Source: The Indianapolis Star
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050618/LIVING/506180338/1007/LIVING
On June 18, 2005 The Indianapolis Star reported, "At the Plainfield headquarters of the Islamic Society of North America, about a dozen current and aspiring Muslim leaders from around the country have been attending what amounts to summer school for imams. Aside from imams, Muslim religious teachers, the class also includes Muslim student leaders, mosque office workers and Islamic center volunteers... In its second year, this Summer Leadership Institute is aimed at giving Muslim leaders the tools they need to better run their organizations. But it also is aimed at helping those leaders see how Islam -- and they as its representatives -- fit into the American landscape in a post-9/11 world. Muslim scholars here are offering them tips on how to deal with the media, build transparency into their finances and comply with laws governing nonprofit organizations. On the cultural front, they are being encouraged to give women greater roles in their mosques and Islamic centers. And they are being given tips on how to resolve conflicts and navigate touchy issues that come with guiding communities that often include African-Americans, Arab and Asian immigrants and white American converts... There are few other places in the United States where Muslim leaders can get such training, which officials hope will grow in popularity over the next few years."