program portfolio 2011-2012

8/2/2019 Program Portfolio 2011-2012

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PROGRAM PORTFOLIO

7745 Paddock Way Baltimore, MD 21244

410-944-6077 [email protected]

CIVILIZATIONS EXCHANGE &COOPERATION FOUNDATIO
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.cecf-net.org/http://www.cecf-net.org/http://www.cecf-net.org/http://www.cecf-net.org/mailto:[email protected]


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PEACEEDUCATION

COOPERATION

ISLAMCOMMUNICATION

EXCHANGECHRISTIANITY

MERCY

JUDAISM

LOVEUNDERSTANDING

FAITH

SPIRITUALITY

HOPE


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PEACEEDUCATION

COOPERATION

ISLAMCOMMUNICATION

EXCHANGECHRISTIANITY

MERCY

JUDAISM

LOVEUNDERSTANDING

FAITH

SPIRITUALITY

HOPE


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MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of Civilizations Exchange and Cooperation Foundation (CECF) is to

foster cooperation rather than confrontation among people of different religions

and cultures. CECF focuses on the factors that have led to the rise and fall of

previous civilizations and how people of this millennium can benefit from lessons

of the past in a world literally changing to a global village.

GOALS

Developing educational and exchange opportunities to educate participants

about the common roots of our traditions

Dispelling much of the mystery, misunderstanding, stereotypes or

misconduct that leads, in many instances, to senseless conflicts and

bloodshed

Empowering youth, who are the future leaders of tomorrow, not to

follow on the footsteps of those who created world wars, but rather

those who created peace and justice

Emphasizing the common roots of our religions, which are love not

hatred, openness rather than narrowness, and continued reform not

stagnation

Empowering the people of various civilizations to cooperate not to

alienate


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CONTEXT

Many civilizations passed through time, prospered, and then became extinct. Some of these

civilizations left remnants indicating their presence, and some disappeared altogether, leaving only

their name. There were factors that aided the growth and prosperity of these civilizations more

than others and there were also reasons that led to their collapse.

It is for our benefit, during our short journey on earth, to study these reasons and factors in order to

gain advantage from the positive and to avoid the negative. Despite what humanity has

accomplished in the twentieth century, we still need to look through the window of the ages to

learn from the lessons of past civilizations, and to listen to the voice that is heard by the mind, not

by the ear.

It is no doubt that the revealed religions had, and still have, tremendous influence on the people of

those civilizations and the events they experienced. From this perspective, CECF focuses on this

subject and how the people of these religions underwent positive (and sometimes negative)

experiences. CECF strives to be a solution for how people of the new millennium can witness true

cooperation rather than confrontation.

The three Abrahamic religions Islam, Christianity,

and Judaism call for peace, love, mercy, and

cooperation. These values led to the prosperity of the

civilizations in the past. Judaism flourished during

the Golden Age of Islamic rule in Spain which

lasted for eight centuries, and during which the

religious freedom of the People of the Book wereprotected. The contributions of the Muslims in science,

math, medicine, and astrology led to the Renaissance of

the Christian Europe in the Medieval Age

Keys to Global Prosperity


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The need for dialogue among civilizations

is as old as civilization itself. But today, theneed is more acute than ever. Individuals wholive in fear and lack of comprehension of other

cultures are more likely to resort to acts of hatred,violence, and destruction against a perceived

enemy. Those who are exposed to the cultures of

others, and learn about them throughcommunication across cultural divides are

more likely to see diversity as strengthand celebrate it as a gift.

Kofi Annan,former Secretary-General of the United NationsCrossing the Divide-Dialogue among Civilizations


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International conferences, symposiums, and seminarsThese events are sponsored to encourage scholars from various backgrounds to

participate in order to increase communication and collaboration between these

diverse groups. The aim of CECF is to educate participants about the common

roots of our traditions and to dispel much of the mystery, misunderstanding, or

misconduct that leads, in many instances, to senseless wars and bloodshed.

Building Bridges Study Programs (BBSP)The Building Bridges Study Programs (BBSP) takes participants on tours of

countries with rich cultural and religious histories that have shown periods of

great cooperation between people of varying faiths. These countries include

Jordan, Turkey, Syria, Egypt, Spain and Morocco. Programs are developed within

these countries that include:

Religious leaders of the Abrahamic Faiths share experiences of the

centurys long religious tolerance in the region and discuss, why opposite

impressions exist in the world today;

Politicians and Government Officials discuss obstacles to peace

processes; and

Academics, Professors expose students to religious and secular

universities in order to interact and dialogue with faculty and students.

The Culture of Medieval Spain: Mosque, Church, Synagogueand PalaceLearn about and experience the rich culture of al-Andalus, or Islamic Spain,

which was a Mecca of science, art, architecture, music and spirituality to the

rest of the medieval world. It has been described by prominent scholars as the

gateway to the renaissance of Europe. Gain knowledge of medieval Spainsproductive culture of co-existence, as mosques, churches, and synagogues stood

together, and as members of each of Spains three religions profoundly

impacted the thoughts and beliefs of the Others.

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Better Understanding for a Better World Conference (BUBW)Annual youth leadership and interfaith conferences called Better Understanding

for a Better World (BUBW)are conducted in Orlando, FL, Baltimore, MD, and San

Diego, CA. These conferences provide opportunities for American high school

students to interact and engage in discussions with international exchange

students representing up to 35 countries through the YES, FLEX, ASMYLE and

CBYX programs. The conferences focus on cultural and religious diversity as a

source of prosperity rather than a source of conflict. Students participate in

experiential programs and concentrate on developing cultural sensitivity and

leadership skills. Our first BUBW Conference for college level students abroad will

take place in Malaysia from July 4-12, 2012.

International Observer Program (IOP)The IOP are two-week in bound exchange programs conducted in conjunction

with CECFs three annual BUBW Conferences and have a mission to build mutual

understanding between the people of the US and other nations through visits to

the US by religious leaders, scholars, civic activists, educators and other

distinguished leaders of their communities. The International Observers will

witness the discussions and interactions among high school exchange students

from up to 35 countries throughout the BUBW Conferences and then engage infirst-hand exchange experiences of their own through meetings, seminars, home

visits, interfaith events, and other activities with members of society and their

American counterparts coordinated by CECF. They will learn about the US system

of government, visit schools, and experience American culture and social life in

Washington, DC and, in at least ,two other cities that highlight the diversity of the

US and the freedoms enjoyed by all members of this society. They will also build

on lessons touched upon during the BUBW Conferences. These IOP activities andvisits will increase the International Observers comprehension of their youths

exchange experiences in the US and they will gain the ability to better understand,

counsel and support activities upon their return that might have been stimulated

by the students exchange experience.

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Consultation Services, Cultural Training & OrientationsIn 2005, CECF began working with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at

the U.S. Department of State to conduct training workshops and orientations for the

YES exchange students, their host families and the grantee organizations the

oversee the exchange students during their academic year in America. CurrentlyCECF works directly with the grantee organizations, their volunteers and staff to

enhance their understanding of the practice of Islam in America. CECF also

continues to provide arrival and departure orientations for the YES exchange

students, as well as consultation services to individual students and families on

cultural adjustment and adaptation issues.

College Credit ProgramsAs part of the International Studies Program, CECF has scheduled Study Abroad

Programs with the College of Notre Dame to Morocco, Jordan, Egypt, Spain, Syria

and Malaysia; with Loyola University of Maryland to Jordan and Egypt; and with

Coppin State University to Jordan, Egypt, Spain and Morocco. We also offer courses

with 2-week and 6-week travel requirements to Spain, Egypt, Malaysia, Indonesia,

Jordan, Morocco, Turkey, and Syria.

Arabic Language and Culture Programs are also available in Jordan, Morocco and

Egypt. These are 6 week, semester and year-long programs.

Excursion and Discussion (E&D)This one-day program is for students and adults of all backgrounds to learn more

about the increasing culturally diverse Muslim Community in the Washington

Metropolitan area of DC, MD and VA. It sheds light on the history, culture, theology

and, above all, the future of Muslim Americans and their impact in America and on

the Muslim World. PROGR

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Partners in the Work of Peacemaking (PWP)Partners in the Work of Peacemaking(PWP) is athree-day program that takes

place in states across the US such as MD, FL, CA or NY and engages clergy of

various denominations and individuals involved in interfaith work in discussions to

explore:

1) Scriptural / theological mandates and principles from our religious

traditions that call us to be peacemakers;

2) Hindrances towards peace and peacemaking;

3) Practical ways in our environments that we can work towards peace.

Ambassadors of Peace (AOP)The Ambassadors of Peace (AOP) Program focuses on young first generationMuslim American professionals traveling to the Middle East, Europe Asia and Africa

to meet with politicians, academics, religious leaders and youth activists. This

program is designed as a vehicle for dialogue to be pursued through existing

programs of CECF, in cooperation with the Cultural Offices and the Public Affairs

Offices of the American Embassies. These delegations will engage in dialogue, learn

about the culture and issues between America and the Muslim World, in addition to

enjoying the historical sites. These professionals have the potential to be Bridges of

Understanding between the two worlds and cultures.

Interfaith Medical Mission (IMM)The Interfaith Medical Mission (IMM) is a humanitarian program promoting

goodwill and cooperation between doctors, medical students, nurses, and volunteers

of different faiths working to address the needs of those seeking medical services

and care in developing countries. The IMM program and services will first be

focused throughout Africa and Asia, where medical help is desperately needed. This

IMM program is designed to combine the act of serving people and gainingexperience with the experience of exchanging cultures. Participants will gain

indispensable knowledge that will help them when they treat culturally-diverse

patients in the U.S. This exchange will only benefit our society, both locally and

globally. Currently our partner in the U.S. is MCC Clinicwww.mccclinic.organd in

Ethiopia it is Bahar Dar University.

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http://www.mccclinic.org/http://www.mccclinic.org/http://www.mccclinic.org/http://www.mccclinic.org/


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Interfaith ActivitiesCECF has always been involved in Interfaith activities, but since the tragic events of

September 11, 2001, we have increased the amount of time and effort participating in

Interfaith and Community Activities. We believe it is only through open dialogue that

understanding and respect among people of different faiths and cultures can be

achieved.

The future of the worlds civilizationis soon to rest on the hands of our youth.

The most pressing issue facing our young generationis how to view the Other.

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A LETTER FROM CECF FOUNDER

Hello,

Thank you for your interest in Civilizations Exchange and Cooperation Foundation. I founded CECFto bring people together in a format where exchanges were possible and meaningful dialogue canoccur to foster trust between individuals and then cultures.

My personal experiences when migrating to America showed me that the lack of communication

among the good people of both worlds was creating a lot of mistrust and hatred.

It is my desire to assist in developing a better world that enjoys peace and cooperation. Theprograms offered by CECF are focused on instilling greater cooperation between America andother nations. It also seeks to encourage interfaith tolerance and understanding. If CECF was tosucceed, it is due to the mercy of Almighty Allah, the love and support of my wife, Kimberly,and the support of our kind-hearted staff and volunteers.

Contact CECF if you are interested to participate in or learnmore about the programs discussed in our Program Portfolio.

Please also consider sharing your talents and skills with CECF.

Sincerely,

Imam Mohamad Bashar Arafat,President and Founder of CECF


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BIOGRAPHY

Imam Mohamad Bashar Arafat

Born and raised in Damascus, Syria. He attended Damascus University and graduated with a degree in IslamicStudies and Arabic Language in 1987 and a degree in Islamic Law in 1988. From 1975 to 1989, under the guidance

and mentorship of the late Grand Mufti of Syria, Sheikh Ahmad Kuftaro, he studied Quranic interpretation,wisdom of the Shariah and the Islamic spiritual teachings. From 1989 to 1997, he accompanied the Grand Muftiduring most of his international programs and conferences.

He served as Imam in Damascus from 1981 to 1989 and was then invited to the United States to lecture in variousIslamic Centers. He was Imam of the Islamic Society of Baltimore, Maryland Inc. from 1989 to 1993, founded An-Nur Institute for Islamic Studies and Arabic Language in Baltimore in 1993, co-founded An-Nur Mosque inCarney, Maryland and was the Imam from 1995 to 1997. Currently he is President of the Islamic Affairs Councilof Maryland, based in Baltimore.

He taught courses on Islamic Studies at the Ecumenical Institute of Theology at St. Marys Seminary & University,the University of Maryland in Baltimore County (UMBC), Johns Hopkins University, Goucher College, the

Renaissance Institute, as well as Comparative Religions at Potomac College in Washington, DC. Currently he isteaching at the College of Notre Dame of Maryland.

He served as Campus Imam at Johns Hopkins University from 1993 to October 2003, Adjunct Chaplain at JohnsHopkins Hospital from 2000 to October 2003, and Muslim Chaplain for Baltimore City Police Department from1998 to 2006.

Since moving to Baltimore in 1989, he has been heavily involved with interfaith work, both nationally andinternationally, promoting better understanding between Muslims and other faith traditions. In 2010, he receivedthe Inter- Religious Dialogue & Reconciliation Awardfrom Clergy Beyond Borders in Washington, D.C. Amongthe recent seminars and conferences he participated in are:

Schools of the Future: Sailing the Winds of Change, National Association of Independent Schools inChicago, USAIslam & Civil Society, The Witherspoon Institute, Princeton University in New Jersey, USAHuman Rights in Judaism, Christianity and Islam, Clergy Beyond Borders in Washington, DC, USAImam & the Pastor, Mary in the Quran, Parliament of World Religions in Melbourne, AustraliaQuran Conference: Understanding Scientific Developments in the Light of Holy Quran in IndiaMuslims and Education: Challenges and Opportunities in New Delhi, IndiaMuslims in Multicultural Societies Islamic Religious Council of Singapore

He is the Founder and President of Civilizations Exchange and Cooperation Foundation (CECF), which functionsas an umbrella to bring people together in a format, where exchanges can take place more effectively to create abetter world that enjoins peace and cooperation.

Currently CECF provides religious & cultural training, consultation, and orientation services for the internationalexchange students and staff of the U.S. Department of States sponsored Youth Exchange Study Program (YES) inthe USA. Imam Arafat is the convener of three annual youth leadership and interfaith conferences, BetterUnderstanding for a Better World(BUBW) in Orlando, San Diego, and Baltimore.

As of January 2005, Imam Arafat began conducting programs through the International Speakers Program of theUnited States Department of States in Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco, Niger, Mauritania, Tanzania,Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines,Thailand, Austria, Czech Republic, Iceland, Spain, Switzerland and the Maldives. The topics addressed duringthese programs are Muslim Life in America, Pluralism & Interfaith, and Cultural & Religious Diversity.


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Civilizations Exchange &

Cooperation Foundation

7745 Paddock Way, Baltimore, MD 21244Tel: 410-944-6077E-mail: [email protected]: www.cecf-net.org
mailto:[email protected]://www.cecf-net.org/http://www.cecf-net.org/http://www.cecf-net.org/mailto:[email protected]

program portfolio 2011-2012

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