April 14, 2014

On Monday, April 14, American Muslim leaders will hold a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, to announce a new campaign to actively prevent violent extremism. Called the "Safe Spaces Initiative," this campaign is the first national grassroots effort to equip American Muslim community and campus leaders with practical tools for developing healthy communities as well as intervention strategies for troubled individuals.

After last year's tragic Boston Marathon bombing, MPAC was approached by many communities on how to effectively deal with any isolated cases of potentially violent extremists. Over the past year, MPAC has researched and worked with Imams, counselors, youth workers and local community leaders to create a toolkit to help leaders develop the understanding and requisite tools to address violent extremism.

"We need to take proactive steps to ensure there are open spaces for dialogue and debate in our communities and also be prepared to take the necessary steps to make sure no one goes down a violent path," said Haris Tarin, the Director of MPAC's Washington, DC, office. "'Safe Spaces' is about creating spiritually and physically safe environments in our communities."

One Year After the Boston Marathon Bombing:
American Muslims Launch Campaign to Prevent Violent Extremism
PRESS CONFERENCE

WHEN: 
9:30 a.m. EDT on Monday, April 14

WHERE: 
National Press Club - Murrow Room 
529 14th St. NW, 13th Floor 
Washington, DC 20045 
202-662-7500

WHO: 
Alejandro J. Beutel, author of Safe Spaces Initiative Handbook & independent research consultant 
Imam Mohamed Magid, President of the Islamic Society of North America 
Haris Tarin, Director of MPAC's Washington, DC, office 
Imam Suhaib Webb, Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center (invited) 
Government & Community leaders