OISM's goal for working with law enforcement is to supplement cultural diversity training in law enforcement agencies as well as ensure the safety and security of Muslims in the current political climate. The focus is to familiarize law enforcement with Islam and Muslim culture by teaching protocols for interaction with Muslims.

Our most effective process is 2 to 4 hours of cultural competency training titled "Working with the American Muslim Community", which we conduct through existing law enforcement diversity training programs. The U.S. Department of Justice has also utilized our training throughout the country.

The first part of our presentation immediately engages police officers with a brainstorm on commonly held perceptions of Islam and Muslims. After participants have had a chance to express their feelings about the subject; we begin to describe the true Muslim identity, general sources of perceptions, and protocols for interaction with Muslim individuals and institutions.

Other successful processes for maintaining a positive relationship with law enforcement is our participation in law enforcement hate crimes networks and State Commissions on diversity training. We also encourage police culture training for Muslims and Islamic organizations in the regions where we've conducted police training about Muslims.

If you are interested in inviting guest speakers to your agency, please contact us at (630) 848-1475 or email us at admin@oismidwest.org. You may also schedule a speaker on our web site at Speaker Request Form.

 

"I thought it was outstanding. The more we know about different cultures, the better we are able to do our jobs."
(Northwest Indiana Law Enforcement Academy – March 2005)

As the population of the United States becomes increasingly diverse, the challenge of providing quality services also becomes more difficult. No more is this more evident than in the health care sector, where life itself can be threatened due to cultural misunderstandings or miscommunication.

OISM believes that the key factor to cultural competency in this and other sectors is education. To this end, we have developed a two-hour presentation for health care providers that not only covers the basics of Islam and Muslim cultural practices, but also includes issues specific to health care providers, such as diet, gender issues, birth and death considerations, and the Islamic view on blood transfusions, abortions, autopsies, and other common procedures. This presentation can be arranged at your convenience for a minimal fee.

 

Healthcare for the Muslim Patient”
This training covers the following subject matter:

• Muslim culture: terminology, demographics, beliefs and practices
• Implications for healthcare providers: Islamic views on sickness; Islamic values relating to health, family system, cleanliness, prayers, fasting, diet, dress code, gender issues, reproductive issues, labor & delivery, postpartum, Islamic views on end of life, terminal illness, life support, hospice care, after death, organ donations

Presentations can also be tailored to focus on specific clinical procedures.

Training Period: 1.5-2.0 hours

Training format: Interactive, where questions can be asked throughout.
Fees: Negotiable, based on available funding.

Equipment needed: Overhead projector & screen, or laptop, LCD projector and screen.
Number of presenters:One, or depending on need, could be a panel of speakers.