<[link removed]> December 2024 Newsletter President’s Note December 3, 2024 The last year has been tough going for us at Muslims for Progressive Values. It was a year that genuinely challenged our values, demanding that we remain principled in our commitment to human rights and non-violence, especially during the most trying of times. By now, you are probably inundated with Giving Tuesday appeals, especially from large organizations that are gearing up to fight against the onslaught of oppression, fascist ideology, and human rights violations that we are anticipating will only increase over the next few years. However, what is often omitted within these various appeals is the role that small organizations, like MPV, have in providing the diverse voices needed to legitimize a coalition. Since our founding nearly 20 years ago, we have become the go-to Muslim organization in the United States to contribute to amicus briefs, to participate in coalition building, to advocate state and national legislatures on a variety of human rights issues like the separation of religion and state and reproductive justice, and to speak at large human rights conferences, providing our niche perspective that has become ever more important in the last decade. We are always there to support our allies, big or small, because we recognize that as a small, marginalized minority group in America, it is important that we as Muslims remain steadfast in the Quranic command to show up for others in need. When a young and untested Muslim script writer and director needed support for a short film with a message of inclusivity, MPV provided the necessary funds to help the film get produced. When a group of Jewish women filed a lawsuit in Florida to protect their religious freedom to reproductive rights, MPV provided them the support of a Muslim voice in an amicus brief. When conservative Muslims partnered with the Christian Right to protest the implementation of an inclusive public school curriculum in Maryland, the Chair of the Montgomery County City Council called MPV for advice and strategies. We know there are many good causes for you to donate to this year, especially considering the extreme humanitarian needs of Gazans. Everyday I see videos of children and families starved, or maimed and killed by American bombs. It’s heartbreaking violence that all American taxpayers have the responsibility to counteract through donations to organizations like PCRF and UNRWA. But it is also possible to make charitable donations to multiple causes, regardless of the size of the donation or the manifestation of your support. Indeed, holding multiple causes in your heart is more important than ever considering the pervasive feeling of scarcity that has been imposed on us in an attempt to limit our individual power to promote empathy, compassion, and justice. I remind you of your individual power because I am not one to play on fear, choosing instead to bank on the positive impact that we each have the power to manifest. At MPV, we can only do so with your support. As we close out this year, I hope you will consider promoting that positive change by donating generously to MPV <[link removed]> . DONATE TO MPV HERE! <[link removed]> I’m attaching a 2024 MPV Brochure <[link removed]> for your perusal. It is a good summary of all the work that your previous support has helped us to accomplish, and will continue to accomplish with the support of our community. Please keep up to date with our advocacy on our social media channels. If you want a one-on-one conversation with me, please email me at [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> to set up an appointment. Wishing you happy holidays and a blessed 2025. In allyship… Onward and upward… Ani Zonneveld Founder, President Muslims for Progressive Values Coalition Updates MPV is proud to highlight the important work that the Equal Means Equal campaign is doing to make the ERA publication a reality. You can learn about the campaign, including action steps YOU can take to amplify their message, on their website here <[link removed]> . National Updates We are pleased to announce that Unit 7 of the Progressive Islam Curriculum, Sexual and Gender Diversity in Islam, is now available for download <[link removed]> on our website. Unit 7 explores the presence of sexual and gender diversity in Islamic texts and history and applies a progressive hermeneutical approach to discern the permissibility of these diverse identities in Islamic teachings. National Updates Check out our store <[link removed]> for MPV merchandise and educational resources about interfaith marriage and Progressive Islam. For upcoming national and chapter events, check our calendar and events page here <[link removed]> . An App Recommendation Unlock the timeless wisdom of the Quran through a translation that stays true to its original Arabic meaning, without the influence of sectarian perspectives. The ‘A Monotheist Translation’ app is designed to offer you an accessible, faithful translation that allows you to engage with the Quran's teachings in the most authentic way possible. Download on iOS here <[link removed]> and on the Google Play Store here <[link removed]> . Beyond: We Have Ruined God Friend of Muslims for Progressive Values, Dr. Sheri Pallas recently published “We Have Ruined God”, a look into her religious and spiritual journey to identify a path of unconditional love. In conjunction with the book release, Dr. Pallas also developed an online course, which covers the book’s subjects in depth and features experts from across the religious spectrum. Ani Zonneveld, MPV’s Founder and President contributed to the course in a chapter titled “The Patriarchy”, where she addresses patriarchal mistranslations of Qur’an 4:34. Learn more about “We Have Ruined God” here <[link removed]> and the accompanying course, “Beyond We Have Ruined God” here <[link removed]> . MPV In The Media 15 Democrats Join House GOP to Pass MAGA Assault on Nonprofits <[link removed]> | Common Dreams| November 21, 2024 MPV joined many non-profit organizations in urging members of the House to vote “no” on H.R. 9495, better known as the “Non-Profit Killer Bill”, which if passed into law, enables the President to have the IRS strip non-profits of their status if they are deemed to “support terrorism”. Chapter Events - Boston On Saturday December 14 from 3:00 PM - 6 PM MPV-Boston <[link removed]> will be hosting a heartfelt Milad (Al-Mawlid An-Nabawi)and winter social honoring the birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The event will feature multilingual singing of devotional songs, inspiring Quranic recitation, and a serene meditative Zikr session. Celebrate with us in unity, spirituality, and reflection in Copley Square at the Community Church of Boston, 565 Boylston Street, Boston 02116. <[link removed]> <[link removed]> <[link removed]> <[link removed]> <[link removed]> <mailto:[email protected]> Muslims for Progressive Values 1626 N. WILCOX AVE, SUITE 702 LOS ANGELES, CA 90028 U.S.A. Powered by Squarespace <[link removed]> Unsubscribe <[link removed]>