ICOI Ambassadors
Ambassadors
Established in 2016, the ICOI Ambassadors Program aims to educate community members on sexual assault, domestic violence, and suicide. The goals of the program are to: create a supportive environment for survivors, increase the number of informed individuals within the community so they can serve as a local resource, and dispel harmful myths often surrounding these issues. The program is broken down into three steps:The first step requires completion of a full day training provided by local leaders and organizations. Trainings are typically offered on a quarterly basis at ICOI. As of January 2019, approximately 50 community members have been trained.
The second step includes completing a 40-hour state certified training sponsored by ICOI and hosted by local organizations within Orange and LA counties.
The last component includes placement on a roster of state certified Muslim community members upon whom local Muslim organizations can contact for support and resources for survivors. As more community members are becoming state certified, the roster will be made available to local Muslim organizations.
Statement on ICOI Position in Support of Survivors:
ICOI is constantly striving and learning how to be a more inclusive and safe place for survivors of violence.
We understand that sexual assault, gender-based violence, and mental health are critical issues that need to be given the proper attention they deserve. We also believe in supporting survivors.
Our ICOI Ambassadors Program and Clothesline Project are designed to, inshaAllah, provide education, awareness, and support for survivors, which often can be lacking in masjids and Islamic Center spaces.
ICOI is committed to continuing these efforts, increasing accountability in our communities, and taking a leadership role in our region. ICOI has not and will not endorse individuals accused of sexual assault or sexual misconduct until a thorough investigation has been completed and the individual is cleared of all accusations to the satisfaction of ICOI values. We understand this may differ from the views of other local community leaders, but we strive to hold our community accountable, just as the Quran exhorts us to do:
“O you who believe, be persistently standing firm in justice as witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. Follow not your desires, lest you not be just. If you distort your testimony or refuse to give it, then Allah is aware of what you do.” Surah An-Nisaa 4:135
We welcome you to stand with and support our efforts to better honor survivors for the sake of Allah (SWT).
