COVER STORY
Chris Abdur-Rahman Blauvelt, founder of LaunchGood, describes the site as a place to find projects to get passionate about and a spot for browsing the Muslim “marketplace.” “After getting involved in a variety of projects and variety of platforms, I realized there’s a lot of power in crowdfunding,” said Blauvelt, 29, of Detroit. Blauvelt said the Muslim community is notorious for fundraising, but sometimes doesn’t always think outside of the box. LaunchGood features projects that might not do well at a masjid fundraiser. One such project was Nadoona, a modest women’s workout program that was the first DVD involving hijab-wearing workout series in the whole world, he said. Another example of a successful campaign was one started by a group of young professionals in the Washington, D.C., area called “Books Behind Bars” with the goal of 18
THE IDEA TO BRING THE ISNA CONVENTION TO DETROIT CAME FROM SYED MOHIUDDIN, VICE CHAIR OF THE ISNA CONVENTION STEERING COMMITTEE, WHO WANTED TO SEE THE CITY REVITALIZED. providing literature on Islam in prisons. They reached their initial goal of $1,000 within hours and continued to increase the goal and exceeded expectations. “That project was interesting because people who never in their life will probably see prison, yet they’re really coming together to support this population that’s in need,” Blauvelt said. These kinds of projects are what Blauvelt hopes will add dynamism to Muslims. “InshaAllah, our generation of Mus-
lims has a much more holistic approach to what it means to be a Muslim community in America,” he said. LaunchGood supports projects by Muslims and non-Muslims, but they cater to the Muslim community. A Christian artist who loves the 99 names of Allah is seeking support for his glass sculptures of the Divine names. Another campaign features halal cooking wine powder, originally created by a Christian for his Muslim friend. “In general, Muslims do love charity,” ISLAMIC HORIZONS MAY/JUNE 2014