 – we are creating our own history.”

Kicking off the festival on Sunday, January 17 is Carnival day, where thousands of LGBLTI, friends and families are expected to descend on Alexandra Gardens for a day of live entertainment, music, food, and countless community organisation stalls and marquees.

Midsumma will then run until February 7, with a host of events, shows, and performances in its line-up.

MORE

Website midsumma.org.au

PHAA | REPORT | Thankyou for Solstice celebrating & reflections from the day

[Edited extract from public address]

Thankyou to those who shared the magical event for the 2015 Solstice. 

Those assembled were fortunate to experience such harmony of community being there together raising the vibrations of spirit. Our celebration through the strength of us was multiplied by our indigenous and peace prayer flags, blown by the strong force of the winds out further to the wider community.

Some feedback and quotes from some of the guests who attended:

"Womin jeka
Magic stuff! All the spirits were there this time around!
The weather and all the elements really made it Bigtime"
by Dean Stewart - Aboriginal Tours And Education Melbourne ‘A-TAEM’
"Maria, a superb celebration of the human spirit....congratulations to you and your team. Happy Solstice. Bob Maguire".
by Rev Father Robert (Bob) Maguire AM RFD
"Dear Maria, Sally and Planetary Healing Artists Team
Thank you for organising a wonderful event with interesting speeches, prayers and devotional songs that reflected on different faiths and the continuing thread that binds us all together..nature and loving the land we live on with a spiritual awakening.
The enthusiasm of the audience to participate, in spite of the stormy weather, was admirable.
We appreciate you including the Zoroastrian faith in your celebrations.
We were also happy to represent the Interfaith Networks of Whitehorse, Manningham and Boroondara.
The releasing of the doves ceremony is incredibly beautiful and thank you for the experience.
Best wishes"
Dilnaz and Bill Billimoria
Organisers welcome any further reflections for their blog and/or new website on the way.

MORE

Maria, for the Planetary Healing Artists Team
Email: planetaryhealingartists@gmail.com
Website: www.planetaryhealingartists.blogspot.com
Volunteers always win...  the more you get to act, the more opportunities you create. Raise your hand. Step forward. Step up. You'll be glad you did.     Jeff Haden

WMF | Wominjeka 2016 | Friday 15-Sunday 17 January

[Edited extract from public address]

Wominjeka (Welcome), a celebration of Indigenous Culture.

Check out Terrain, Wominjeka's platform for emerging artists, 17 January @ 5pm
Scheduled to appear is:

  • Brett Lee, acoustic folkie, skilled story teller with an engaging voice
  • TigerLilly, Sunshine Coast folk-pop duo comprising Lydia Fairhall and Kali Blunt
  • BriggsYorta Yorta man and hip-hop artist.

Also: Established favourites appearing on other parts of the Festival music program include Bart Willoughby and Pigram Brothers.

Where: Footscray Community Arts Centre

Cost: Varies

MORE
Check out full Festival details:
http://footscrayarts.com/event/wominjeka-festival-2016/

MRC | Children's Festival | 14-16 January 2016

[Edited extract from public address]

Discover music, play instruments and make some noise at Melbourne Recital Centre

Jazz Up Your Kids
Friday 15 January | 11am | $25
Join James Morrison, Hetty Kate and band in a fun-packed concert exploring jazz styles from Dixieland to bop and the blues. With James playing 10 different instruments the whole family can swing along to.

Think of an Adventure with Jay Laga'aia
Saturday 16 January | 11am | $25
Play School favourite Jay Laga'aia weaves a wonderous story full of fun, mystery and adventure. All you need is a beautiful smile, your dancing shoes and a big imagination. Jump, laugh, sing and play in a high-energy, interactive musical show.

Yalka Daya Indigenous Workshop
Friday 15 January | 10am & 12noon | $18
This child and family-friendly interactive takes you on a cultural journey with traditional games, Aboriginal dance, artefacts, workshops and storytelling.

Good Morning Kids Show
Saturday 16 January | 9.30am & 11.15am | $18
Enter Woody's Wirld where fabulous songs, enchanting stories and puppets take over for some holiday fun. Children dance, sing and play along with Woody and his friends.

MORE
Melbourne Recital Centre
Corner Southbank Boulevard and Sturt Street, Southbank Victoria
Visit melbournerecital.com.au/musicplay 

GEIFN | Media Words January

Approx 5 min reads appearing from around the Nation.

Intro
Barney Zwartz explores the notion of forgiveness, repentance and acceptance "Can we truly forgive? Is the Christian demand relevant today?" via The Canberra Times

Intra 
Kylie Northover explores children's entertainment and how old fables and morality tales evolve to suit different mediums, audiences or times in "The Three Little Pigs reimagined with Mum a single mother - the wolf ate Dad!" via The Brisbane Times 

Inter
Peter Papathanasiou explores social and personal identity, belonging and what's in a name to explain why "I hate my long ethnic surname, and that's got to stop" via The Canberra Times

Multi
Marc Moncrief explores seasons, breaks, efficiency, productivity and other reasons for rest in "Sunday Explainer: why do we have holidays?" via The Age 

All
Ross Gittins explores a nexus between population, migration and other perceived threats to livelihood and productivity, suggesting "Maybe the colonialists were actually a minority" writes via The Canberra Times

Togather
Gunda Druva salutes the life of Rasma Druva exploring past events, international migration programs and Australia's active participation when "Medical career stymied by war, Latvian refugee wove a new life" via The Canberra Times

Nobly
Dewi Cooke writes of some obstacles to overcome as one Grade 5's effort to close the gap of confinement and isolation in "Letters to Nauru: child penpals bond in Befriend A Child In Detention project" via The Age

VMC | Cultural Diversity Week | 12 - 20 March 2016

[Edited extract from public address]

Join in with Victoria's biggest multicultural celebration of the year!

Cultural Diversity Week brings together Victorians from all walks of life to promote community harmony and celebrate the many cultures that make our state so vibrant.

During the Week there will be hundreds of events and activities across the state, including the Premier's Gala Dinner and Victoria's Multicultural Festival.

Premier's Gala Dinner | Saturday 12 March 2016
Join us for a spectacular night of multicultural music and dancing. Guests will enjoy a sumptuous three-course gourmet meal, wine and performances from some of Victoria’s best multicultural musicians and dancers.

Due to popular demand, the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) runs a two step ticketing process which requires people to register their interest in purchasing tickets.

Registrations will open in mid-January.

Be the first to hear by emailing info@vmc.vic.gov.au to sign up for the VMC E-News, or rsvp@vmc.vic.gov.au to join our Gala Dinner mailing list.

Victoria's Multicultural Festival | Sunday 20 March 2016
Come along to Federation Square for a family friendly festival to celebrate Victoria's rich cultural diversity.

Formerly known as Viva Victoria, the festival will feature four stages showcasing multicultural music and dance performances, a delicious range of international cuisines, a world art and craft market, children's activities, demonstrations and workshops.

MORE

Find out first about all Cultural Diversity Week activities by emailing us at info@vmc.vic.gov.au to sign up for the VMC E-News and receive updates from our website.



PWR | Answering the Dalai Lama Dilemma: What do you do in between the Parliaments?

[Edited extract from public address by Imam Abdul Malik Mujahid]

An extract from a report from the last 6 years

One of the personal joys in serving as chair was the honor of meeting with the Dalai Lama. He is an inspiring but also humorous man. And he combines those qualities by masterfully posing a thoughtful and thoroughly serious challenge with his mischievous smiles.

He has repeatedly asked us the question that I have named the Dalai Lama Dilemma: what do you do in between two parliaments?

Our board deliberated on that dilemma and here is what we were able to do as a result:

In view of the rising fear, hate and anger the Parliament established Faith Against Hate, the campaign for which we organized interfaith leadership summits, webinars, and training events, as well as started the tradition of “Love Alerts” for the interfaith movement.

We developed an interfaith training program as a major component of our undertakings and included a role for facilitation. We introduced students in training for religious leadership to the realities and challenges of interfaith endeavors, made it possible for them to participate in Parliament events and guided them in reflection on their involvement, and gave them experience in working in a multi-religious world.

We established the Parliament’s United Nations Task Force that focused on the issues posed by nuclear weapons and our youth representative was invited to address the UN General Assembly during the U.N.’s World Interfaith Harmony Week.

We joined the coalition of “faith2endpoverty” partners of the World Bank.

As for the Parliament program itself, we anchored the event with focus on three crucial global-wide issues (climate change, income inequality and the widening wealth gap, and hate, hate speech, violence, and war) and three critical constituencies (youth/emerging leaders, women, and indigenous peoples). Each of these emphases on issues and constituencies was accompanied by a rigorous Declaration and a set of proposed commitments that invited individual, organizational, policy, and media involvement.

Subsequent to the Parliament, these six foci (issues and constituencies) are being developed programmatically in ongoing work in 2016, along with a strong emphasis on membership development.

So we now have a response to the Dalai Lama’s Dilemma as the work in key areas continues between Parliaments.

Peace, Salam and Shalom!
Imam Abdul Malik Mujahid

MORE

Parliament of the World's Religions
For full report, click here
Website http://www.parliamentofreligions.org

PWR | Women's Taskforce: women making history

[Edited extract from public address from Phyllis Curott, Vice-Chair, Parliament of the World's Religions]

Inaugural Women’s Assembly and Program Initiative

Dear Friends,

I started writing this letter just after we departed Utah, soaring on immense fulfillment and possibility generated by our historic Inaugural Women’s Assembly at the 2015 Parliament.

Yet over the last several weeks, I’ve waited to talk with you about women at the Parliament as we focused on the triumph and tragedy unfolding in Paris, the United States and elsewhere – from the global action to address climate change to utterly heartbreaking losses at the hands of extremists. It seems no place is untouched by the very critical issues the 2015 Parliament aimed to heal.

Global conditions today call us to do more.

In October, we agreed that answers to these complex - but curable - global nightmares will only come when women’s voices are welcomed to the tables of power. “The time is now” for women’s unrestricted contributions. As we gathered together – more than 6500 women, 10,000 overall at the 2015 Parliament - our faiths were strengthened, in our own humanity and power to make change.

And through the first ever global interfaith Assembly and Program Initiative by and for women, we set a new paradigm.

Let us speak clearly to the world now from the hearts, minds, and deep spiritual strength of the world’s women.

I cannot emphasize enough my personal gratitude for your participation in our launch of Faith in Women, which continues as an ongoing effort to advance the wellbeing, human rights and spiritual contributions of women:

  • During the initial planning of the Inaugural Women’s Assembly and Program Initiative, it was boldly announced that this gathering would make history. We did it, and we absolutely will not stop here.
  • 10,000 of us are now settled back into the places we call home, turning our promises into practice, and talking about Faith in Women.
  • In 2015, women participants made up 65 percent of attendees at the largest Parliament ever, and led 50 percent of all programming.
  • Because of your gifts for scholarships and travel assistance, dozens of small, diverse, and often ignored communities were represented at the Assembly & the Parliament by powerhouse women.
  • 3,500 men and women attending the Inaugural Women’s Assembly ended the day by spontaneously dancing in the aisles. We moved to the biggest hall holding 10,000 people for the Faith In Women’s women’s plenary the following morning and we packed the hall.
  • Wise and diverse women - religious leaders and spiritual icons - had everyone on their feet cheering, and it was my privilege to deliver the Declaration for the Dignity and Human Rights of Women to a standing ovation.
  • Hundreds of you offered important and inspiring talks, presentations, services, ceremonies, art and music.
  • And, most important of all, thousands of you shared your heartfelt and hard-earned wisdom as participants of the first-ever Women’s Program Initiative.


It was a convening and honoring of women’s grace and energy, and the visions and values women share across all faith traditions. Even as we tackled the greatest challenges at the nexus of women and religion, so often side-stepped, like religious justifications for the subjugation of women, we also inspired one another with sources of profound religious and spiritual inspiration and experiences that heal the heart of humanity.  It was extraordinary to see the heartfelt spirit of good will between women and men of all the world’s faiths ignited.

The realization was clear -  we were creating the world that we pray for.

But history isn’t made, or changed, in just five days.

I hope you will join me, and the Parliament, in our commitment to create many more opportunities for women of faith to share their spiritual wisdom and transformative leadership. And I hope you will join us in calling upon the world’s religious leaders and institutions to lead the way in the universal and urgent human rights issue of our era – the Dignity and Human Rights of Women.

I am so grateful to each of you who participated, to the courageous and inspiring speakers and panelists, our hard-working staff and all of you whose generous support made this historic convening possible: the Kalliopeia Foundation, the Rachael and Ben Vaughan Foundation, the Utah State Legislature, and donors to the Global Sisters Fund and the Women’s Task Force.

Thank you for your faith in women at the Parliament of the World's Religions. I treasure all the memories we made together and look forward to continuing to make women’s history with Faith in Women and with the Second Women’s Assembly at the 2017 Parliament of the World’s Religions!

I've been grateful to serve on the Board of Trustees for the last six years, and as Chair of the Women's Task Force. I wish the new Chair and 2016 Parliament Board much success as I complete my six-year term, and I look forward to working with all of you in the future.

May you have a peaceful and wonderful new year!

With gratitude,

Phyllis Curott
Vice-Chair, Parliament of the World's Religions
Chair, Women’s Task Force of the Parliament of the World's Religions

MESAC | CALL FOR ENTRIES: Inaugural Easel Art Exhibition ​by the sea ​| Registrations close​ Sunday 24 January 2016

[Edited extract from public address]

MESAC (Marine Education Science and Community Centre) invites all budding and experienced artists to participate in this aquatic art Exhibition.

When: Saturday 20 - Sunday 21 February 2016

Where: The Beaumaris Yacht Club​, Victoria!

Who: If you have ever wanted to create a lovely peace of marine art and exhibit​.....​ or know anyone who does, please let them know! ​Everyone is welcome, you don't have to be a pro​.​ The only requirement is a Marine theme to your work.

How: See ​our ​webpage to register​ by Sunday 24 January 2016,  http://mesac.org.au/

MORE:

​Inquiries Virginia Mosk
Mobile 0408 800 685
Website http://mesac.org.au/

TBI | The Big Issue 500th Edition

[Edited extract from public address]

The Big Issue is a leading social enterprise in Australia who celebrated its 500th edition December 2015.

An independent, not-for-profit organization that develops solutions to help homeless, disadvantaged and marginalized people positively change their lives.

The first Australian edition appeared in Melbourne June 1996 with a cover price of $2. The milestone acknowledges many magazines sold and many, many people who have improved their circumstances by working as a vendor. Over 10 million magazines sold, putting $21 million into the pockets of disadvantaged Australians. Over 5000 vendors, with around 500 vendors selling nationally any given fortnight - rain, hail or shine.

The Big Issue is published fortnightly and sold on the streets by vendors who purchase copies for $3.50 and sell them for $7, keeping the difference. Subscriptions are also available and provide employment for disadvantaged women as dispatch assistance.

For details on all TBI's enterprises, visit thebigissue.org.au



MORE

Big Issue In Australia Ltd
148 Lonsdale Street
Melbourne Vic 3000

PWR | New Year, New Chair the Board of Trustees of the Parliament of the World's Religions

[Edited extract from public address]

Dr. Robert Sellers to Chair the Board of Trustees of the Parliament of the World's Religions



Dear All,

Three years ago, under a ten year old burden of debt, the Parliament was falling apart. We were consulting bankruptcy attorneys.

In those depressing days, looking for some light, I asked the trustees to think what they would like the Parliament to do if money were no object.

The trustee who, in my view, came up with the best ideas for the future of the Parliament was a certain Texan named Rob Sellers.

As chair of the board of the Parliament it is my distinct pleasure to announce that Robert Preston Sellers has been elected by our board of trustees to be the next chair of the Parliament. He will take charge January 1st as I retire at the end of my term limit this year.

Rob is an amazing person with a variety of experiences.

But most of all, he literally brings a missionary zeal to the interfaith movement. He has been a lifelong missionary, having spent 25 years in Indonesia, which is the largest Muslim country in the world. Currently, Rob is a professor of theology and Connally Professor of Missions at Hardin–Simmons University, a private Baptist university located in Abilene, Texas.

During his five years as a trustee, he has served as vice chair of the Parliament board and as chair of its nominating committee.

I hope Rob will be able to implement some of his great ideas about the Parliament and the interfaith movement. I pray for his success.

One thing is sure--he will not be asked on the first day on the job to go raise salaries of the staff, as I had to do. We are leaving a full year's budget at his disposal along with an endowment fund.

Rob and the next board, I am sure, will take the Parliament from strength to strength.

As hate, fear, and anger are rising in the US and around the world, a world traveler who knows languages and the cultures of the world will be uniquely in place as the head of the Parliament board to develop loving relationships between people of faith to achieve a just, peaceful and sustainable world.

His mission now is the interfaith movement.

Peace,




Abdul Malik Mujahid

p.s. No. it is not my goodbye letter :) I will write that later this year.

CFC | Islamophobia Resource Guidebook

[Edited extract from public address]

Answers for deflating the rise in anti-Muslim hatred.

A new publication released by Charter for Compassion Islamophobia Resource Guidebook features the work of Dr. Karen Armstrong, Reza Aslan, Imam Malik Mujahid, Eboo Patel, Dr. John Esposito, among others. These resources can be used to develop action planning and debunk myths about Islam, violence and Muslims.

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Charter for Compassion
On February 28, 2008 acclaimed scholar and bestselling author Karen Armstrong received the TED Prize and made a wish—to help create, launch, and propagate a Charter for Compassion. After much work and the contribution of thousands of people the Charter was unveiled to the world on November 12, 2009.
Read More Here> 

GOVV | Social Cohesion Research Grants Round Open | Closes midnight 18 January 2016

[Edited extract from public address]

Contribute to more Cohesive Community

The Victorian Governmemt's Social Cohesion Research Grants Program is now seeking applicants to undertake research that will inform policy and programs designed to strengthen social cohesion, enhance community resilience and help prevent violent extremism in Victoria.

Who: Universities, research institutions and Victirian government agencies may apply for these grants. Lead applicants must be Victorian based and have their head offices in Victoria to be eligible for these grants. Partnerships with community leaders and organization's are strongly encouraged.

When: Applications are open now until midnight on 18 January 2016.

MORE

For eligibility criteria, application process and/or complete applications, please visit
Website www.dpc.vic.gov.au/CommunityResiliance
Tel (03) 9651 0690

WF | The Wikimedia Foundation Annual Appeal | 15 December 2015

[Edited extract from public address]

Consider making a donation to the Wikimedia Foundation. 

The Wikimedia Foundation is the non-profit organization that supports Wikipedia and other free knowledge projects. Our mission is to build the most accessible and comprehensive source of free knowledge in the world.

We believe that knowledge is a fundamental human right. As humanity rushes into our digital future, we need open, accessible, public spaces to access knowledge online. Wikimedia is such a space. Wikipedia delivers free knowledge to people, by people, in hundreds of languages around our planet.

Over the course of a year, Wikipedia is edited and read by people on every continent, including Antarctica. Nearly half a billion people visit Wikipedia every month for everything from preserving cultural heritage, to improving cancer detection, to researching homework. They come to learn. They stay and discover.

Everyone is a potential Wikipedian. If you don't find what you're looking for on Wikipedia, you can start creating it yourself. The articles, words, pictures and data are created by a diverse community of people who volunteer to share their knowledge with the world.
Every day, we ask ourselves how we can increase our impact, and ensure Wikipedia and its sister projects are even more accurate, rich, and accessible tomorrow than they are today. Donations help us get there.

Thank you for any assistance in keeping us growing and impacting lives another year.

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Lila Tretikov
Executive Director,
Wikimedia Foundation


The Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit charitable corporation with 501(c)(3) tax exempt status in the United States. Our address is 149 New Montgomery, 6th Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94105. U.S. tax-exempt number: 20-0049703