What We’ve Done
Interfaith Action, Inc. is known for its Youth Leadership Program and is a founding partner in the Sharon Pluralism Network. In spite of the current economic climate, the programs continue to grow and garner attention, admiration, and recognition at the local, state, regional, national and international levels.
Here are some of the program highlights from the current fiscal year:
Youth Leaders in 2008-2009 have:
Presented at the Emory University Chandler School of Theology in Atlanta, on the topic: “Re-envisioning Leadership for a Hope-filled Future: Partnering Religious and Civic Communities”.
Facilitated ten elective classes for all fifth grade students at the Cottage Street School as well as pilot a new program at Heights Elementary.
Facilitated at two Sharon High School Speak Outs, forums that enables high school students to address issues of concern within the school community.
Hosted a television series of oral history interviews, “One Town, Many Stories”, on Sharon Community Television.
Planned and implemented the third annual regional Teenage Interfaith Diversity Education (T.I.D.E.) Conference, for over 100 participants, at Wheaton College in Norton, MA.
Taken part in an international campaign led by Tony Blair to raise awareness about and funds for malaria eradication, we call “One Bag, One Life”.
Hosted 3 young adults from Iraq and Jordan in the “Student Leaders and Civic Responsibility” program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational Affairs. The program administrator, Meridian International Center, specifically requested that the visitors meet with IFA-YLP teens while in Boston.
Planned and implemented Sacred Seasons: Multicultural Celebration of Peace, held at Sharon High School and Beech Tree Park.
Prepared to present at the North American Interfaith Network Conference in Kansas, City in June 2009 on the topic: “Developing Teen Leaders in an Age of Pluralism”.
Community Highlights for 2008-2009:
One Town, Many Cultures: Film Series. Showcased the First Annual Sharon Multi-Cultural Film Festival over February and March of 2009 incorporating introductions by university scholars, foods from the highlighted culture and community discussion. Films shown included: Mr. and Mrs. Iyer (Indian); Together (Chinese), East-West (Russian), and Crossing Delancey (American Jewish).(Partnering with the Sharon Public Library, Interfaith Action, and the Sharon Adult Center.)
One Town, Many Traditions: Photography Exhibit. SPN team is creating a photography exhibition with educational programs that inspires and connects us to your traditions. (Partnering with the Sharon Public Schools, Public Library, houses or worship, and Sharon Adult Center.)
One Town, Many Fibers: Textile Art. Quilt artist Laura Rosenspan is guiding community members to create a quilt that reflects the unique diversity of Sharon. The finished artwork will hang in the Sharon Community Center.
One Town, Many Conversations: Community Dialogues. Interfaith Action and the Sharon Pluralism Network host forums with scholars presenting multiple and nuanced views on topics of concern to our residents. Past conversations include “China, Tibet, and the Olympics” and “Sharing Wisdom Among Religions to Foster Love and Forgiveness”.