ILIA’s “Leadership Research & Development” Fundraising

Muharram 25th 1431 / Jan 11th 2010, Clarksville,  Maryland – ILIA launched a fundraising campaign to help the institute expand with its development and research. Insha’Allah (SWT) our goal is to raise $5,000 by February 14th. Throughout 1430 we have held five successful leadership programs. The programs’ themes focused on leadership traits of patience and communications and the style of project management. With the grace of Allah (SWT), ILIA was able to publish its well-known book titled Patience in Practice, and two other workbooks – Make the Click Bridge the Gap and Youth Project Management. These literary works were accomplished through the grace of Allah (SWT) and donated time and effort. In order to expand ILIA’s programs and contributions to the Muslim ummah we need funds to grow our research abilities and finance the developmental costs of developing these leadership workshops.

The institute has decided to put together a small competition for the first twenty students that respond to this email. The competition is based on helping out the institution by collecting money for the campaign, as well as earning good deeds (ajr) for each dollar that is donated. Students who raise more than $1,000 by 2/14/10, will receive a voucher to attend a free event during 1431. To keep track of the amount that each student raises, we will give every student a referral code which they will have to give to any donor to notify us which student informed this person about the campaign. Any student over the age of 9 is eligible to participate, including adults.

If you are interested in joining the competition send us an email at info@islamicleadership.org to get your referral code. Only first twenty students to contact ILIA will receive referral codes.

You can donate online by mailing a check to ILIA at PO Box 726, Clarksville, MD 21029-0726 payable to ILIA with the referral code in the memo section.

Jazakum Allahu Khairan

First of its Kind Youth Project Management Competition Held, Dec 26th, 2009

Muharram 23rd 1431 / Jan 9th 2010, Ellicott City,  Maryland – It was a brisk fall day when on October 21st 2009, twenty one teens met in Laurel, Maryland to attend the first ever Youth Project Management workshop held by the Islamic Leadership Institute of America (ILIA). There they learned about what constitutes a project, they learned about managing the complexities of a scope and about scope, cost, schedule, risk and more. The twenty one youth leaders came from as far as Herndon, Virigina west and as far a Baltimore north. They spent six hours in a intensive workshop that was a mix of learning, presentation, team activity and project management in practice. Towards the end of the fourth hour the teens spent 90 minutes developing a high level plan to build a college dorm  and used not only the knowledge they had learned throughout the day to come up with the plan, but also hands-on games and activities to enrich the learning experience.

Towardss the closing of the workshop the coaches of the program shared information about the first Youth Project Management competition which was going to be held at Dar Al-Taqwa (DAT) masjid in Ellicott City about two months later.

Three teams, ten participants, three judges, two coaches, a motivated teen moderator and an audience went to DAT on December 26th, 2009 to experience an afternoon filled with excitement. They watched each team present their long weeks of hard work to build a project that would benefit their communities.

DAT created a team consisting six participants: Nada Elansary, Noha Elansary, Doha Nassar, Yomna Nassar, Razeen Khan, and Soha Hassan. Team Islamic Research & Humanitarian Service Center of America (IRHSCA) had two members: Niyah Hamiliton and Khaila Hamiliton. The last participant was the representative of Dar us-Salaam (DUS), Hannan Hijazi.

Each team presented their project with enthusiasm to three judges, all of whom are experts in project management and have over 65 years of professional project management experience with large scale projects: Shafqat Abassi, Alpha Bailey, and Mostafiz Choudhary.

While each competitor was eager to know the results after the judges were done calculating the scores, their impatience was released by Mahmoud Aboelrous, one of the two coaches and the force thrust behind the program walking up to the stage, with Hamza Ameen the moderator to announce the winning teams. Team DAT planned out a full detailed construction plan of a full time elementary and middle school. The representative of team DUS made a setup of a food shelter program. Team IRHSCA came up with a newsletter for a masjid. DAT was awarded first place with a monetary award of $120. DUS won second place and received $60. IRHSCA placed third place and was acknowledged with $30. The day ended with each participant receiving an honoring prize.

Br Abassi stated during the competition, “I am impressed by the level of detail and the work your team has [completed], so let me ask some questions to push the envelope a little”. Sister Bailey gave a few words of advice to the participants towards the end of the program and reflected her appreciation and admiration for the work presented.

This program is the first of its kind in the Muslim community in the DC metropolitan area, and most probably nation-wide, and was completely funded by ILIA through fees and partially via minimal donations. Although ILIA had approached a leading project management organization to sponsor part of the event, ILIA never received any support. Ayman Nassar, ILIA’s chairman states  “Allhamdulillah it was a great success despite the extreme limitation in resources and the hurdles facing the program, we were able to have the first youth project management competition for our young Muslim brothers and sisters”.

To bring this program to your local community, or donate to this cause contact ILIA at info@islamicleadership.org

Registration for Greater DC Youth Project Management Competition Now Available

Thulhijjah 7th 1430 / Nov 24th 2009, Ellicott City,  Maryland - Inshaa competition participants can now register for the upcoming project management competition. Only youth who participated in the ILIA Youth Project Management Workshop in October are eligible to participate. Registration is available at http://ypmcomp.eventbrite.com/

ILIA Offering a 2-hr Leadership 101 in Collaboration with Mafiq Foundation’s Youth Essay Orientation Session, Dec 12th 2009

Thulhijjah 3rd 1430 / Nov 20th 2009, Silver Spring,  Maryland - Inshaa Allah (SWT) Islamic Leadership Institute of America will be offering a complimentary 2-hr session on leadership to area youth who are participating in the upcoming 2009 Mafiq Annual EPC Essay Contest. For more information about the date and time of the program please check http://www.islamicleadership.org after Eid. Attendees will receive a free white paper on the leadership styles of the Prophet. Registration is available at http://mohammad.eventbrite.com/

ILIA Speaking on Initiative and Change at MUNA-DC Youth Conference, Dec 5th, 2009 – (Postponed)

Thulhijjah 2nd 1430 / Nov 19th 2009, Catonsville, Maryland - Inshaa Allah (SWT) Islamic Leadership Institute of America will be present at the MUNA-DC conference held on Dec 5th, 2009 at the Islamic Society of Baltimore. Br. Ayman Nassar will give a short talk on taking the initiative and inducing change, followed by some team activities. For details about the event check http://www.islamicleadership.org/taking-the-initiative/

Internship Opportunity, Accounting and Finance, 1431 A.H.

Thulhijjah 2nd 1430 / Nov 19th 2009, Clarksville, Maryland - Inshaa Allah (SWT) Islamic Leadership Institute of America has a free internship available for a college student. Opportunity could lead to a paid position with ILIA based on performance and demand.

We will train if needed, and provide mentoring and coaching along with opportunities for growth and development. Duties include:

Key qualifications are:

High integrity, patience and open mind willing to take a responsibility, commitment, familiarity with various types of financial reports (income statements, balance sheets, programs’ health, monthly reports, annual reports), creative thinker and someone willing to explore and innovate. Someone interested in learning and knowing about IRS and State regulations related to non-profits, some basic interest in grant writing and research, and interest of being part of an agile and creative organization. Applicants must have no criminal background in the past five years. Applicant should have completed at least 6 credits in accounting or finance course work at an accredited college with at least an A in one of both classes and no less than a B in the other, and an overall GPA no less than 3.5

Among the many benefits of the internship, working and interacting in an Islamic environment, developing solid leadership and technical skills, experience work in a fast paced dynamic environment, provided opportunities for creative thinking and network with professionals in various domains. Flexible hours and low time demand.

Interested interns should email resume in PDF format to info at islamicleadership.org along with a cover letter expressing reasons of interest in the internship.

Over 35 Educators Attend Make the Click Bridge the Gap Program at Ann Arbor, Michigan

Thulqaida 21st 1430 / Nov 9th 2009, Ann Arbor, Michigan – Alhamedellah with the grace of Allah (SWT) the institute completed its first program ever outside the state of Maryland. The program which was offered at the Muslim Community Association of Ann Arbor was geared towards eduators and parents. It shared several key concepts of effective communications from the Quran and Sunnah and covered active listening, coaching, motivation, conflict resolution and negotiation. Participants completed a one-hour multiple choice and essay exam prior to the end of the program. Inshaa Allah (SWT) the institute is looking forward to offer the program in Virginia over the next few weeks, and in New York in early 2010.

Over 150 Community Members Attend Youth Leadership Appreciation & Local Community Leaders Open House, 1430

Thulqaida 12th 1430 / Nov 2nd 2009, Ellicott City, Maryland – Alhamedelllah with the grace of Allah (SWT) the first youth leadership appreciation dinner and local leaders open house was held at Dar Al-Taqwa this weekend. Over 150 guests attended the event. The program started with Quran recitation by Hasan Ahmed and Ahmed Bassyiouni, two youth from Howard and Prince George’s Counties respectively. The moderator, Hamzah Ameen, who is a young volunteer and was leading the event moderation shared information about all speakers with the audience and grabbed the audiences attention through his gestures and comments. Over 70 youth participated in ILIA’s summer and fall program for the year 1430, and awards were presented to those who completed the requirements of the programs. Each of ILIA’s full day programs contribute one ILIA educational unit to the participant’s learning credits.

The youth were not the only ones to receive awards, this year’s youth appreciation award dinner coincided with the local leaders open house where guest speaker Ibrahim Abusway shared some of ILIA’s work in the area of institutional leadership, in particular with schools and shelters. ILIA is currently discussing opportunities for training shelter staff and residents on strategic management, leadership and other inter-personal skills.

ILIA also utilized the opportunity to recognize Dar us-Salaam of College Park, Maryland as the Outstanding Local Institution and its leader Safi Khan as the Outstanding Local Leader for the DC metro area for 1430. The award which is the highest ILIA offered in 1430 recognizes the leadership abilities of a local community leader in a particular metro region. The outstanding leader demonstrates leadership abilities in his/her local community with results impacting the local community at large and possibly the regional or national Muslim community. The outstanding leadership award recognizes the ability to grow an organization, expand its abilities, impact surrounding communities, create new jobs, affect various segments of the Muslim community (age, gender, social-economic) and exhibit a role model for other institutions in the local region. ILIA’s chairman, Ayman Nassar, stated “We feel Dar us-Salaam is qualified to receive this award for the impact it has made on the local region and its growth outside of the region, although it has only been around for 12 years or less”. ILIA recommended Dar us-Salaam as it has not only produced a generation of Muslims who impacted the local region, but has also expanded its educational services outside the State of Maryland into Northern Virgina through the Hifz School and Pennsylvania through the opening of a new full-time school. Dar us-Salaam, home of The Muslim Link and several other community services such as the medical clinic has made a fingerprint in the local region, even though it is a young organization.

Imam Mahmoud Abdelhady, of Dar Al-Taqwa was also awarded a certificate of appreciation for his advice, support and encouragement of ILIA’s services. Imam mahmoud was also one of the main reviewers to ILIA’s first book, Mountain Strong: Patience in Practice. Among other leaders who were present are Maher Kharma of Mecca Learning Center, Nadia McIntosh of Women Affairs of Al-Mumtahinah Home, Alim Mia of Muslim Ummah of North America, and Sayeed Jaweed of Dar us-Salaam.

All food was donated by local families and a Muslim owned restaurant. Salah Elleithy, ILIA’s treasurer and member of the board presented the financial status of ILIA, which has shown a deficit of close to $2500 for the months of June – October 2009. Abusway commented that ILIA’s programs are offered at a fraction of the cost of similar programs at other leadership development organizations.

Mahmoud Abouelerous, an active volunteer with ILIA and the director of its project management development programs has developed a set of slides which highlighted ILIA’s value proposition, mission, vision and strategy. The dinner was planned and organized by more than 30 young brothers and sisters. Adult supervision was minimal and the youth exhibited strong coordination and organization abilities.

Arif Kabir, one of ILIA’s vice presidents and member of the board was offered the 1430 Committed and Dedicated Board Member Chairman’s Award, the highest internal award at ILIA, for his relentless focus on quality, and outstanding efforts in marketing and developing ILIA’s programs, and technology platforms.

ILIA Presents Adult-Teen Communication Skills Training at Ann Arbor, Michigan

Shawwal 23th 1430 / October 12th 2009, Clarksville, Maryland – Inshaa Allah (SWT) ILIA will be offering its first national program this November in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The program to be held inshaa Allah (SWT) at the Ann Arbor Muslim

Community Center will train adults on effective communications skills with teenagers. The program leaves participants inshaa Allah (SWT) with strategies and tactics to effectively brdge the gap with the younger generation and make the click, based on best practices, leadership traits and Islamic concepts from the Quran and sunnah. To this program to your local masjid, please email info@islamicleadership.org

Youth Project Management Coaching Workshop Held at Laurel, Maryland

Shawwal 23th 1430 / October 12th 2009, Laurel, Maryland – Alhamedellah with the grace of Allah (SWT) two dozen youth experienced the excitement of putting together a full project plan for a college housing unit. This 90-minute activity followed a half day of learning about scope, schedule, cost, quality, procurement and risk. The day was full of team activities, project concepts presented in an Islamic context and a mix of presentation and hands-on activities. The youth were able to develop new relations with others their age at different Islamic centers in the greater Washington area, and improve their leadership skills. They departed the program after identifying partners from their local communities to work on a project plan for a community service project in their local community. Project teams will present their plans inshaa Allah (SWT) on December 26th to a panel of profesional project managers.

Sisters Mountain Strong: Due to Several Requests Early Bird Extended to 9/30

Shawwal 8th 1430 / September 27th, 2009, Maryland – The Sisters Mountain Strong – Registration is full, due to several requests we will extend to 9/30 at early rate … Please register ASAP, spaces limited and rates will switch to $70 on 9/30 to finalize transportation arrangements.

We have certified CPR and first aid chaperons by the American Red Cross, our ratio is 1 chaperon per 5 kids, the program is developed by professionals educated and trained in leadership. Chaperons have experience in youth programs, and have conducted programs at area Masjids for several years including trips and other off-site programs. The Mountain Strong Book accompanies the program and has been reviewed by two Islamic center Imams (Dar Al-Taqwa and Ann Arbor Muslim Community Center), a youth psychologist, a psychiatric and a leadership expert from the University of Maryland. For the girls program, all chaperons are sisters, except for two adult brothers whose functions are security and logistical support. All activities are conducted by college age trained female chaperons.

Only 10 Islamic Leadership Institute of America Project Management Training for Youth Seats Available

Shawwal 6th 1430 / September 25th, 2009, Maryland – Islamic Leadership Institute of America (ILIA) is offering a unique program for youth ages 12-17, on October 10th, 2009. The program, Youth Project Management Workshop and Regional Competition Coaching provides the youth with six hours of training and coaching with plenty of hands on activities and team development. The program introduces youth to the concepts of scope, quality, schedule, cost, procurement and risk. The program allows youth to work on planning of a real project within their communities between October 11th and December 25th, 2009, teams then present their plans at a regional greater Washington region competition in front of a panel of professional project manager judges. ILIA has scholarships – financial aid – for youth who can not afford to pay the $69 enrollment fee. Program is open to all youth regardless of race, religious belief, color, sex, national origin, and disability. As of the date of this announcement only 10 spots remain available. For more information on the program check http://www.islamicleadership.org

Marketing Internship Available

Shawwal 3rd, 1430, Maryland – Inshaa Allah (SWT) an internship opportunity exists for a college student. Work is remote and will require the ability to interact with others remotely. Work involves promoting ILIA’s programs, designing advertising and marketing campaigns, introducing stakeholders to ILIA’s mission, services and products. Intern will also interact with donors, suppliers, partners and ILIA board members. Internship inshaa Allah (SWT) shall provide good marketing, business development, partnerships and funding experience. Interested candidates must have completed at least one marketing, business administration or economics course with a grade of A, has a driver’s license and has a passion for working in a non-profit environment promoting the values of ILIA. Resumes can be submitted to info@islamicleadership.org

President Obama Congratulates Muslims on Eid ul-Fitr

Ramadan 29th, 1430, Washington DC – The American leader, Obama, reflected on the works of charity that Muslims carry out in their localities. For full whitehousestatement read here

Eid Mubarak!

Ramadan 29th, 1430, Maryland – The moon has been sighted in several locations across the globe, hence Shawwal 1430 begins on Sunday Sept 20th, 2009. We ask Allah (SWT) to accept from all of us our good deeds and forgive our sins and make us from among the dwellers of the Firdous.

Have Something to Share?

Ramadan 26th, 1430, Maryland – ILIA welcomes articles and papers on issues related to leadership, management, capacity building, sustainability. To submit a publication or link to a posting email us at info@islamicleadership.org. All submissions are subject to review and acceptance based on merit. ILIA reserves the right to approve or disapprove submissions.

Want to Volunteer?

Ramadan 25th, 1430, Maryland – Community service, sharing experience, teaching others, learning and much more. Complete an application and send to ILIA. Help is needed during events, prior to events and throughout the year. Most importantly volunteers need to be committed and reliable.

Deadline for Sisters Mountain Strong Leadership Retreat, Sunday Sept 20th, 2009

Ramadan 25th, 1430, Maryland – The deadline for registration for the sisters Mountain Strong: Patience in Practice leadership retreat is approaching, make sure to reserve early. Full details here.

Support Needy Youth Become Leaders – Share Some of Your Zakat

Ramadan 25th, 1430, Maryland – Alhamedellah ILIA has been sponsoring the costs of leadership training programs for needy youth. Currently ILIA sponsors up to 10% of  seats in its training programs for needy Muslim youth who can not afford to attend leadership programs. ILIA needs your support to keep its scholarship programs and financial aid available. Please donate at least $100 this Ramadan to support our needy young men and women. All donations should be made payable to ILIA and mailed to PO Box 726, Clarksville, MD 21029-0726 – Please make sure to write zakat on the check. All donors will receive receipts for donations at the end of the year inshaa Allah (SWT). Donations are currently not tax exempt.

ILIA Visits Area Centers

Ramadan 1430, Maryland – Alhamedellah this Ramadan ILIA has been welcomed at a number of centers to share with the community upcoming programs and its mission. From among the communities ILIA visited are Makkah Learning Center, Dar us-Salaam, Islamic Society of Hanover (PA), Dar Al-Taqwa, and Masjid Al-Momenoon. If you would like to invite ILIA to your community center please contact us at info@islamicleadership.org

Donations Accepted

9/4/09, Clarksville, MD – Inshaa Allah (SWT) ILIA is encouraging community members to support its mission and leadership programs through a modest $30/month donation. Donations are used to provide financial assistance for youth who can not afford to attend ILIA’s programs, and as scholarships for teachers at Islamic schools whose schools are unable to fund professional development programs, in addition to supporting research and development of leadership programs. Please donate generously, by check made payable to ILIA and mailed to PO Box 726, Clarksville, MD 21029-0726, or online using paypal here.

Coaches and Judges Needed for the Upcoming Youth Project Mgmt Workshop and Greater DC Regional Competition

9/4/09, Clarksville, MD – Inshaa Allah (SWT) coaches and judges are needed for the ILIA youth project management workshop and competition. Full details and registration are available here. Please consider this great opportunity to give back to our youth.

Registration for the Sisters Pre-teen Mountain Strong: Patience in Practice Leadership Retreat Now Open

9/2/09, Clarksville, MD – Inshaa Allah (SWT), the pre-teen sisters Mountain Strong: Patience in Practice leadership retreat will be held on October 17th, 2009 at Rocks State Park in Maryland. Parents can now register their daughters at this link http://www.islamicleadership.org inshaa Allah (SWT).

ILIA Visits Women Affairs of Al-Mumtahinah Home Shelter in Baltimore City

8/30/09, Baltimore City, MD – Alhamedellah, a group of seven ILIA volunteers visited AMH this Sunday. The volunteers toured the facility and promised sister Nadia, the shelter director, to assist in selling scented candles to raise funds for the shelter. The ILIA team which is also enrolled in the ILIA upcoming project management workshop and competition has selected the shelter as their host organization for their community service project management plan.

ILIA Publishes Mountain Strong: Patience in Practice

8/29/09, Clarksville, MD – Alhamedellah with the grace and mercy of Allah (SWT) (SWT), ILIA’s first book has been published today.  Mountain Strong is a leadership and self-development book for youth ages 9 – 13. Based on Islamic principles and concepts, the author discusses the definition of patience, perseverance, endurance and steadfastness to youth in an easy and straight-forward way. The book offers practical steps to develop one’s patience and shares the benefits of being patient, and book draws evidence from the Quran and the statements of Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) (peace be upon him). Includes some quizzes and practice questions to apply concepts to simulated situations. It compliments the Mountain Strong leadership retreat ILIA offers for pre-teens ages 9-13. It can also be used independently and can be ordered from amazon.com

Want to Volunteer at a Muslim Shelter or Masjid?

8/26/09, Clarksville, MD – ILIA is training youth on principles of project management on October 10th, participants in the program will have the opportunity to join a team of youth who will act as project managers assisting a Muslim social service, religious or educational organization with planning and managing small projects. Its a great opportunity to learn, give back for the sake of Allah (SWT) (SWT) and to get community service credit. To register for the workshop and be eligible to enroll in the ILIA 2009 Project Management Competition check this link: http://www.islamicleadership.org/project-management-workshop/

Ramadan Mubarak

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ (2:183)

Baset – Hussari – Minshawi

2:183 (Asad) Oh you who have attained to faith! Fasting is ordained for you as it was ordained for those before you, so that you might remain conscious of God:

Seeking Part Time Operations Director / Funding Director

8/19/09, Clarksville, MD – ILIA is seeking a part-time director to oversee the daily operations of ILIA, and lead the organizations funding and program development. Details about the position are below, interested parties should email resumes to ” info @ islamicleadership.org”  in PDF format, or in the body of a text message.

Responsibilities and Duties:

  1. Manage daily operations such as administrative and service activities
  2. Plan, prepare and coordinate events and projects
  3. Develop proposals for new programs
  4. Interface with Muslim and non-Muslim organizations
  5. Promote ILIA’s mission and programs
  6. Manage and oversee all ILIA assets and resources
  7. Manage volunteers and report to board on status of activities and programs
  8. Aid in preparation of budgets, plans, job descriptions and work requests
  9. Raise funds for the organization and its programs via grants, sponsorships, proposals, services or fundraising

Qualifications:

  1. Bachelor’s degree and at least five years of professional experience.
  2. Strong analytical abilities and the ability to make business decisions.
  3. Experience in planning youth activities, programs, trips.
  4. Ability to use the Internet, and high tech gadgets
  5. Ability to negotiate with suppliers and vendors
  6. Ability to design flyers and brochures using desktop applications such as Power Point, MS Publisher, Adobe
  7. Knowledge of video recording and editing
  8. Ability to organize files
  9. Excellent knowledge of event planning
  10. Ability to use database applications, spreadsheets, and word processors
  11. Ability to conduct phone calls, schedule appointments and prepare meeting minutes
  12. Strong understanding of the Quran and Sunnah
  13. Fluent English and basic Arabic
  14. Experienced in proposal development, grant writing, sponsorship solicitations and other approaches of funding
  15. Experience in teaching, training or childhood development
  16. Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
  17. Strong planning, organizing and project management skills
  18. Strong understanding of quality management concepts
  19. Relevant industry certificates a plus
  20. Understanding of non-profit regulations, culture and guidelines
  21. Understanding and experience with charitable foundations and government funding programs regulations and processes.

ILIA Holds Mountain Strong: Brothers Ages 9-13 Leadership Retreat

8/9/09, Shenandoah National Park, VA – Alhamdulillah on August 8th, 2009 ILIA held its first leadership retreat. We had the opportunity to build bonds between Muslim youth across the Washington metro region, and experience patience, perseverance and endurance. There was a total of 24 youth accompanied by 5 coaches, each who was give a responsibility for part of the bigger group. Alhamdulillah, the youth learned, practiced and experienced the following,

- Teamwork
- Sacrifice, giving and favoring others over self
- Patience
- Perseverance
- Endurance
- Motivation
- The greatness of the mountains
- Allah (SWT)’s support
- Reflecting on stories of Yunus (pbuh) and many other prophets and messengers
- Reflecting on advice of the Prophet (pbuh) about being strong and tough
- Following orders of the leader
- Sticking to the group
- Taking action to induce a change
- Issues relating to Ramadan fasting