Sample invitation for corporate employees
CORPORATE EMPLOYEES PRESENTATION
As the US in general and the Arizona in particular have become increasingly ethnically diverse in recent years, the work place has been impacted by this new multiculturalism. Diversity can be a positive dimension that expands and enriches the workplace environment, or it can lead to increased misunderstanding, conflict, and decreased productivity. Muslims, like other minority groups, often experience discrimination on the job, such as the termination or denial of employment because of religious appearance, the refusal to accommodate religious practices on the job, or biased behavior by co-workers or supervisors. Such actions are commonly due to misconceptions or ignorance about Islam and its religious practices, rather than intentional prejudice. One way to prevent possible misunderstanding or discrimination on the job, while improving the working relationship and productivity of multi-ethnic and culturally diverse employees is through education. Education about that which is unfamiliar or unknown is the first step towards understanding and greater tolerance. Towards this end, Islamic Speakers Bureau of Arizona (ISBA) has an interactive presentation specially designed for corporate employees, which focuses on Muslims and their religious practices that might impact the workplace. With over 6 million Muslims living in the United States, most of whom are professionals in corporations, this seminar provides valuable insight into their beliefs and practices.
Corporate Employee Brown-Bag Presentation Title:
“Orientation on Arab & Muslim Americans: Workplace Diversity Seminar for Employees” This presentation is especially designed to be fun, entertaining and fast paced. It ends with a humorous multiple-choice test. Subject matter covered is as follows:
- What’s in a Name?
- Who was Mohammed?
- Three dimensions of Islamic Culture
- Addressing Stereotypes: Terrorism
- Addressing Stereotypes: Women
- Culture vs. Islam
- Understanding Religious Practices on the Job
Presentation Period: 45 minutes Training format: Interactive, where questions can be asked throughout.
Handouts: Booklet titled, “An Employer’s Guide to Islamic Religious Practices”, published by CAIR Booklet titled, Discover Islam, The Reader, published by Transcom International
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.
