SHAFAQNA (Shia International News Association) – http://amynaonline.org/
History
In 2002, AMYNA emerged as the first networking platform for young Muslim activists in North America. As part of its original mission, AMYNA’s founders hoped that this organization would serve to connect and empower Muslim youth through resource sharing, online communication and yearly conferences. The inspiration of this idea was a result of communication between leaders from different communities, and the forming of strong bonds based on youth activism and a collective spirit to improve the state of our larger community.
AMYNA continued to mature as new young professionals infused their ideas and energy to strengthen its initiatives. In 2005, AMYNA held its first conference in St. Louis, where youth activists from the U.S. and Canada convened to network and become inspired.
In 2006 AMYNA restructured, bringing in new leaders, and redefined its mission and vision as an organization. As a result AMYNA refocused its direction, and developed a new mission along with an “essence”; the principles that fueled the engine of our work. In addition to providing a networking platform, AMYNA took on a new role: to advocate for stronger, more responsible, grassroots activism among our youth communities.
In 2007, as a part of our new responsibility of being an advocacy organization to transform the face of our communities, AMYNA released its first campaign, “RISE”–to strengthen leadership among young Muslims thereby affecting positive change in society. RISE held its first leadership retreat at Camp Taha in Columbiaville, Michigan, were youth activists once again convened to reinforce their leadership skills and become more holistic, well-trained leaders.
Currently, AMYNA continues to develop its campaigns, as well as build the network, and release new resources to help support our network of activists. Several initiatives are currently in the works including new RISE retreats and collaborative efforts with organizations that share in our mission and vision.
Mission
The AMYNA movement seeks to create a culture of faith-based activism among the young Muslims of North America by connecting and empowering youth initiatives and activists by providing forums, resources and advocacy.
Essence
The AMYNA Essence is comprised of qualities derived from the Qur'an and Ahlul Bayt [a], which seek to promote a holistic activist and strengthened community. These qualities are interrelated and inseparable:
Servant Leadership - a concept of leadership deeply-rooted in Islam in which an individual leads by serving Allah, the Ummah, and his or her community through sacrifice.
Sister/brotherhood - supporting a network of Islamic activism out of genuine concern through resource-sharing, advocacy, and empowerment.
Professionalism - promoting a new leader with exemplary attributes that function in the realm of Islamic activism and in the professional world.
Responsibility - a sense of obligation and accountability applying to all facets of life that drives that Islamic activist.
Sincerity - a pure, motivating force behind the Islamic activist.
God-consciousness - the constant awareness of Allah [swt] that humbles and motivates Muslims.
Ummah-consciousness - the sense of responsibility to the state of the Muslim community that inspires Islamic activism.
