OIS, Midwest - Islamic Networks Group

Preamble
The success of any endeavor is based on the premise on which it is established.

Islam was the foundation upon which a just comprehensive social system was developed, enabling an environment in which government, health, education, social, and science systems flourished. Beginning in 610 CE and reaching its heights through 1200 CE; this era of unequivocal historic success was based on the universal religious premise of monotheism and Prophethood.

Likewise in the establishing of our republic, the United States of America, the founding framers of this nation documented universal idealistic principles. These ideals provide a foundation for all systems required for the formation and success of this republic. The Declaration of Independence, The Federalist Papers and The Constitution with its Bill of Rights echo and support one another to clarify those principles.

"That they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights, and that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." The Declaration of Independence

"An entire and perfect union will be the solid foundation of lasting peace: It will secure your religion, liberty, and property; remove the animosities amongst yourselves, and the jealousies and differences betwixt our two kingdoms." John Jay, The Federalist Papers

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances" The First Amendment, Constitution of the United States of America

ING and its affiliates adopt the following policies:

Policy 1 - We embrace the First Amendment
ING & its affiliates recognize the ideals and wisdom of the aforementioned statements. ING & its affiliates are founded on the principle of intellectual scholarship and constructive contribution to the society in which we live. ING & its affiliates endeavor to develop and offer educational presentations that provide an academic view of Islam's place in world history and contemporary times as one of the major world religions observed today.

Policy 2 - We honor the trust of the host organization
Speakers of ING and its affiliates will make presentations for schools and other organizations by invitation only. Our public school system is an evolutionary outgrowth of the public square. It is supported figuratively and literally out of the public trust, and operates under a clearly defined scope, structure and process. ING & its affiliates are an external resource operating within the parameters of the public trust through the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights and State level requirements to provide religious education within the contexts of world history social sciences. We are committed to being supportive and a resource to the public school system.

As with schools, speakers of ING & its affiliates will adhere to and operate within the parameters of the public trust as defined above for all other organizations in which we're invited to speak.

Policy 3 - We provide accurate & balanced information relating to Islam and the Muslim world
Our policy is to provide the most accurate information available through educational presentations. These presentations are developed through comprehensive academic research under the highest standards of intellectual scholarship. Presenters are certified, in that they are required to maintain the requisite understanding of the information presented, maintain a high level of presenter competency, and receive approved authorization to present under the auspices of ING.

Policy 4 - We exemplify Islam in etiquette
We are committed to exemplifying our faith and religious doctrine in our conduct. When invited to share information about our faith, we will exemplify the values of mutual respect, dignity, decorum and intelligence.

Policy 5 - Roles and Responsibilities of speakers of ING and its affiliates
When presenting, speakers of ING & its affiliates adhere to the following policies and guidelines:

Speaker's role in the classroom is to serve the teacher in her or his effort in teaching the curriculum relating to Islam. Speakers follow pre-designed presentations that are created to complement the required curriculum.
In organizations other than schools, presentations are tailored to fit the needs of the audience. A speaker's role is to serve the host in her or his effort in accurately presenting Islam and Muslim culture in teaching cultural competency.
Presentations are academic (objective and neutral), not devotional. Speakers of ING & its affiliates present subjects relating to Islam as he or she would any other religion.
Presentations inform the audience about Islam, and never attempt to impose Islam or influence the audience to accepting Islam.
Speakers of ING and its affiliates strive for audience awareness of Islam and never press for audience acceptance of Islam.
In relating Islam to other religions, a speaker neither promotes nor denigrates any religion.
Speakers associated with ING and its affiliates adhere to the aforementioned policies and guidelines.