Council of Islamic Organizations of Chicago Launches Challenge

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHICAGO, IL, Wednesday, July 22, 2020 --
On July 1st, 2020, the CIOGC gave 30 mosques in Chicago a $1000 grant each to to come up with a service project that benefits their community. All applicants had to register by the June 30th deadline in order to participate. The 4-week, social-justice-themed Challenge requires each participating mosque to send in regular, timely photographs and videos highlighting the progress on their service project leading to a final video and a public voting day. Winners, including one grand prize winner, will be announced in August after the second religious holiday for Muslims, Eid ul Adha.
Board Director, Sabina Qadir, who proposed this Challenge after seeing the Chicago Muslim community in action during Covid19 says, "The Muslim community has always been about service. [This] challenge is an opportunity for the Muslim community to focus on hope and action. The pandemic and the senseless killing of black men and women has highlighted the racial and economic injustices in our nation and this challenge is a way for the Muslims of Illinois to come together and empower our communities to address the issues at hand."
Participants include mega mosques like Mosque Foundation in Bridgeview and the Islamic Center of Naperville who have signed up, not because of the prize money, but because the Challenge has piqued their communities' interest.

Inner city mosques like Masjid al Farooq and Masjid al Taqwa are also eager to participate. Some of them will get additional time in the spotlight as CIOGC sponsors Live social media chats with influencers to highlight some of the issues these mosques face. The first live chat is Saturday, July 11, with Chicago-based influencer Wali Khan.

To learn more about the Challenge, its rules and follow the weekly submission process for participants, click here.The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago is a 27-year old Muslim nonprofit organization working towards guiding and unifying Muslims all across the Chicagoland, encouraging civic engagement and strengthening interfaith relationships.