On September 2 and 3, 2023, CMGT took part at the 60th ISNA (Islamic Society of North America) convention by participating in the workshop, panel discussion, and the Interfaith banquet.
PANEL DISCUSSION
The topic of discussion was “Climate and Environmental Justice – Locally and Globally.” CMGT’s Chief Operating Officer Layalee Beirat, a young emerging leader from our community became one of the panelists along with members of ISNA Green Initiative Saiyid Masroor Shah, Huda Alkaff, Saffet Catovic, and moderator Henry Hane. The event was attended by many people, more than we expected.
At the opening of the discussion, Saiyid Masroor Shah, the chair of ISNA Green Initiative reminded us that Islam requires to be good stewards (vicegerents), protectors of this planet, and honor the Amana (trust) given to us. Muslims need to be an eco-friendly community. Muslims have a specials responsibility to take care of our environment.
Huda Alkaff, Founder and Director of Wisconsin Green Muslims shared her great achievements in local and national levels, and explained the works done by her organization since 2005, including Solar training for women and BIPOC individuals. Her organization intends to educate its members, the Muslims community and the general public about the Islamic environmental teachings, to apply these teachings in daily life and to collaborate with others working toward a just, healthy, peaceful and sustainable future.
Saffet Catovic, a long time environmental activist and now serves as Director of UN Operations for Justice For All reminded us the urgency of Climate action. Due to the imminent threat of Climate Change, we need pressure in our Muslims community to work together, including to persuade Imams to deliver green khutbah and board members of the mosques to adopt the programs on greening their community centers.
Layalee Beirat, CMGT’s COO spoke passionately about our Programs on Green Ramadan, the importance of reducing waste during our holy month and the Green Mosque, including Community Garden.
As a Tree Ambassador who attended the training last May at Masjid Al Farooq, Layalee also spoke about our current work on Environmental Justice called the Tree Ambassadors Program. She cited the research done by University of Chicago that shows the map of underserved neighborhoods with low tree canopy. Layalee elaborated how trees will bring so many benefits to the community.
This is why CMGT is actively participating in the Tree Equity movement called Our Roots Chicago.
Under the supervision of the CRTI (Chicago Region Tree Initiative), CMGT is committed to recruit 250 Tree Ambassadors and to locate 100 new tree planting spots and planting trees in the South Side Chicago neighborhoods, in two years.
Additionally, Layalee mentioned our upcoming collaboration on Community Solar with our new partner, Solar Landscape and Circular Economy concept with the Plant Chicago.
WORKSHOP
At the workshop, CMGT’s CEO Caroline K. Williams shared info on Tree Ambassadors Program, free items for kids provided by MWRD, recycle art and craft, particularly on how to crochet grocery plastic bags.
INTERFAITH BANQUET
At the Interfaith Banquet, there were many great and inspiring speakers, including Safaa Zarzour, Nina Fernando, Dr. Ingrid Mattson, Sara Minkara, Kathryn Lohre.
CMGT members Caroline and Layalee shared a table with State Representative Nabeela Syed from the 51st district, the youngest member of Illinois House. Nabeela expressed interest in Tree Planting in her district.
We met and saw familiar faces at the banquet including Juliana Hyun from Focolare Movement, Rev. Brian Sauder from Faith in Place, Rev. Abby Mohaupt from Green Faith.
Many of the banquet attendees still remember CMGT led the Tree Planting ceremony last year with CMGT’s Tree Planting Program Manager Sara Hou as the speaker.
At the stage, we displayed a Bur Oak tree, native to the Midwest, a great choice as a shade tree and for specimen plantings in parks, spacious yards, and other large areas.
The tree was provided by Openlands and has been planted in the Little Village neighborhood at the Tree Planting Day in the Fall 2022, organized by Openlands. CMGT volunteers, Caroline, Rohany, and Layalee participated at the planting day.
