The Islamic Speakers Bureau of Albany (ISB Albany), New York is a non-profit, non-political, educational organization.

Academic

ISB Albany’s goal in working with schools is to give a human face to Islam. Our strategy is to educate through face-to-face interactions between Muslims and school children and teachers.

At a teacher’s invitation, speakers will give a presentation, which combines a formal PowerPoint presentation with an informal interaction with the students.

We cover a variety of topics such as Islamic beliefs and practices, and how they relate to everyday life in America, the Muslim population around the world, including America, and Islamic holidays and celebrations.

Presentations are offered throughout the school year at the teacher’s request, and they run for about 40-90 minutes depending on the time available.

Thousands of teachers and students have found ISB presentations both educational and highly enjoyable. The following are some highlights of the benefits gained by students and teachers:

• Muslim speakers “bring to life” information found in textbooks as well as share real-life experiences. Many students are surprised to learn that American Muslims play basketball, eat hamburgers, and go to movies, just like other Americans.
• Presentations provide an enjoyable and interactive experience for students where they can ask questions freely.
• Most importantly, the opportunity builds bridges between people of different faiths and backgrounds, nurturing goodwill & mutual respect.

At a teacher’s invitation, speakers will give a presentation, which combines a formal PowerPoint presentation with an informal interaction with the students.

Civic & Community-based

The Islamic Speakers Bureau recognizes the array of civic and community organizations that exist throughout the Capital District. Whether these organizations are special-interest groups, social groups, or even athletic groups, ISB Albany offers its resources for the educational benefit of each organization. Our trained speakers, who come from various ethnic and professional backgrounds, offer dynamic and concise presentations. Following a nation-wide established outline, the volunteer speakers introduce the community to different topics within Islam.

The Media

The Islamic Speakers Bureau of Albany is happy to present information to media officials and representatives, including presenting information on the Muslim world, how to properly reference the Qur’an and other Muslim religious texts in news articles, and can respond to other needs and requests from media outlets.

Law Enforcement

Some members of the ISB Albany have been certified by the US Department of Justice Community Relations Service to present a seminar to law enforcement officials on Arab and Muslim Cultural Awareness. If you are with a law enforcement agency and would like more information or to request a speaker, please feel free to contact us to arrange a training.

Medical

A number of the ISB Albany affiliated speakers are doctors and other medical professionals. They are available to present information on Islam in the context of working and interacting with both Muslim doctors and patients, and can help improve your medical professional’s understanding of the particular needs of Muslims.

Corporate

Our society’s multiculturalism has diversified much of today’s workforce. Diversity can be a positive dimension that expands and enriches the workplace environment, or it can lead to increased misunderstanding, conflict, and decreased productivity.

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 the unfamiliar or the unknown is the first step towards greater understanding and tolerance.

Faith-based

The Islamic Speakers Bureau aims to promote and strengthen interfaith dialogue by offering introductory lectures on Islam at various religious institutions within the Albany Capital District.

This activity not only reinforces the common beliefs of different faiths but also helps people of different religious denominations understand the beliefs and practices of their Muslim neighbors, colleagues, classmates, and friends.

Islam has a clear track record of tolerant relations with other faiths. From its earliest days in seventh century Arabia, Islam co-existed with a multitude of diverse beliefs ranging from idolatry and mysticism to Christianity and Judaism. The Islamic Speakers Bureau hopes to continue this trend of tolerance and understanding by sharing information about the basic tenets of our faith with your religious community–be it at a church, synagogue, community center, or temple.