In many communities, Pak-American women are the passive spectators when it comes to being active with a local Pak-American association. Men are the ones who organize activities. Women are often just participants.

Given this scenario, here are some practical things women can do to get more involved in their local Pak-American associations and go from spectators to organizers.

1. Do it for the sake of Allah

What other reason to do this than for the sake of Allah? None. Make your intention clear, then assess what you can do. Insha Allah you'll be rewarded for your sincerity and dedication for what you do in His Path for a good cause.

2. Be vocal about becoming more active

Perhaps the men on the local council have no clue that Pak-American women want to be involved. Or maybe they just can't see women really making much of a difference by participating based on past negative experiences.

Whatever the reason, be vocal about your desire to becoming more actively involved in the association. Outline a couple of ways you and other Pak-American women in the community can benefit the organization (see tips below).

3. Create a separate room or space for women

If your organization has an office, designate one part of it women's space, where women can come and participate in activities, meetings, etc. Or if it's too small, designate certain days of each month when local women will have access to the center so that they can meet and hold activities.

4. Food is power

When was the last time you cooked for lots of people? If your answer is so long ago you can't find your large cooking pots, then dig them out so you can cook for the local organization, especially fundraising dinners.

In particular, you can organize a whole team of local women to cook for a good cause. Convince your association's executives to organize a fundraising dinner to benefit a project helping those in need in Pakistan, especially women.

5. Start children's Urdu classes

There is a crying need for Urdu classes in most Pak-American communities. Pak-American women fluent in Urdu reading and writing can start classes that will pass on this knowledge to the next generation.

6. Start a weekly Islamic class in Urdu for the local women

While some would say this is the job of the mosque, not all mosques have the people to do this. Also, the Pak-American organization's office may be in a more convenient location accessible to more people. Get a knowledgeable Pakistani woman to conduct the class.

7. Raise funds for the association

Most non-profit organizations are in need of funding. Mobilize the local Pak-American women to do their own fundraising. Whether that's through bake sales, garage sales, having a jewelry drive, etc. Choose the method, and once you've gotten a significant amount don't just drop it off. Write a letter explaining exactly who collected the money, why and how it was done.

8. Set up a phone tree

Set up a telephone tree so Pak-American women can keep informed about activities at the center, especially causes like fundraising for projects that will benefit Pakistanis abroad, classes and any new activities at the center. The phone tree is also a good tool to mobilize local women for a cause the center is involved in.

9. Hold seminars for women

For instance, have a seminar on breast cancer for women, or children's nutrition, or wife abuse. Establish what the needs and concerns of the local Pak-American women are and discuss these. Try to enable women to access information and resources that will help them address their needs.

10. Invite women from the neighborhood to the Center

Invite other women from the neighborhood to participate in programs of general interest in the center. Hold an open house and make a point of inviting local women to the center.

11. Participate in the center's organization

If you're a card-carrying member of your organization, you've probably got the right to vote (if elections are held). Use this vote to elect members who will work for the best interest of the entire community and not just certain sectors.

Hold an election awareness drive amongst the women of your community and invite them to attend not only elections but the general body meetings.

12. Set up a library

Work to establish a library filled with good books in English, Urdu and other Pakistani languages about the country as well as its religion, history and culture. If possible, arrange a specific time for women to come in and browse and check out books. Also, encourage students in the community to use this resource for projects and papers.

13. Establish women's welcoming committee

For a committee to welcome new immigrants from Pakistan into the community. The job of this committee is to make sure that when a new Pakistani woman or family comes to your city, they are contacted and taken care of (i.e. their financial needs are met, they have emotional support, they can get help with translation if needed, etc.).

14. Start up a newsletter for the center?

Newsletters are a great way to keep members informed of what is going on not just at the center but within the community as well. Start one up if your association doesn't already have one or get involved in the existing one. Make sure news, reports, and announcements of Pak-American women's activities are published in the newsletter.

Date/Time Last Modified: 6/18/2002 8:08:16 AM

Readers' Comment

Francis Weddle: 6/17/2005 8:30:37 AM
Why don't you people ang your Allah speak outt against the terrorists??? We never hear anything from the Muslim community, and if so-called "good" Muslims would condemn the terrorists, maybe there wouldn't be any terrorism. In Iraq they don't care if you are Muslim or not. The American people are about to wake up. When they do, all Muslims will be in danger. Isn't it time for all Muslims to wake up and condemn terrorists???

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