About our Speakers:
- KYIRG speakers are certified through a process of training, testing, and observation in a live setting by veteran trainers.
- KYIRG speakers adhere to the First Amendment Center's "A Teacher's Guide to Religion in the Public Schools", which we also apply to presentations in all public facilities. For more information on the guidelines, visit http://www.freedomforum.org/.
- KYIRG speakers adhere to KYIRG's Charter, which can be found by clicking here.
Presentations:
We are happy to provide presentations to schools, Grades K-12, and churches
free of charge!
Sample audiences:
Schools - KYIRG's goal in working with schools is to put a human face to the information studied about one of the world's fastest growing religions in America, as well as to correct any misinformation about Islam found in textbooks. Our strategy for achieving this goal is face-to-face interaction among Muslims, school children and teachers.
Our most effective process is participating in the existing public education of Islam in the context of World History and Social Studies.
At the teacher's invitation, KYIRG speakers give a presentation, which combines a formal presentation using transparencies or computer-based slides with an informal interaction with the students. Beginning with an introduction to the Islamic greeting, "assalamu alaikum", we cover a variety of topics such as Islamic history, demographics, culture & Islam, Islamic beliefs and practices and how they relate to everyday life in America, and Islamic holidays and celebrations. In addition, speakers may tailor their presentations to cover broader topics such as social issues for American teens, women and families, and stereotypes and perceptions.
Top
School Staff and Administrators - KYIRG's goal in working with school teachers and administrators is to supplement their education about Islam and Muslims and provide useful information on interacting with Muslim students. We cover a variety of topics such as Islamic history, demographics, culture & Islam, Islamic beliefs and practices and how they relate to everyday life in America, and Islamic holidays and celebrations. In addition, speakers may tailor their presentations to cover broader topics such as social issues for American teens, families, and stereotypes and perceptions.
Top
Churches and other religious centers - KYIRG upholds the Islamic principles of respect and tolerance for all people of other faiths. KYIRG 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.
KYIRG provides a presentation entitled "An Orientation on Islam and the Muslim World" which is a 45 to 90 minute presentation that covers 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 provide insight into a much misunderstood faith.
KYIRG is also frequently asked to provide information on family life, with emphasis on women in Islam and their role in society. KYIRG's presentations are educational, not devotional, and strive to increase awareness, without promoting Islam or denigrating other religions.
Top
Media Reporters - KYIRG's goal for working with the media is to influence how the media reports or writes about issues relating to Islam. Our strategy for achieving this goal is to build long-term relationships between media decision-makers and Muslims, while becoming a trusted source of information about Islam.
KYIRG conducts educational seminars for media executives and reporters on issues of importance to Muslims and can provide information on pertinent holidays and belief practices of Muslims throughout the year.
Top
Law Enforcement - KYIRG'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. Our strategy for achieving this goal 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. KYIRG is an accredited trainer for the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Division of Police.
We also encourage police culture training for Muslims and Islamic organizations in the regions where we've conducted police training about Muslims.
Top
Employers and Corporate Human Resources - KYIRG's goal for working with corporations is to provide better understanding and tolerance between employees, as well as to educate employers about the needs of Muslim employees. Our strategy for achieving this goal is to familiarize corporate managers and employees with Islam and Muslim religious practices on the job. Our most effective process is implementing tailored educational seminars for employees and for managers.
The first part of our presentation immediately engages the participants with a brainstorming period on commonly held perceptions of Islam and Muslims. We follow this with a presentation which pinpoints the accurate Muslim identity, sources of perceptions, in addition to Muslim religious practices on the job - uncovering issues such as prayer, fasting, pilgrimage, Muslim holidays, dietary requirements, clothing, and social interaction involving shaking hands, eye contact and attending social events.
Top
Hospitals & Social Service Agencies - 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. KYIRG believes that the key factor to cultural competency is education.
To this end, KYIRG can offer 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.*
For social workers and mental healthcare providers, KYIRG provides a ninety-minute to two-hour presentation that not only covers the basics of Islam and Muslim cultural practices, but also includes issues specific to counseling.*
*these presentations will be available in the near future.
Top
Note to Educators: For teachers who want to invite us to a Social Studies classroom grades 7th-12th, please check with other Social Studies and World History teachers in your school about their interest in also having a speaker before requesting a speaker! Joint presentations will save us on costs. Also, please keep in mind that each presentation is approximately 45 minutes and we recommend 10-15 minutes for Q & A.
Top |
About KYIRG 
