Words are powerful. The right words can provide shades of meaning, nuance, and clarity of expression. The words we use to tell our stories, describe our identities, and disrupt oppression are particularly powerful. In a world that doesn’t always appreciate the rich diversity within the Muslim American community, we need space to develop our language and skill to better describe ourselves and understand others. Literary Societies are part of our history and provide opportunities for creative expression and collaboration.

This month we'll explore Muslim women in movements. Muslim women have long been the backbone of the development of Islam, including Islamic thoughts, practices, and movements. Join us in person at the HUB for a film screening and then to discuss current movements that Muslim women are leading. You can access the full reading list here. Our discussions will focus in particular on the following questions:

• What is different between movements led by women? What motivates women led movements?

• In what ways do women’s movements continue to face opposition (interpersonal, institutional, structural, internalized)? 

• How do we push for systemic change around ideas that are new or unpopular? 

• Was there anything you learned about current movements or plan to use in your own movement work?

• What support do women led movements need to thrive? 

• How important is mentorship and have you participated in mentorship (either as a mentor or mentee)?

LEARNING FROM ONE ANOTHER’S HISTORIES, IDENTITIES, LITERACIES & LANGUAGE PRACTICES

• Histories include members' family, local, national, and global histories.Avoid practices that are ahistorical or lack examples of literary practices from culturally and linguistically diverse populations.

• Identities are multilayered and related to racial, ethnic, cultural, gender, academic, individual, and community ties. Members need spaces where they can make sense of their lives, self-identify, and learn about the identities of those who are different from them.

• Multiliteracies acknowledge that literacies are layered, nuanced, and complex. Practices should be diverse, addressing the ways members read, write, speak, and know the world.
  

GUIDED BY A FOUR LAYERED EQUITY FRAMEWORK

• Identity Development

  • The ability to read and write your own life. To understand the self and make meaning of our various identities.

  • "How will our readings help members learn something about themselves and/or others?"

• Skill Development

  • Learning and practicing the acts of reading, writing, and speaking. Finding meaning in language.

  • "How will our readings build members' skills for leadership development?"

• Intellectual Development

  • The practice of reading, writing, and speaking to gain academic knowledge across subject areas.

  • "How will our readings build members' knowledge and mental powers?"

• Criticality

  • Reading, writing, and speaking for the purpose of countering injustice and misrepresentation.

  • "How will our readings engage members' thinking about power, equity and the disruption of oppression?"