Source: Americans for an Informed Democracy
[aidemocracy.typepad.com/interdependent/2006/07/getting_ready_f.html]
On July 10, 2006 Americans for an Informed Democracy published an opinion piece by Sabahat Adil, an AID Summer Intern and Student Leader at the University of Chicago: "During the last weekend of June, I attended the 31st ICNA-MAS Convention in Hartford, Connecticut, titled 'Living Islam, Loving Humanity.' It brought together thousands of people for a weekend of lectures by well-known speakers from both the United States and abroad. Sponsored by two large American Muslim organizations, many Muslims convened at this national event, one intended to help Muslims understand challenges and, simultaneously, celebrate faith. While I have been to conferences in the past, attending this in the capacity of an Americans for Informed Democracy (AID) intern provided me with a unique perspective. I partook in the event to attempt to strengthen relationships between AID and national American Muslims organizations such as the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) and Muslim America Society (MAS), particularly to raise awareness about our Hope not Hate initiative. Although we have a great foundation of individuals around the country who coordinate events, AID also uses great foresight in its latest efforts to develop partnerships with groups whose membership will provide nuanced insight into such global issues as U.S.-Muslim World relations. Some of the speakers at the conference addressed Muslim political engagement, and the necessity to do so as citizens of the American community. Others addressed the theological obligation for Muslims to help others, whether it is through social, educational or political levels. All in all, issues covered in the lectures varied, but all of them strove to connect the individual with his or her obligation to serve the community."