The Muslim Community Network (MCN) empowers the diverse New York City Muslim population by connecting communities through dialogue, education, collaboration and social action. The organization was founded in 2003 by a group of volunteers responding to the urgent needs of the community post-9/11. Over the years, MCN’s purpose has evolved into building community partnerships and encouraging community activism which we achieve through our core program areas of Youth Leadership Development, Cross-Cultural and Interfaith Engagement, and Civic Engagement and Community Education. VALUES and OPERATING PRINCIPLES
Social Justice Framework – We use a social justice framework to encourage engagement in addressing the root causes of inequality. Inclusion, Unity, and Diversity – We work with all of New York’s diverse Muslim and non-Muslim communities. We value diverse leadership and voices. We seek to facilitate the emergence of a Muslim identity that transcends generational, ethnic, gender, racial and class-based boundaries. Mutual Consultation – We believe in mutual consultation as a decision making process which works to build consensus and cooperation among diverse opinions, identities and experiences. Self Determination — We create spaces for all New Yorkers to engage one another and take an active role in their society. Rather than attempt to represent all Muslims or New Yorkers, we prefer to bring people to the table to represent themselves. Empowerment – We facilitate individual and community empowerment by providing spaces for reflection and consciousness-raising within the Muslim community, which develops the confidence and self-reliance necessary for the realization of power. Partnership – We value partnership as a means of effectively expanding the ways in which we can serve multiple communities through multiple methods. Creating Connections – We do not seek to reinvent the wheel, but rather to connect those with experience and expertise to audiences that can benefit from their teachings. As a community-based organization, we also play an active role in coalitions including New York Neighbors, Muslim Holidays Coalition, Prepare New York, Muslim American Civil Liberties Coalition, among many others.
