EMPOWERING YOUTH PROGRAM

Who Are We? Identity in the Modern World.

• Focus: Muslim identity, self-awareness, values in a Western/modern context
  Icebreakers + “Why am I here?” circle
• Workshop: Navigating Muslim identity in today’s world
• Group Activity: “My Values, My Voice” – mapping personal values to Islamic principles
• Guest Talk: A young Muslim influencer or scholar on faith & authenticity
• Assignment: Write a short reflection: “What does it mean to be a Muslim leader today?”
  

"Your Voice Matters: Reaching Out to Leaders & Influencers".

Who Are Leaders & Influencers?

Goal: Identify who they might want to contact and why

Activities:

• Discussion Prompt: "Who influences decisions in your school, city, country, and online?"
• Brainstorming Board: Local leaders (principal, mayor), global ones (Greta Thunberg, Malala), influencers (YouTubers, athletes, authors)
• Mini-Lesson: The difference between power, fame, and influence
• Worksheet:
  Students create a "Top 3 List" of people they’d like to contact and why
  

Crafting Your Message and Sending it Safely.

Goal: Learn how to write an effective, respectful message or email

Topics:

• Basic email structure (greeting, body, call to action, sign-off)
• Tone and respect (no demands or fan mail overload)
• What makes a message stand out (personal story, gratitude, clarity)

Activity:

• Write a Draft Message: Students choose one person from their list and write a short email, DM, or letter
• Peer Edit Exchange: Give and get feedback

Sending Your Message Safely.

Goal: Teach how to safely and ethically find contact info and send the message

Topics:

• Where to find real, public contact info (official websites, school, verified accounts)
• Privacy rules: never share full name, address, phone number without parent approval
• When to use email, physical mail, or social media
• Follow-up: how to say thank you, or resend respectfully
  

Activity:

• “Investigative Research” Task: In pairs, students look up a leader/influencer and find proper contact channels
• Mock Send: Practice “sending” with a classroom inbox or supervised platform
  

Prophetic Leadership: Leading with Character.

Focus: Islamic leadership qualities

• Interactive Presentation: Leadership through the Seerah of the Prophet (PBUH)
• Role Play: Scenarios based on prophetic decision-making
• Group Discussion: “How would the Prophet lead in today’s world?”
• Leadership Styles Assessment
• Assignment: Choose a Sahabi (Companion) and research their leadership traits for next week
  

Role Models in Islam: Past and Present.

• Focus: Discovering and emulating exemplary figures
• Presentations: Students present a Sahabi or modern Muslim figure
• Case Study: Malcolm X, Fatima al-Fihri, Muhammad Ali, Ilhan Omar, etc.
• Group Discussion: What makes a role model in Islam?
• Assignment: Write a speech: “The Muslim leader I want to become”
  

Building Our Ummah: Community Empowerment.

• Focus: Serving the local and global Muslim community
• Workshop: Community mapping – what are the needs in our community?
• Guest Speaker: Muslim community organizer or charity leader
• Team Project Launch: Design a community service project to complete by Week 10
• Introduction to “Model Ummah” concept: global Muslim engagement simulation
• Assignment: Teamwork on service project planning
  

Model Ummah I: Understanding Global Muslim Issues.

• Focus: Global issues facing Muslims, introduction to Model Ummah simulation
• Interactive Seminar: Human rights, Islamophobia, refugee crises, education
• Research Topics Assigned: Each student represents a Muslim-majority country or organization (OIC, ICNA, etc.)
• Training: How to research, write position papers, and speak in sessions
• Assignment: Write a position paper on a chosen issue from your assigned country’s view
  

Model Ummah II: Simulation Round 1.

Focus: Debate, diplomacy, and teamwork

• Simulation Round 1: Delegates present position papers and debate
• Resolution Writing Workshop
• Team Negotiation Practice
• Assignment: Prepare draft resolutions with alliances formed in simulation
  

Model Ummah III: Final Summit.

Focus: Final simulation and resolutions

• Full Simulation Session: Presentation of resolutions and final vote
• Reflection Session: What did we learn about unity, diversity, and leadership?
• Awards: Best Delegate, Best Collaborator, Best Visionary
• Assignment: Prepare final presentations for showcase day
  

Reflection & Real-World Application.

• Circle reflection: what I learned, what I’d change, where I go next
• Personal commitment cards: “My next step for the Ummah”
• Introduce alumni network, volunteering & advocacy opportunities
• Create a new project that each child will work on in the upcoming 3 months ( mentorship will be provided by the program)