The Organization of Islamic Speakers Midwest (OISM) recognizes the need for ongoing interfaith dialogue and cooperation in our increasingly multicultural and diverse society to bring about peace in our neighborhoods, in our country, and the world. Over the last four years, OISM representatives have served various faith-based organizations as speakers on panels, presenters, tour guides in mosques, and participants in interfaith programs that promote peace.

We believe that the key to achieving peace is to foster understanding and respect through education. This value is inherent in American principles and traditions, as seen in the advancement of civil rights for minority groups throughout history. This value is also a testimony to the over 4,000 presentations delivered locally and nationwide at the request of interested groups who share and promote the ideals of education and peace.

Although we have made strides in our communities, a recent poll by the Council on American-Islamic Relations found that 86% of Americans have somewhat, or little to no knowledge of Islam, and one of two Americans believes that Islam oppresses women. In addition, the study also revealed that harassment, violence and discriminatory treatment towards American Muslims in 2004 increased by nearly 70 percent since 2002 (the year after the September 11th terror attacks).

Presentations about Islam & Muslims:
To turn these figures around, OISM hopes to increase our efforts with faith-based organizations to reach the average American with the message of peace that our many faiths share and teach. To this end, we have created a presentation especially designed for faith-based organizations and community centers to explain the basic tenets of Islam and the cultures of its 1.5 billion adherents. The presentation titled “Islam 101” is a 45 to 90 minute presentation that provides an overview of Islamic beliefs and practices, while examining similarities between religions in such areas as the belief in God, the prophets, revealed books and the Hereafter. Presenters also give a personal glimpse into the life and practice of a Muslim American that will hopefully provide insight into a much misunderstood faith.

If time permits, presenters can also cover such current topics as:

• Terrorism/Jihad
• Women’s Rights
• Islam and Democracy

Our trained speakers make this presentation at your convenience in a manner that is in accordance with the First Amendment’s emphasis on pluralism. It is our respect for other groups’ beliefs and traditions and our adherence to a non-proselytizing format that has led hundreds of institutions from public and private schools to corporations, law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers and others to request our presentations nationwide.

We also provide presentations on the following topics:

• Islamic Contributions to Civilization
• Roots of Islam in America
• Women in Islam

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Request a Speaker for Your Organization

Your Name:	Your Email Address:
Organization Name:	Organization Phone Number: (include extension)
Address:	Home Phone Number (preferred for teachers):
City, State Zip Code: ,	Best Time to Call:
Which presentations would you like? (select all that apply)
“ Orientation on Islam and Muslims” Church Presentation “ Single Issue Slides” Adult Slides “ Islamic Contributions to Civilization” Student & Adult Presentation	“ Roots of Islam in America” Student & Adult Presentation “ Women in Islam” Student & Adult Presentation “ Women in Islam: Myths v. Realities” Student & Adult Presentation
Desired Outcome (Please describe what you would hope the audience would receive from the speaker):
Preferred Dates: MM/DD/YYYY 1st choice 2nd choice 3rd choice
No. of Periods Requiring a Speaker 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Approximate size of audience per presentation less than 20 20-50 50-100 more than 100	Start and End Times 1 to 2 to 3 to 4 to 5 to 6 to 7 to 8 to
Comments:
Wednesday, December 13, 2006 11:07 PM