KARAMAH’s LLSP class of 2015 enjoyed an inspiring, empowering, third day of classes. Participants discussed what it means to be a leader, how women can be leaders in their communities, how to lead and advocate through social media, and how to resolve conflicts within the Muslim community. Participants started the day with a course on leadership taught by Raheemah Abdulaleem, Chair of KARAMAH’s board of directors. Ms. Abdulaleem began by discussing the reasons leadership is important to her, saying: “the more we are present at the table and engaged in our communities, people will see that these aren’t just Muslim issues we’re facing, these are human issues.” Ms. Abdulaleem then referenced an article on traits common to women in the workplace. She highlighted messages important to succeeding in any environment, discussing with participants challenges that they have faced in making their voices heard. She had participants practice exchanging “elevator pitches” with one another, describing their jobs, passions, and workplace responsibilities in less than 15 seconds. After Ms. Abdulaleem worked through ways for women to improve their leadership skills, Aisha Rahman worked with participants to help define how they can improve their leadership skills through the Law and Leadership Summer Program. She encouraged participants to share their prior successes as leaders, while also encouraging them to imagine the qualities they assign to an “ideal leader.” At the end of the course, multiple participants shared their appreciation for the workshops. One participant remarked: “I’ve been in some other leadership courses, but I liked how approachable and practical this was…I think you made a change inside of me today.” Later in the day, participants worked through ways to be leaders not only at work or in their communities, but through social media as well. During her course, “How to be a Digital Media Warrior,” Jamiah Adams discussed various social media platforms, why social media is important in advocacy and justice work, and how participants can transform themselves into stronger leaders through their social media presences. She began her class saying: “I’m talking about social media because these are the tools that we can use to bring about change; no matter who you are, you can use these tools to uplift and amplify any issue you’re working on within your communities.” Ms. Adams explained how to use a variety of social media platforms, and what specifically each platform can do to elevate an individual or a community’s message. Many students remarked how, despite the potential benefits of social media, they find it difficult to deal with the negativity that can be sent their way on those social media platforms. After discussing ways in which they can work through and filter that negativity, students shared their appreciation for Ms. Adams’s course. One student said, “I was thinking of deactivating my facebook and twitter but after this, I won’t, because now I know a lot of people are spreading false information and that we have to spread the right information back and do Da’wah that way.” To which Ms. Adams responded, “You’ve just given me an idea for my next social media presentation: social media Da’wah!” Students finished the day discussing ways in which Muslims can come together. Referencing an Ayah from the Qur’an which says “…those who conduct their affairs by mutual consultation (Shura)” (Qur’an, 42:38). Ms. Rahman discussed with participants what “mutual consultation” (Shura) mean to them and encouraged participants to explore their preconceived notions about leadership and conflict resolution within Islam, discussing how Muslims could potentially be united despite their differences, and the importance of dialogue in building a stronger Muslim community. All in all, it was another day filled with passionate discussions at LLSP, and our class of 2015 looks forward to utilizing their new tools for effective leadership, social media advocacy, and conflict resolution in the future.
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