America and Islam Youth Web Forum

Oneblue is developing a website for youth to express their views and opinions concerning America and the world of Islam in an effort to foster constructive dialogue between Muslims and non-Muslims in the United States and abroad. Social media have the potential to model our ability to adapt and meet the dynamic challenges of co-existing in diverse communities across the United States. They can help shape better communication between Muslims and non-Muslims worldwide and promote public diplomacy through engaged discussion of intercultural issues. The site will allow youth in America and abroad to hear and interact with experts, diplomatic officials, political leaders, journalists, authors, celebrities, and students both foreign and domestic in the Washington DC metro area and across the nation. The rich diversity of students attending American colleges and universities are a unique resource for gaining fresh perspectives about contested issues in the main stream media such as preventing acts of terrorism, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, US Involvement with Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan, the role of women and the rule of law in Islamic societies, among others. Muslim-American students can help youth here and abroad, with little or no knowledge of the world's 1.5 billion Muslims, to engage students abroad in addressing stereotypes and misinformation. Likewise, the perspectives of non-Muslim American youth can help expand dialogue beyond the familiar parameters presented in the media and help Muslim youth recognize that Islamic values are essentially consistent with American ideals. Oneblue is seeking funding for this important web project. For more information, please contact Sarah Sayeed at sarah@oneblue.org