MYNA’S PROMISE TOWARD DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Last updated: Feb. 2021. MYNA will continue to update this page as more projects are developed and implemented to reflect our progress and ensure accountability.

INTRODUCTION:

The Muslim Youth of North America (MYNA) is ​committed ​to ​building ​​an ​organization ​that ​seeks ​and ​embraces ​diversity, actively pursues equity ​and ​fosters ​an environment ​of ​inclusion. MYNA is actively renewing those commitments as an organization, as we cannot fulfil our mission without genuine concern and action. No matter how committed one has been to challenging these deep injustices and providing remedies, whether as a person, an institution, or a society, we are all rightly being called upon to do more and to begin again, with a great sense of honesty and new purpose

We maintain that building and sustaining diversity requires an ongoing commitment to inclusion that must find full expression in our organizational culture, values, norms and behaviors. As an organization, we must be committed to putting an end to prejudice and racism, promoting justice, and implementing any elements that are successful at providing inclusive, equitable, and safe spaces for all across all levels of the organization. 

ESTABLISHING AN UNDERSTANDING OF RACE EQUITY AND INCLUSION PRINCIPLES:

Building a proactive framework for addressing issues of race begins with having a clear understanding and vision of racial equity and inclusion. This includes establishing a shared language, definitions and understanding of key diversity, equity and inclusion principles. The following are MYNA’s definitions of core concepts that can help us develop a shared language for race equity and inclusion.

Diversity

Diversity is the presence of any physical, social, or psychological differences that may occur in individuals.  This includes but is not limited to gender, race, ethnicity, age, ability, socioeconomic status, or political ideologies.  In MYNA spaces, these differences are shared and accepted, and the value placed in celebrating diversity is rooted in the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah.

Equity

Equity is the distribution of fair treatment to everyone regardless of who they are.  The promotion of justice and equity guarantees a safe and nurturing environment for each and every youth with close attentiveness to their personal needs. It is the breaking down of barriers in order to create ample opportunities for everyone.  This principle acknowledges that there are historically underrepresented and underserved populations, and strives to create an environment in which their needs are heard and cared for.

Inclusion

Inclusion is the act of creating an environment where diverse people feel welcomed and encouraged.  We strive to create a space where everyone feels as if they belong, and their voices are supported and heard. MYNA spaces are set with a goal of every youth feeling understood, validated, and celebrated regardless of identity, ability, or personal differences.



CURRENT DEI PROJECTS AND COMMITMENTS

This past summer, MYNA formed a diversity and equity team as a part of its outreach efforts to help research, draft, and implement recommended strategies and proposals that prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion within the organization. Below is a summary of those strategies and commitments.

  1. Create An Organizational Culture Of Inclusion And Belonging

  2. Conduct Race Equity Impact Assessment For All Policies And Decision Making

  3. Recruit And Retain Diverse Staff And Volunteers

  4. Develop Data Standards For Measuring Longitudinal Progress In Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Efforts

  5. Work To Engage Communities And Populations Facing Disparities In The Organization’s Decisions And Activities

  6. Develop Strategies To Remove Barriers And Create Opportunities To Participation Of Communities And Populations Facing Disparities 

The path to equity is long and steep. We know that racial justice and true diversity and equity does not happen through one single statement or act. It requires a deep understanding of root causes, intentional disruption of behaviors that sustain systems of power, and an unrelenting commitment to continuous learning. Furthermore, this cannot be a moment that flares up and then fades away. It is an ongoing fight that must remain a priority when other needs inevitably compete for organizational resources and attention. Our promise is to uphold our commitments today, tomorrow, and in the years ahead.