MAC-Community-Report-2021

COMMUNITY REPORT 2021

THRIVING IN THE NEXT NORMAL . . .

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HIGHLIGHTS OF 2021

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SECTION 1 NURTURING VIBRANT COMMUNITIES Community building by community placemaking Delivering programs in uncertain Times Strong families, thriving children

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SECTION 2 NURTURING LEARNING COMMUNITIES Building a foundation for an Integrated educational curriculum for MAC schools Advancing learning by synthesizing knowledge through research Fostering new learning through collaboration From digitalization to digital transformation

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SECTION 3 CATALYST FOR CHANGE Changing the narrative on Islamophobia Beyond hate-crimes: exposing systemic biases Promoting reconciliation – remembering a trailblazer Celebrating Hijra by supporting refugees

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SECTION 4 LEVERAGING COMMUNITY NETWORKS Weaving the network one dot at a time Securing a seat around important tables Contributing to important Conversations

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SECTION 5 FINANCIAL REPORT: INVESTING IN VIBRANT COMMUNITIES Anchoring social impact on the balance sheet Navigating Risks in the new normal Looking backward... Moving forward

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NEW NORMAL

Message from ED/Chair It gives us great pleasure to introduce our 2021 MAC Community Report. By the grace of Allah (SWT), much was accomplished this year. Despite the unexpected challenges imposed by the COVID pandemic, we increased the capacity to deliver programs, invest in community infrastructure, and expanded our network and reach.

In 2021, we invested in the agility and resilience of our organization: the agility to anticipate, adapt and respond to changing needs, and by increasing our capacity to deliver essential programs, design new programs, and to adjust management systems to respond to COVID-19 imposed restrictions.

This past year, Islamophobia came to the national focus with the tragic attack on the London family. As we continue to deal with the realities of Islamophobia and hate in our country, we led many initiatives to address this growing challenge.

We created the “Islam Awareness” initiative to produce educational material to address the impacts of Islamophobia. MAC put a strong foundation for the demands in the National Summit Against Islamophobia. MAC mobilized the community to stand in protest to defend the Prophet (peace be upon him) when his name was provokingly maligned. MAC played a key role in demanding action against Islamophobia both during the anniversary of the Quebec City mosque massacre and the attack on the London family.

MAC is widely recognized as a key community partner for governments and other stakeholders looking to engage with the Muslim community. Through government grants, we have created important educational resources for Ontario schools and its support networks. We have strengthened a number of national and local partnerships in the non-governmental and charitable sectors. We have also taken clear, important, and unapologetic positions when needed to ensure that our values are not compromised in the face of challenges.

As we look back over the past 25 years, we are grateful for Allah’s grace and support which has enabled us to come this far. MAC has come a long way since its establishment, and we are moving forward to navigate new horizons guided by the same foundations we started our journey with 25 years ago.

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Muslim Association of Canada

Nabil Sultan

Sharaf Sharafeldin

Chair of the Board

Executive Director

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2021 IN REVIEW

ENHANCING OUR IMPACT It might have been another year in a pandemic, but we remained focused on our goals. Here are the top 12 things achieved to enhance our impact in 2021: 1.

2.

7.

Increasing the footprint of the

Investing in the physical and mental

community’s physical assets

wellbeing of kids during the pandemic

to invest in building Healthy

by expanding in-person educational and

Communities.

recreational programs.

Meeting needs in uncertain times

8. Starting a new school year safely in the

by nurturing thriving communities

midst of the COVID-19 Omicron wave

through delivering key programs.

with increased enrollment.

9. Building capacity from digitalization to

3. Putting the fight against

digital transformation.

Islamophobia on the national agenda.

10. Creation of online resources to fight

4. Supporting Healthy Communities by increasing accessibility to COVID-19

misinformation about Islamophobia in

vaccines at our Islamic centres and

schools.

through promoting vaccination.

11. Partnering with UNHCR and the Zakat Fund to support refugees and

5. Reframing the narrative around the

vulnerable populations.

charitable and social good sector.

6. Riding the third wave of the

12. Positively contributing to the discourse

pandemic by celebrating unity in

about Muslims by joining national

Ramadan.

conversations, and publishing 20 opinion editorials.

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COMMUNITY BUILDERS In 2021, we invested over $10 Million in revitalizing and renovating community spaces that included building an outdoor artificial turf, a soccer field, a basketball court, and a gym. We acquired a new school in Edmonton, expanded spaces in OGS, revitalized the ICCO community centre, and invested to reduce the carbon footprint of our facilities.

COMMUNITY OF EDUCATORS Education is key for community development, and building a community of educators is essential. From teachers to youth mentors to curriculum developers.

COMMUNITY CONVENERS We used this capacity to convene and to mobilize to challenge Islamophobia and become a catalyst for change and action.

COMMUNITY OF LEARNERS In situations of extreme uncertainty, agility becomes the name of the game.

This requires the capacity to learn quickly what works and what does not and why. As we pivot to the new normal, we keep building our learning communities. We gain, share and develop new knowledge to enable us to adapt and innovate so that we can adjust to meet the demands imposed by acute challenges such as those presented by COVID-19. We are expanding our learning horizons beyond our internal sources.

NETWORK WAIVERS No one is an island of their own. Networks play a key role in amplifying voices, leveraging knowledge, and aligning resources. MAC is actively and purposefully weaving together networks to build hubs where others can join.

COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS We work towards a collective vision anchored in an authentic and unapologetic narrative of Islam in Canada that is vital, vibrant, and relevant.

We envision a strong thriving Canadian mosaic, where the Muslim community plays a big role in shaping its future.

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NURTURING VIBRANT COMMUNITIES

Section

1 83%

Building vibrancy in communities that is both far-reaching and long-lasting takes time, investment and energy. At the core, strong communities are built on strong social bonds, which help create social cohesion, and contribute to the community’s resilience and well-being. MAC realized the value of providing our community members with the ability to practise their faith in open and welcoming spaces, as well as to foster strong connections between community members where everyone feels they belong, and the importance of providing accessible opportunities to children and families.

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By the grace of Allah, MAC continues to leverage its resources to invest in the physical and human capacities of the communities across the country to nurture strong communities and invest in their vibrancy.

In 2021, MAC invested $10,270,495 in

INVESTED

$ 10,270,495 INVESTED

$ 17,709,000

building community assets by acquiring and revitalizing buildings to increase program delivery capacity.

MAC invested in creating employment opportunities to support wellbeing of families.

MAC is committed to strengthening

INVESTED

$29,151,000

communities through meaningful programming ,and invested a total of $29,151,000 across the country in change to program delivery.

Provided opportunities for youth to develop their skills.

OUR STRATEGIES IN ACHIEVING THAT ARE: •

Building responsive infrastructure to support the spiritual and social needs of the community.

•

Provide opportunities for children to learn and grow in a safe and stimulating environment.

•

Create healthy spaces for healthy engagements

•

Amplifying impact by building strategic partnerships within the community and the sector.

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NURTURING VIBRANT COMMUNITIES

COMMUNITY BUILDING BY

COMMUNITY PLACEMAKING One of the major contributions MAC is making in

participated on average in 4 different programs,

our communities across the country is transforming

which exemplify the connectivity between the

under-performing spaces into vital “community

community members who attend our centres.

places”. Physical elements are introduced that turn the space into a place where people find welcoming and comfortable. A place that provides a strong sense of community. A place where the whole is

Respondents

to

our

annual

survey

indicated

attending multiple programs offered by MAC. Some of the programs offered in our centres and chapters:

more than the sum of its individual parts.

Because

of

the

complexity

and

size

of

the

revitalization and renovations required, the space development takes a long time. It begins with short term improvements until a refined place evolves

SUMMER CAMP FOR CHILDREN

34%

JUMUA A PRAYERS

68%

HAL AQAS/STUDY CIRCLES

21%

EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS

14%

EID FESTIVALS

71%

QURAN COMPETITIONS

44%

PART-TIME SCHOOLS

14%

QURAN HIFDH PROGRAMS (MEMORIZ ATION)

10%

COMMUNIT Y GATHERINGS

35%

YOUTH PROGRAMS

20%

which combines cultural specificity with simple multipurpose spaces. Through this evolution, form follows and supports function. Built into this process is flexibility and versatility to convert the spaces from playing grounds to halls hosting prayers to places for socializing and meeting friends.

Placemaking is more than just the physical place though. It is grounded in amplifying social capital.

Effective placemaking inspires the use of communal assets to create quality engaging spaces that contribute to people’s health, happiness, and well being.

At MAC, placemaking is achieved by creating the

MAC GIVE PROGRAMS

community spaces, and by integrating programs and

(E.G. FOODSHARE, BLOOD DRIVES...)

increasing the connectivity between community

ONLINE PROGRAMS

members and families. According to our annual

(E.G. RAMADAN PRE-IFTAR)

survey, our community that uses MAC centres

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22%

18%

WHEN CENTRE PATRONS WERE ASKED HOW MUCH THEY AGREE WITH THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS: (Strongly Agree or Agree with the statement)

68%

70%

AGREED

70%

AGREED

67%

AGREED

AGREED

“I am welcomed as

“People in the centre

“The centre motivates

“The centre helps

part of the centre

allow me to be my

me to be a better

me fulfil my spiritual

community.”

authentic self.”

version of myself.”

development needs.”

A PLACE FOR FAMILIES:

67%

73%

of adults bring their families with them to MAC Centres.

of the centre community agrees or strongly appreciate the value MAC brings them and their families.

THE NET PROMOTER SCORE MAC Schools

Placemaking facilitates creative patterns of use, paying particular

MAC Centres

0

attention

to

the

physical,

cultural, and social identities that

0

define a place and support its ongoing evolution. With com-

28

-50

50

40

-50

50

munity-based participation at its centre, an effective placemaking process capitalizes on the local

-100

100

-100

100

community’s assets, inspiration, and potential, and it results in the

* NOTE: The Net Promoter Score is the world’s leading metric for

creation of quality public spaces

measuring user satisfaction and loyalty. It is more than a percent, it

that contribute to people’s health,

has a scale that ranges from -100 to 100

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happiness, and well being.

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NURTURING VIBRANT COMMUNITIES

Revitalization of the Islamic Community Centre of Ontario (ICCO) in Mississauga:

MAC is growing so we can meet more members of our community, and deepen our connection in these local communities. In 2021, the key investments in community placemaking are:

The premises on Darwin St. in Mississauga underwent a major revitalization in 2021. The focus was on the internal space that included the Masjid and the multipurpose space and the common areas.

AREA RENOVATED: 23,164 SQUARE- FOOT. The next phase will focus on completing the multi-purpose space, and redesigning and renovating the parking area and the pavements, and upgrading the exterior of the building.

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Revitalization of the premises at 2380 Speakman Drive:

Expanding school enrollment capacity and programs:

After acquiring the property to the west of Olive

There is a projected increased demand for full-time

Grove School, and after assessing a number of

schools. MAC successfully negotiated the acquisition

options for space redesign, the renovation plan

of new premises at St. Rita’s School in Edmonton.

included multiple multi-use spaces and offices

Strategically located in the vicinity of the existing

housing the program development and other

school building, this school will enable the expansion

national office functions, in addition to a gym. This

of the school project to include High School.

involved extension of the height to accommodate

Expansion of the OGS physical footprint was carried

a gym space. Part of the building is designated as a learning space for program delivery.

out by revitalizing the parts of the building on 2700

AREA RENOVATED: 22,000 SQUARE-FOOT

12 classes and enlarging the Grade 9 cohorts.

Speakman Drive. This enabled the addition of grade

We expanded the preschool program to Calgary

The building will house the expansion of the

Al-Salam

childcare facilities, which is still awaiting the

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Registration

application

was

successful and the licence to run the program was

building permit to commence construction.

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centre.

secured for Sept 2021.

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NURTURING VIBRANT COMMUNITIES

Outdoors facilities at Speakman complex Another way to anchor placemaking in a community is through sports and recreational activities. Research studies have found that communities that participate in sport and recreation activities develop strong social bonds,

THE MANY WAYS SPORT AND RECREATION BENEFIT COMMUNITIES:

and are generally stronger, healthier, happier and safer communities. Also, physical activity enhances cognitive function, improving memory, behaviour, concentration and academic achievement. For communities to enjoy these

1.

Bring people together, providing opportunities for social interaction.

2.

Kids who participate learn better and are more likely to enjoy school.

spaces in MAC Speakman Drive properties is breathtaking.

3.

Improve physical and mental health.

Constructing a new physical education infrastructure on the

4. Contribute to social capital.

benefits, they need facilities and programs to access these sports and recreational activities.

The transformation of the indoor and outdoor recreational

Speakman Drive complex: •

5. Provide work/life balance.

Transforming the green space into a state- of-the-art outdoors Playfield Turf

6. Bind families and communities through shared experiences.

•

Adding an outdoors basketball court

7.

•

Building a modern indoor gymnasium at

8. Develop life skills and leadership abilities.

2380 Speakman

9. Provide a sense of belonging.

TOTALLING ABOUT 100,000 SQUARE FOOT

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Promote a healthy, active lifestyle.

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10. Reduce obesity.

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Reducing carbon-footprint in MIC-Edmonton:

Planning for projected demands by preparing for expansion projects:

This reduction was planned by retrofitting the heating/cooling system in the Edmonton MAC

MAC is in the process of completing the permit

Community Center building. After delays due to the

COVID-19

economic

shut-down,

approvals and zoning provisions for two major

the

projects:

revitalization project involved the removal of the old system completely and its replacement with

• Expansion of the childcare spaces for the Olive

a modern efficient HVAC system including new

Grove Preschool and Childcare Centre- this

automated and zonal control system.

project is partially funded by the Region of Peel to construct 118 new spaces (approximately

The projected increase in energy efficiency of the

6500 SF). The project is submitted for municipal

building is 35-40%. This retrofitting produced a

review and building permits. It is located in the

major reduction of the building carbon footprint,

2380 Speakman Drive premises.

improved the quality of the community centre environment,

and

reduced

disruptions

to

• After a smear campaign camouflaged by a

programming. This will also reduce the operational

nebulous citizens group, the zoning process

costs of the centre, both through reduction in

for ICW (MAC Islamic Centre of Waterloo) has

energy bills, and reduction in maintenance costs.

come to a positive conclusion consummated by the approval of the zoning application. The

Other renovations to improve building efficiency

City accepted the zoning application with some

were done: Boiler replacement in the Abraar Secondary

School

building,

and

minor conditions. We thank the community of

upgraded

the Waterloo region for resisting Islamophobic

temperature controllers were installed.

impulses and rallying around this project. MAC is committed to be a community builder for a stronger Waterloo region.

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NURTURING VIBRANT COMMUNITIES

Delivering Programs in Uncertain Times The extreme uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented in modern memory, both because of its magnitude as well as its duration.

With rising cases as a result of the relaxation of public health restrictions in 2021, and the subsequent clamp down to control the third wave of COVID-19, it was challenging to manage the abrupt changes in provincial restriction rules while meeting the expectations from community members. Effectively, this made 2021 just as unpredictable as 2020 was.

and important programs were delivered to the highest standards. With the availability of vaccines, we promoted their use across the

As a result, this demanded a shift to a more agile

community, worked with governments to make

management model to sustain operations under

them accessible to community members, and we

such conditions.

incorporated the vaccination as a tool to improve program delivery safely.

This agility was achieved by a timely infusion of continuous learning and flexible responses

Despite these challenges, many of our centres

as situations evolved, enabling us to meet the

found ways to engage our communities and

demands of program delivery under extreme

delivered programs shifting from one mode

uncertainty.

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of delivery to another. For example, Rawdah

provincial jurisdictions, we had to continuously

Masjid/CCL delivered many in-person and virtual

update our COVID-19 operation rules across schools,

programs ranging from Jumma, to summer

childcare spaces, and community centres, and

camps, to youth programs to sisters halaqa

provide leadership to ensure adherence to those

to online educational lectures and programs.

rules.

Edmonton MIC organized foodshare programs

Managing

operations

across

throughout Ramadan and engaged many local Having devised working rules and best practices

organizations. Edmonton MIC continues to run the

around COVID-19 related management tools, data

seniors program for 3 days/week. Other centres

collection, communication method and sharing

find ways to connect with the community.

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CREATING

55,000 Full-time & part-time school programs

program opportunities for the community to engage and participate through:

Congregational daily prayers & Jummas on Fridays

Summer day camps, other programs both in-person & virtual

Educational programs

Recreational programs

Quran study circles

(numbers vary from one week to another due to health restrictions)

RAMADAN PROGRAMS Building on the experience gained from 2020, a pivot to virtual programming started quickly. MAC was able to deliver many quality virtual programs including: •

DAILY PRE-IFTAR PROGRAM In English and French languages

•

ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVES IN RAMADAN Weekly Live talk show

•

MAC YOUTH SHOW Every Friday in Ramadan

•

THE AMAZING RACE RAMADAN EDITION 2021/1442

•

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE PROPHET

Ramadan is a special time of the year, where

An age-appropriate journey of transformation

community members join us to enrich their

through the seerah.

spiritual

journeys.

Considerable

amount

of

•

JOURNEY WITH THE PROPHETS Children embarked on a journey of learning about the prophets and their characters

•

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE FOUR CALIPHS A journey of transformation through Islamic

preparations is allotted every Ramadan season.

This year, just as we were gearing up to start a host of new programs in Ramadan, the 3rd wave of COVID-19 was gripping the country and new

History focused on learning about the life and

health measures were announced a few days

character of each of the four rightly guided caliphs

before the start of the fasting.

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NURTURING VIBRANT COMMUNITIES

Strong Families, Thriving Children

Our programs were structured around providing

One point that became crystal clear during

opportunities to:

COVID-19 was that mental health and resilience are just as important as physical health and the

•

•

Build vital communities that have strong, active,

absence of disease. Therefore, the major focus

and inclusive relationships that foster individual

was on delivering in-person programs for children

and collective wellbeing.

and youth. MAC attempted to provide age-appropriate programs to parents that ranged from

Deliver enhanced educational programs that

preschool educational programs, to full-time

include full-time schooling, youth mentorship

school programs, to specialized Quran and

programs, and adult learning.

•

weekend-school supplementary programs.

Build programs to enhance the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of the community members.

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200

students graduated from Middle-School Grade 8

2670

students enrolled in person

170

FULL-TIME SCHOOLS

students attended virtually

10%

244

students enrolled in high school

enrollement increase

100

students took part in the Quran memorization programs.

WEEKEND SCHOOLS

The unavailability of the option to rent public schools had limited the accessibility of in-person instruction. However, we were able to optimize the use of our schools to accommodate 50% of the student enrollment from the pre-COVID levels.

FROM OUR ANNUAL PARENTS SURVEY THEY STRONGLY AGREE OR AGREE:

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75%

82%

81%

My child feels like he/ she belongs at the school.

When my child sees someone around them who needs help, they show care and are eager to help them.

My child talks to me about his/her best friend at school.

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NURTURING VIBRANT COMMUNITIES

Kids Have One Chance to Be Children Children need places where they feel they belong, and are secure, are free to make choices and are healthy. This is why childhood should be viewed as an important life stage in itself and not merely a stage towards adulthood. It is believed that the foundations for resilient children were set in those early years.

SUMMER CAMPS: MAC offered structured recreational programs from

summer

day

camps

to

sports

and

competitions.

MAC provided an opportunity for children to join interactive summer camps in 12 major cities across the nation:

7 3 2 locations in ONTARIO

locations in MONTREAL

A Quran Competition - we were blessed with over 1,200 participants in the GTA Quran competition.

Due to Covid restrictions, the competition was successfully held online for the first time. Similar programs were organized in Edmonton and Calgary.

As such, measuring a child’s wellbeing requires hearing from children themselves about their own experiences. To that end, we conducted a student

locations in ALBERTA

survey for grades 6 and up across all MAC schools.

WHAT IS THE INDEX OF WELLBEING: There are many definitions of wellbeing. The Canadian Index of Wellbeing has adopted the following as its working definition: The presence of a high quality of life in its full breadth of expression revolves around: good living standards, robust health, a sustainable environment, vital communities, an educated populace, balanced time use, high levels of democratic participation, and access to and participation in leisure and culture.

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WHEN STUDENTS WERE ASKED HOW MUCH THEY AGREE WITH THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS: (Strongly Agree or Agree with the statement)

89%

91%

AGREE

“the school helps me to be proud of my faith and community.”

61%

AGREE

69%

AGREE

“the school prepares me to choose & succeed in my career path.”

AGREE

“I feel I belong at this school.”

“I have positive friendships at school.”

WHEN ASKING STUDENTS HOW THEY FELT, PROVIDING THEM WITH 20 OPTIONS, THE TOP 5 CHOICES WERE:

42%

RESPECTED

52% SAFE

MAC STRATEGIES FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT WERE BUILT TO PROVIDE ACCESSIBLE PERSONAL GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH:

41%

INVOLVED

52%

STRESSED

50% HAPPY

• Promoting youth engagement initiatives • Fostering youth leadership by providing a solid foundation for developing capable and responsible young citizens • Promoting active living among youth • Providing youth with opportunities to serve • Develop a strong sense of identity as a Muslim youth • Build a deep sense of belonging and connection to community and community service

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NURTURING VIBRANT COMMUNITIES

Helping Youth Reach their Potential Over

the

past

few

4,000 YOUTH

800

Reached Online

5,000

years,

TWEENS

a

dedicated track of programming was

developed

teenagers.

In

for

2021,

1,200

younger our

youth

Reached Online

programs reached:

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EXAMPLES TARBIYAH CONFERENCE Inter-school annual conference organized in the GTA.

MAC YOUTH CAMP AWAKENING Blasting through tribulations to reach the final destination.

MUSLIM STUDENT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE A four day conference addressing different areas.

MENTORSHIP TRAINING CAMPS Multiple programs focusing towards training.

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NURTURING VIBRANT COMMUNITIES

IN FOCUS

The One-Ummah Project during Ramadan 2021 In 2021, the One Ummah theme was effectively articulated through Ramadan programming in schools. A sense of belonging to our Ummah was cultivated with support for causes including Genocide of Uyghurs, Child Labour in Pakistan, Syrian Refugee Crisis, Poverty in Yemen, Occupation in Palestine, Myanmar Displacement, Natural Disasters in Indonesia, and the plight of Muslims in India.

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MAC Schools across the country LIVED ISLAM & MADE AN IMPACT

100+

$9,000 RAISED

POSTERS, CARDS, COMICS & CRAFTS RELATED TO CAUSES

65+ VIDEOS MADE

8+ EVENTS & ACTIVITIES HELD

25+

20+

INFORMATIVE WEBSITES MADE

PRESENTATIONS MADE

7+

2+

BUSINESSES STARTED

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SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGNS

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70+ LETTERS, POSTCARDS SENT TO GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS

10+ MEMBERS OF COMMUNITIES AFFECTED BY THE CAUSES WERE CONTACTS

1000+ Grade 4-11 Students

MAC iRISE WE CAN RISE TOGETHER

NURTURING LEARNING COMMUNITIES

NURTURING

LEARNING COMMUNITIES

Section

2 Strong learning cultures enable organizations to adapt and innovate as they adjust to meet the demands of the new normal. MAC has used a number of strategies to nurture such culture. Among them are evidencedriven planning and data-centred program design, as well as expanding our learning horizons beyond the know-how we developed internally. To that end, MAC iteratively incorporates this new learning into its programs as well as develops new tools to deliver its message and programs. Some of the examples include: 24

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Building a Foundation for an Integrated Educational Curriculum for MAC Schools: We continued the development of integrated educational curricula for the full-time schools and Arabic learning programs.

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MODULES (TEACHING RESOURCES) WERE DEVELOPED INCLUDING:

MAC eLearning Channel: Building a Digital Educational Portal: In order to make authentic knowledge more

Booklets were drafted to introduce the project and its aims.

accessible, MAC created more e-courses to expand its e-library. Currently, 65 courses are offered that span many fields of knowledge with

Guide books were produced for the Islamic Studies & Quran Curriculum.

varying degrees of complexity. MAC E-Learning is envisioned to deliver both a diverse and substantive catalogue of Islamic educational courses delivered by prominent scholars and

Guide books were developed for the Arabic curriculum.

activists.

More critically, we invested in deepening our

Modules (guides, workshops, training documents, videos).

expertise in video and media production as well as equipment and space to build a robust media production capability through the development

Teaching resources for JK/SK to grade 3 and for grades 9-12

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of a Media Lab.

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NURTURING LEARNING COMMUNITIES

A DVA N C E D L E A R N I N G

BY SYNTHESIZING KNOWLEDGES Muslim Youth Project With the aim to build data-driven programs and

economic realities that situate Canadian Muslims in

design of educational resources, MAC is building

their current milieu. We hope this study will provide

an important repository of data about Muslim

a more comprehensive picture of the lived realities of

youth needs. MAC conducted field research to

Canadian Muslims, beyond what is often portrayed

understand challenges facing Muslim youth in

in the media.

Canada. Participants were aged between 13 to 30

We hope to use the information collected from this

years old and had to identify as Muslim and live

survey to inform our planning in the future.

in one of the five cities of the study (Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto/ GTA, Ottawa and Montreal).

Opening Doors to Learn About the Experience of the Indigenous People

Themes of identity and belonging are emerging as important. Expansion of this study is planned.

Muslims in Canada Data Initiative

In 2021, the discovery of unmarked grave sites near residential schools across Turtle Island was a critical

Data is important for identifying needs and gaps

point that brought further urgency to the work of

as well as for creating narratives and addressing

decolonization..

misconceptions. Unfortunately, there is scarcity of data about the Muslim community. MAC is

MAC convened a virtual national conversation for

a partner in the Survey of Muslims in Canada

the community with Indigenous leaders. Titled

(SMiC), commissioned by the Institute of Islamic

“Indigenous Realities & Islamic Responsibility”, we

Studies of University of Toronto. This survey

hosted Chief Stacey Laforme (from the Mississauga

aims to examine the varying dimensions of the

of the New Credit First Nation, Ontario), Brother

everyday life of Canadian Muslims. Drawing on

Lewis Cardinal (from Sucker Creek Cree First

a representative sample of Muslims in Canada

Nation, Northern Alberta), and Sh. Mohammed

based on the 2021 Census, the survey will explore

Zahid Aboghodda. Muslim Students’ Association

the changing demographic, social, political, and

student

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groups

from

15

university

campuses

across the nation were convened. This program

Centre. We hope to transfer this knowledge and

is part of MAC’s responsibility to find pathways

program design expertise across MAC chapters and

to Truth & Reconciliation (TRC), and through the

centres.

implementation of the recommendations of the

Demystifying Islamophobia in Schools

TRC, to a pathway of reclaiming justice, inshaAllah.

Reminding ourselves with our obligation to stand up for justice and fairness .

Through digital platforms, hate speech is finding

Supporting Muslim Seniors

new megaphones and a growing number of impressionable minds. To combat this, MAC created

Another emerging need for the Muslim community

digital resources for Islamophobia awareness and

is programming for a growing demographic in the

prevention in Ontario’s education system. Using

community - seniors. MAC is collaborating with

a dedicated portal, MAC created an authentic,

Dr. Jordana Salma from the faculty of nursing at

professional and robust set of digital resources,

University of Alberta to design a culturally-ap-

including mini courses, workshops, videos and

propriate seniors program. Salma has set up the

infographics that are built to engage with students,

Muslim Seniors Research Committee, a group of

parents and educators through an anti-racism and

12 seniors in Edmonton who advise her on three

diversity lens. A primary goal of this initiative is to

research projects supported by grants from the

equip school boards and their staff, teachers and

Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council

students with the knowledge and awareness on how

(SSHRC), one about digital literacy within Ara-

to support Muslims within their sphere—whether

bic-speaking communities and two on the impact

within a classroom or any school community.

of social isolation on seniors, particularly during COVID-19.

“We are creating awareness, building networks and gathering support every day, to make sure that the Muslim voices are heard”, Mahenaz Layton, Muslim Seniors Research Committee member. The program is currently delivered in our Edmonton

I’m totally blown away by the quantity, quality, research, details and broad coverage of content in this course! I also really liked the component of reflection & journaling that took the course to a more introspective level. What was most important to me as an educator was being given more language and specificity around subtle islamophobia so I can disrupt conversations between colleagues that contain racism / islamophobia. Also, my own greater appreciation for Islam as a multi-faceted community.” — Teacher at EPSB 27

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NURTURING LEARNING COMMUNITIES

IN FOCUS

Expanding Learning opportunities beyond the school walls

Among the many approaches to nurture learning environments and enrich educational programs across MAC schools is the exposure to age-appropriate learning opportunities beyond class instruction. Students were provided with structured programs offering diverse experiences. The following are a few examples.

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264

200

STUDENTS

STUDENTS selected from grades 3 - 8 participated in

participated in

Let’s Talk Science

Mathematica Centrum

829

BEAVER COMPUTING CHALLENGE

STUDENTS (J/K-GRADE 8)

The Center of Education in Mathematics and Computing at University of Waterloo

went on Physical Education trips to various places.

LITTLE OTTAWA MEDICAL SCHOOL

SCIENTISTS IN SCHOOL

an incredible experience for our youth

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP

igniting scientific curiosity amoung our youth

with Jo Rioux, Comic Illustrator

SILVER BIRCH READING PROGRAM

APEGA SCIENCE OLYMPICS & MATH SNAP Fair sponsored by the University of Alberta

Canada’s largest recreational reading program

Olive Grove High School was among 328 chapters who achieved a high level of recognition this year and was commended with a certificate and pennant from DECA Inc. The school is working to meet the requirements for a special partnership. Olive Grove High School completed one of four chapter campaigns including the Global entrepreneurship campaign, promotional campaign and community service campaign.

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NURTURING LEARNING COMMUNITIES

IN FOCUS

Fostering new learning through Collaboration Scanning the community services and identifying emerging needs is a critical first step towards

wants to get Muslim youth involved and champion the cause. “We want the Muslim youth to

designing new programs. Building on

become the voice of this cause,” says

the previous engagement with

Memona Hossain, the team lead.

Sakeenah, MAC reached out

Initially,

to Capacity Canada and

of engagement could

to its Capacity-by-De-

be

sign team to develop blueprint

for

was

skepticism if this type

submitted an application

a

there

done

virtually.

However, the teaching

a

techniques used by

fostering program for

Liz Dennis and Hugh

Muslim children and

Munro, the mentors

youth.

from Capacity Canada,

The engagement started

were

with a team of eight sisters

were

who worked with mentors

the

from Capacity Canada focused

incredible. modified

virtual

world.”

“They to

fit

added

Memona.

on developing culturally responsive

The focus of both prototypes is around

solutions intended to improve the experience of Muslim youth in foster care. They successfully developed two prototypes – one focusing on creating a youth champions program and the other focused on creating an online interactive guide called “Hope Away from Home.” The guide explains the fostering process and provides alternative ways

capacity building and knowledge creation and sharing to address this increasingly important social problem.

“The practical experience will help us use design thinking as a process in future for other programs.”

for the Muslim community to support Muslim

Capacity by Design is a design-thinking program

children in care.

developed by Capacity Canada to help social good

With the youth champions program, the group

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organizations rethink how they approach problem-solving. macnet.ca

IN FOCUS

Building Digital Capacity: From Digitaization to Digital Transformation One of the lasting legacies of COVID-19 will be the

Microsoft 365 Business Central. The operational

pace of acceleration of digitalization and the

agility afforded by the new ERP will allow us to

adoption of digital products. According to a

optimize key workflows across the many operational

new McKinsey Global Survey, companies have

units of the organization and by enabling agile

accelerated the digitization of their operations as

workflows and resourceful dashboards. The next

evidenced by the fact that the share of digital or

phase of the adoption will focus on integrating

digitally enabled products in their portfolios has

workflows

accelerated by a shocking seven years. The demand

management systems.

for digital products was also high in the nonprofit sector.

We

to

streamline

implemented

information

a

system;

our

new

operations

district-level

PowerSchool

and

school School

In the first year of the pandemic, we pivoted to serve

Information System across all MAC schools. Work

our community through providing various virtual

is underway to further transfer more workflow

programs and creating digital content. In 2021,

into digital platforms that will include program

the focus was to look beyond digital content into

registrations and payment options.

building a road map for digital transformation.

In order to support this transformation, we are

This transformation started with Human Resources

developing in-house capacity to integrate systems

management and compliance. We

implemented

and build modules to streamline the digital

an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) platform,

transformation across many projects and programs.

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A CATALYST FOR CHANGE

C H A N G I N G T H E N A R R AT I V E

ON ISLAMOPHOBIA

From fighting COVID-19 to wrestling with the old plague of Islamophobia In the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the old plagues of racism are becoming the spreaders of Islamophobia, as they found new ways to spread through digital platforms and infect impressionable minds. MAC tackled this issue on a number of fronts by mobilizing the community to address the challenges of Islamophobia and hate.

NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION AGAINST ISLAMOPHOBIA MAC

3

commemorated

anniversary Mosque

of

the

massacre

the

Quebec by

4th City

mobilizing

the community across the country through vigils, sit-ins and gatherings.

MAC took leadership to coordinate a

Section

joint letter with 75 organizations from

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Muslim Association of Canada

British Columbia all the way to Nova Scotia asking the prime minister to honour the victims of the Quebec Mosque

Shooting

by

designating

January 29th as a National Day of

Remembrance

Islamophobia. represent advocacy

and

These

national groups,

Action

on

signatories organizations,

mosques

and

community centres, think tanks, social services and relief organizations.

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ALL IN IT TOGETHER: CHALLENGING SYSTEMIC BIASES

HELPING ITS YOUNGEST VICTIMS: AWARENESS PROJECT

Joining the community organizations, MAC pushed

MAC is tackling Islamophobia through education

the federal government to address Islamophobia

and program delivery. In addition to the creation

in more concrete ways. After some hesitation,

of educational materials for school boards, MAC

the federal government convened a Summit on

was awarded a federal grant from Heritage

Islamophobia. MAC emphasized that the summit

Canada. The Ballers for Hope project aims to

must not solely focus on hate crimes, but rather

address systemic barriers to social participation

that the National Summit must focus on eliminating

for Muslim youth girls, more specifically in

institutional and systemic Islamophobia.

sports by providing them with tools and support

MAC called on the government to prioritize three key immediate priorities at the National Summit: •

•

focuses on the themes of resilience, teamwork, character building, leadership and community

Establish a federal office to implement an an-

engagement. The first cohort consisted of

ti-Islamophobia strategy

40 girls between the ages of 12-16 years old starting in 2021 despite the delays due to

Immediate moratorium on CRA RAD (Research

COVID-19 restrictions. In the second year, the

and Analysis Division within Canada National

program will be expanded to include Waterloo,

Revenue) audits of Muslim charities pending a

Niagara, Ottawa and Montreal. The program

review of the division •

to improve their representation. The program

focuses on girls from newcomers and refugee

A commitment to reform and oversight of the

demographics.

CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) and eliminate the profiling of Muslims.

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A C A T A LY S T F O R C H A N G E

IN FOCUS

Beyond Hate-crimes: Exposing Systemic Biases Islamophobia is more than just hate crimes.

The second report, titled “Under Layered Suspicion,”

In reality, Islamophobia is a complex phenomenon

exposed how these expeditions of data collection

that must be seen through the larger context of

and intelligence are analyzed and interpreted.

systemic racism which includes other forms of discrimination such as anti-Indigenous racism, anti-Black racism, and anti-migrant discrimination.

Islamophobia is an outcome of the racialization of Muslims as an “other” mostly through targeting the

MAC

challenged

the

government

and

its

commitment to fight Islamophobia at the National Action Summit on Islamophobia, and how it must include a review of its anti-terrorism laws and

expression of their “Muslimness”.

policies and replace them with new, fit-for-pur-

Recently, two reports exposed how Muslim-led

community or any other community.

pose alternatives that do not stigmatize the Muslim

charities have been in the crosshairs of the government as early as 2003. One report was published

by

the

International

Civil

Liberties

Monitoring Group (ICLMG), an Ottawa-based national coalition of Canadian civil society organizations. The report delineates how Muslim charities are at an absolute disadvantage to get fair audit decisions that occur under the shadow of Canada’s anti-terrorism

Systemic racism has shown up in many departments and agencies of the government including the RCMP and CSIS, CRA and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Recent data raised questions about the alleged use of racial profiling and the CRA has committed outright discrimination without impunity or apology.

financing and anti-radicalization regimes.

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DISCOVERY OF UNMARKED GRAVES INDIAN RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL IN 2021* MAY 2021

JUNE 2021

JULY 2021

215

750

182

UNMARKED GRAVES

UNMARKED GRAVES

UNMARKED GRAVES

Kamloops Indian Residential School British Columbia

Cowessess First Nation Saskatchewan

St. Eugene’s Mission School British Columbia

*More have since been found since Julu 2021

We cannot erase the past, but we can correct it by reclaiming justice and promoting reconciliation.

discovery of at least 750 unmarked graves on the grounds of the former Marieval Indian Residential School. In July 2021, another 182 human remains in unmarked graves were found at the site of the former St. Eugene’s Mission School near the city of Cranbrook, BC.

2021 was another memorable

In recognizing and reflecting on this moment in

year

the

our country’s journey for truth and reconciliation,

decolonization narrative. Major

MAC recognizes the brutality and traumatic realities

findings brought the atrocities

that the Indigenous community has endured and

and abuses during the dark chapter of the residential

continues to endure. Wearing orange shirts is one

schools to the forefront on the national agenda. It

way to express our solidarity with the Indigenous

started in May 2021 with the discovery of the remains

community and helps us take the first step toward

of 215 children who attended the Kamloops Indian

healing. As Muslims, we have a responsibility to

Residential School. A month later, the Cowessess

stand with our Indigenous brothers and sisters

First

when injustice occurs.

Nation

in

for

advancing

Saskatchewan

announced

the

O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even though it be against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, be he rich or poor, Allah is a Better Protector to both (than you). So, follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest you may avoid justice, and if you distort your witness or refuse to give it, verily, Allah is Ever Well-Acquainted with what you do.

– (Translation – Qur’an, 4:135)

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A C A T A LY S T F O R C H A N G E

Remembering a trailblazer who walked the path of reconciliation... the power of storytelling

Ali’s advice to the students was to write a book about

As we attempt to make sense of the brutal legacy

recounted in an interview with the Postmedia.

of the residential schools and the cultural genocide

Several of her 22 students attended a book launch

committed against our Indigemous peoples, we are

in Edmonton City Hall which was addressed by then

remembering a trailblazer who set an example for how

Mayor Don Iveson. The book included a message

to walk the long path of the Truth and Reconciliation

from Premier Rachel Notley.

their lives. This effort was culminated by the creation of the booklet “Traditional X: Stories from the Rez” that garnered a first place 2017 Group Writing Award from Historica Canada.

Soon after, this story gathered attention as she

and lead by example.

Sana displayed a genuine enthusiasm to make a

When Sana Ayesha Ghani left Edmonton for her first

positive difference in the world of her students. She

teaching position in the northern Alberta Indigenous

remarked “it’s a difficult thing to see when you’re

community of Cadotte Lake back in 2015, she never

with these kids and there’s so much potential, but

imagined how her story would unfold. As a hijabi

there’s so much stacked against them … I hope this

Muslimah of South Asian descent, she noted that the

instills the seed.”

kids didn’t know what to make of her. She recounted one student remarking: “So, you’re a different kind of Indian?” But once she started engaging with her school community, she was surprised that the students were more open to her than they were to the white teachers. She welcomed this opportunity as she started to put her focus on expanding their horizons by helping them find their voices through

The Ghani family is part of the MAC community in Edmonton and were instrumental in establishing the MAC Islamic Center in the city. Regrettably, Sr. Sana Ayesha Ghani will not be around to see this seed bear fruit, as she returned to the mercy of Allah on January 18, 2018, after a tragic car accident at the young age of 29 years as she was coming home to visit her

storytelling.

family in Edmonton. She is survived by her parents,

She nurtured their curiosity by introducing them to

Mustafa and her sister Nishath Ghani.

Br. Mohamed and Sr. Sayeeda Ghani; her brother,

books about marginalized people who could inspire them. She introduced Malcolm X and his story as a marginalized young man who challenged the narrative he’d been given and created a new story.

Students were also introduced to Sherman Alexie’s The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. They

Br. Ali Assaf, a leader from the MAC Edmonton Chapter, noted that “Sana’s legacy as a pioneer in building trusting relationships with indigenous communities will endure”. “She exemplified the best values of our faith: community, compassion, and hope” he added.

then met acclaimed hip hop artist Brother Ali. Brother

Your personal reflections are inspiring. I hope you find solidarity with each other and lean on one another as you make a difference in our province. Your stories illustrate the tremendous power that each one of us has to create positive change.” –Premier Rachel Notley

A FLAME EXTINGUISHED AT YOUNG AGE 36

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Celebrating Hijra by signing an agreement with UNHCR to support Refugees The

Hijra

from

momentous

Mecca

event

to

that

Medina

shaped

is

LOOKING BACKWARD: MAC HAS CONTRIBUTED CONSIDERABLY TO THE SETTLEMENT OF SYRIAN REFUGEES SINCE 2015

a

FAMILIES SPONSORED & RESETTLED

Islamic

civilization and is used to chronicle the history of the Muslim Ummah. Then as now, migration involves uprooting people from their place of

partnered with

origin and leaving them vulnerable in a new

Anglican Diocese of British Colombia (ADBC) Inter-cultural Centre of Greater Victoria (ICA) Afghan Women’s Organization (AWO) Canadian Unitarian Council (CUC) OMI St. Peter’s Province St. Joseph’s Parish Roman Catholic Episcopal Corp. of Ottawa (RCECO)

location. One of the legacies of the Hijra is that it provided a robust framework to migration and community building. It grounded this community-building on firm ethical virtues of welcome, protection, brotherhood, inclusion and economic sustainability.

SUPPORTED THE SETTLEMENT OF

493

In 2015, MAC devised an integrated program to support the Syrian refugees across many communities. To continue this commitment to support refugees, MAC partnered with the UNHCR and its the Refugee Zakat Fund which

FAMILIES partnered with

COSTI Polycultural Immigrant and Community Services And many other agencies and organizations

was established in 2019 by UNHCR as a key donor vehicle to raise funds to support refugees across the world. In 2020, UNHCR started its operations in Canada and successfully raised

ESTABLISHED HOST-NEWCOMER BEFRIENDING PROGRAM

$1.5 million from individuals in Canada and the United States. The Muslim Association of

SERVED

Canada and other Canadian Muslim charities have partnered with the UNHCR to transform the lives of refugees and joined the launch of

UNHCR’s

first

Annual

Global

Islamic

TRAINED

Philanthropy Report held in Canada on April, 17, 2021.

UNHCR leads international action to protect people forced to flee their homes because of

MATCHED

conflict and persecution. Our aim is to help UNHCR deliver life-saving assistance that includes shelter, food and water, in areas most programs.

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in the GTA

VOLUNTEERS

Program earned Governor General Award

CREATED FAMILY-MATCHING PROGRAM

RAN SUPPORT PROGRAMS ACROSS MAC CHAPTERS

affected by wars, and support the educational 37

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LEVERAGING COMMUNITY NETWORKS

W E AV I N G T H E NETWORK

ONE DOT AT A TIME At their core, networks serve as platforms to mobilize people and resources for collective action on a larger scale. By creating infrastructure that enables people to connect with one another and with new opportunities, network platforms can catalyze engagement and amplify results.

Becoming a catalyst for people to want to come to the table •

MAC played a key role in demanding action against Islamophobia both during the anniversary of the Quebec City mosque massacre and the

4

attack on the London family. MAC organized a National Call to Action against Islamophobia on Friday, June 18th: • Toronto, ON: Nathan Phillips Square • Mississauga, ON: Celebration Square • Halton, ON: Burlington City Hall

Section

• Ottawa: Parliament Hill

38

• London, ON: Victoria Park Bandshell • Waterloo, ON: Clock Tower • Montreal, QC: Victoria Square • Calgary, AB: Olympic Place • Edmonton, AB, A: Legislature Grounds • Vancouver, BC: Vancouver Art Gallery • Windsor, ON: Windsor City Hall

THIS ACTION WAS ENDORSED BY OVER 100 LOCAL AND NATIONAL MUSLIM ORGANIZATIONS ACROSS CANADA! •

MAC participated in the Summit about Islamophobia which was organized by the Federal Government. MAC advocated to eliminate institutional and systemic islamophobia; and we must institutionalize the fight against islamophobia. We highlighted the institutional

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systemic racism that Muslims experience from

administration and Mayor Don Iveson to

security agencies, that treat the entire Canadian

welcome back the Athan. In addition, the

Muslim community with suspicion and profiling;

High-Level Bridge was lit green to mark the

to the CRA that unfairly targets Canadian Muslim

start of Ramadan as well as the celebration

charities and weakens our community; to the

of Eid Ul-Fitr. “The City is a leader for setting

CBSA that profiles Muslims with impunity; not to

a new Edmonton Ramadan tradition with

mention Bill-21, a law abrogating the constitutional

its support for a 2–3-minute broadcast of

rights of Muslims. The Canadian government

the Athan every evening.”

has opted not to intervene. It is time for the government of Canada to clean-house.

•

The Muslim Association of Canada (MAC) unveiled its MAC Islam Awareness platform to combat Islamophobia during a virtual meeting with Ontario Minister of Education Stephen Lecce, and Kaleed Rasheed, MPP for Mississauga EastCooksville and Associate Minister of Digital Government. The government ministers expressed confidence in the culturally responsive pedagogy and support for releasing the platform to Ontario students, parents, and educators.

•

THE VALUE OF DIVERSITY IS HIGHER THAN THE COST TO ACHIEVE IT MAC hosted the session – Perspectives on Islam & Muslims in Organizational Leadership on Capacity

The City of Edmonton is proud to support the socially, culturally, and religiously diverse communities that make Edmonton a welcoming place to live, and to support activities where residents can safely and openly practise their faith traditions,” – City Manager Andre Corbould •

Canada’s annual Board Governance BootCamp

Ramadan 2021. Over 10,000 families were

understanding of Islam, Islamophobia, what fuels Islamophobia in Canada, and the intersectionality of the realities of Islamophobia. The BootCamp was attended by over 200 leaders of the Nonprofit sector from across Canada.

served. Through our local chapters and centres, we connected with many local organizations to help expand the reach of this program. In Edmonton, we worked closely with Bent Arrow, an Indigenous

SECURING THE CALL OF ATHAN DURING RAMADAN IN EDMONTON

community organization, and Our Savior

To foster a sense of community and celebration,

with Penny Appeal Canada to distribute

Lutheran Church. In Calgary, we partnered

MAC has worked closely with the City of Edmonton

39

Community Foodshare Campaign: 9 chapters were involved in the effort during

on December. The session revolved around the

•

We continued delivering the MAC Give

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930 meals and 300 winter clothes kits.

LEVERAGING COMMUNITY NETWORKS

IN FOCUS

Leading a Community-focused approach to vaccination Since

the

pandemic

beginning

of

the

This clinic was a big success and

MAC

worked

exceeded the target of vaccines

has

closely with the various levels of

government

and

administered.

health

Equipped with the experience

authorities to consult on public

to organize culturally-responsive

policy and ensure safe opening of

clinics, MAC partnered with the

community spaces. As provincial

Alberta Health and Alberta Health

authorities initiated the rollout of

Services to use MAC Islamic Centre

vaccination plans, we recognize community

as a temporary vaccination clinic

organizations

in Edmonton, Alberta. The site

can play a critical role in this undertaking

as

organizations

offer

was open to the general public for

community

those aged 12 and over within the

personal

postal code perimeters dedicated

rapport with their members and also get direct

by Alberta health. The MAC Islamic Centre temporary

access to the most vulnerable, especially those

vaccination clinic was the first to provide privacy

who do not have direct access to the public health

accommodations to Muslim women in Edmonton.

website, social media accounts, or Vaccine Hunter’s Twitter account.

Similar partnership was done with the Quebec government where MAC Centre Communautaire

Our first partnership was with the Peel Public

Laurentien was used as a vaccination clinic.

Health and the Ontario government to use the MAC-ICCO centre as a vaccination pop up clinic

These community and government partnerships

in Mississauga, Ontario. The site opened to the

proved to be effective working models for working

general public for those aged 18 and over in hotspot

together during challenging times and removing

postal codes but was among the first to provide privacy

accommodations

to

Muslim

barriers and helping all communities access the

women.

vaccine.

We are thrilled to be working with MAC and this community to help more people get their vaccine,” – Health Minister Tyler Shandro 40

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Securing a Seat Around Important Tables program which was designed to support Muslim youth in the London area.

•

Advocating for the recognition of the foreign qualifications for newcomers. Our Executive Director was quoted in the Ministry Press

With the more prominent national profile of MAC, securing a seat at important tables becomes not

Release “The Muslim Association of Canada appreciates the initiative of the Government of Ontario that will make it easier for newcomers to match their foreign qualifications and skills to available jobs in Ontario, allowing newcomers to enact their agency and contribute to our vibrant economy in a meaningful way.”

just easier, it carries with it a greater responsibility to advocate for our community. We take this responsibility seriously as we seek to advance the agenda of our community: •

MAC participated in consultations with the Federal government roundtables around Housing, Anti-hate policy, and advocating for the Nonprofit and charitable sector.

•

MAC was invited to be part of the Steering Committee to advise on the design of the Anti Racism grant stream by the Ontario government. MAC was invited to be an advisor for the review of the Anti-Racism Directorate strategy review.

•

MAC partnered with the Ministry of Education in Ontario to build resources to tackle Islamophobia. This project was announced in a press conference with the Minister of Education.

•

MAC was invited by COSTI Immigrant Services to be a partner in The Youth Change Makers

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LEVERAGING COMMUNITY NETWORKS

A D V O C AT I N G F O R A N E W R E L AT I O N S H I P B E T W E E N

THE NONPROFIT SECTOR & THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT The economist Mariana Mazzucato observed that

•

Additionally, the unique characteristics of

“countries that handled the COVID-19 crisis well

the sector must be taken into account when

maintained productive relationships with value

designing these programs. We recommend

creators in society, while investing in critical

that the government:

capacities. This pandemic brought visibility to

• Ensure programs are designed to

the largely impactful but invisible charitable and

accommodate the unique revenue

non-profit sector to our lives.”

models of the nonprofit and charitable sector.

Following a successful engagement with the Federal government and the sector, MAC actively

• Ensure programs targeting workers

participated in the creation and sustaining of the

include support for independent

Recovery Collective roundtable. We articulated the

contractors.

following asks: •

• When offering relief to for-profit

Implement the Community Service Recovery

companies through tax credits, provide

Fund (CSRF), announced in Budget 2021. Ensure

alternative relief measures to charities and

that all public benefit nonprofits and registered

nonprofits.

charities are eligible to receive funding through

• Ensure charities and nonprofits are

the CSRF on the basis of need. Provide

included when designing programs for

organizations funded through the CRSF with an

business enterprises.

adequate amount of time to spend the funding in a way that allows them to truly adapt and

Published an OP-ED advocating for the sector

build capacity.

•

as whole and making the case for a shift in the relationship with the government from an ad-hoc

When creating additional COVID-19-related

stakeholder to a strategic partner, and modernizing

programs, whether focused on emergency support or the recovery, charities and nonprofits must be included.

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the regulatory framework to bring it to the 21st century.

macnet.ca

Contributing to Important Conversations 2021 was an active year for creating content and

As can be evidenced from the table below, MAC’s

gaining earned media stories. There were 20

contributions are increasing in quality and quantity.

opinion editorials in major publications ranging

Many of the op-ed editorials were rich in content,

from discussing Islamophobia, COVID-19 impact

thought-provoking and advanced ideas and asks,

of daily living, to hajj and its meaning. About

with a unique perspective reflecting our values and

25 earned media stories were listed. For a

community needs. What is even more important

comprehensive list visit macnet.ca/mac-news.

is capacity within the organization to grow this important aspect of our strategy.

A FEW LINKS OF OUR IMPORTANT CONVERSATIONS

ISLAMOPHOBIA:

NONPROFIT SECTOR:

OTHER THEMES:

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FINANCIAL REPORT

Section

5 83%

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ANCHORING SOCIAL IMPACT ON THE

BALANCE SHEET Financial Highlights The summary financial information presented here is derived from our audited financial statement for the fiscal year Jan.1 – Dec. 31. 2021, which was audited by Deloitte LLP. The financial statement was prepared in accordance with the Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations (“Canadian GAAS”). This is a consolidated statement based on all the accounts and not reflective of any particular project.

The Association has received a fully acceptable audit opinion on its financial statements consistent with that of a non-profit charitable organization.

For the fiscal year of 2021, our financial balance sheet remains strong and the fundamentals of our operational model are sound. Managing our financial resources effectively and efficiently is one of the most important duties our board and executive team undertake. It is a balancing act between investing in our communities through effective program delivery and strategic expansion of services, and ensuring long-term viability of the organization and managing risks.

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FINANCIAL REPORT

REVENUE Total revenue increased by 10%. Revenue from

2021

2020

(000)

(000)

Donations

$10,846

$7,775

is due to the partial opening of the economy and

Programs Fees

$17,460

$14,737

the ability to provide more in-person programs

Other Income

$8,533

$10,910

$36,839

$33,422

2021

2020

(000)

(000)

Management & Admin.

$ 1,823

$ 2,169

Fundraising Costs

$ 1,609

$ 1,814

$ 25,719

$ 22,972

$29,151

$26,955

donations recovered to almost pre-pandemic levels, and revenue from programs increased by 18% compared to that from last year. This increase

along with some virtual programming. The income from other sources was stable but still did not recover to pre-covid levels (-12%). The funds from the government support programs for COVID-19 are down by more than half compared to last year as many support programs instituted by the government are ending.

EXPENSES On the Expenditures, the total of the expenditures was increased by 8% from 2020 levels (compared to a reduction of 15% in 2020 from the year before).

In large part, program delivery increased in 2021.

The management and administration accounted for 6% and the cost of fundraising was at 5% of the

Programs & Services

total spending. Program spending increased by 12% from 2020 levels.

ASSETS

2021

2020

(000)

(000)

Current Assets

$11, 350

$9,933

Capital Assets

$83, 314

$75,639

$1, 312

$1,276

Other

LIABILITIES Current Liabilities Long Term Liabilities Other

$95,976 $86,848

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2021

2020

(000)

(000)

$6,735

$6,570

$20,192

$20,986

$2,502

$983

$29,429 $28,539

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On the Balance sheet, current assets grew by 14% from 2020 levels, and the capital assets increased by 10% from last year. Current liabilities remain the same, while the long-term liability was reduced by 4%.

By the grace of Allah, the organization is in a strong position in delivering on its priorities for the community from program delivery, to investing in key community infrastructure to mitigating risks. The association met its obligations in compliance with covenants under its financing facilities.

ACCOUNTING STANDARDS The following rules are applied for the recognition of income: donations, bequests, pledges and other revenue from special events are recorded on a cash

QUICK SNAPSHOT

10 18% 8% 12% %

Increase in total revenue

Increase in program revenues

Increase in expenditures

Increase in program spending

basis. No accruals are made for monies pledged but not yet received. The Association follows the deferral method of accounting for contributions.

Restricted contributions are recognized as revenue in the year in which the related expenses are incurred.

Unrestricted contributions are recognized as revenue when received or receivable if the amount to be received can be reasonably estimated and collection is reasonably assured. Revenue is recognized as service is rendered to the customer. Amounts billed or received in accordance with customer contracts that do not yet satisfy revenue recognition criteria are recorded as deferred revenue.

For Capital assets, they are recorded at cost.

Contributed capital assets are recorded at fair value at the date of contribution. Capital assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives according to the declining balance for buildings, and straight line method for the rest. Costs incurred in renovating existing buildings are capitalized as construction in progress. Amortization for these costs commences once the asset is ready for use.

FINANCIAL DASHBOARD: (‘000)

$29,151 INVESTED IN COMMUNITY

$83,314 COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS

$20,192 LONG TERM LIABILITIES

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N AV I G AT I N G R I S K S I N T H E

NE W N O R M AL

Conceptually, risk could refer to future

contextualized within the culture and the resources of the organization, as well as the environment in which

uncertainties, while operationally risk

we operate in. Horizon scanning using the PESTLE

is seen as the intersection of threats,

analysis framework (i.e. Political, Economic, Social,

vulnerabilities and consequences. It

Technological, Legal and Environmental) is a robust

is becoming increasingly evident that

tool to gain deeper insight into potential risks and

successful organizations cannot operate

how to plan for their mitigation.

on the premise of risk avoidance, but

By the grace of Allah, we were able to build a strong

then need to build resilient systems to

organizational character that transcends services, programs and events, and even structure and

mitigate consequences effectively and

leadership. Social impact is enabled by key capacities

efficiently.

such as capacity to learn, to develop and as well as to

Resilience, however, is not a substitute for risk management; rather counteract vulnerabilities by expanding the portfolio of capabilities.

Resilience

involves capabilities for sensing of discontinuities, rapid adaptation, and flexible recovery or transformation.

Risk management needs to be constructed and

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link and network.

According to McKinsey and Company, true resilience requires balanced focus on six dimensions: financials, operations, technology, organization, reputation, and business model.

macnet.ca

Financial resilience where short- and longer-term

•

LIQUIDITY RISK: The Association’s objective is

financial aims are balanced. A solid capital position

to have sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities

and sufficient liquidity enables organizations to

when due.

weather rapid drops in revenue, increased cost, or credit issues.

•

and cash flows generated from operations to

As for risks resulting for financial instruments: •

•

The Association monitors its cash balances meet its requirements. As at December 31,

INTEREST RATE RISK: MAC is not exposed

2021 the most significant financial liabilities

to interest risk on its long-term debt as these

are accounts payable and accrued liabilities,

amounts are set to be repaid at fixed rates.

advances payable, and long-term debt.

Generally, the organization is managing its financial

CREDIT RISK: The risk that counterparties fail

portfolio within stringent guidelines to avoid any

to perform as contracted. The Association is

undue financial risks. Specifically, it mitigates against

not subject to any particular concentration of credit risk on accounts receivable given the size

over leveraging its assets by keeping the liability to assets ratio at around a third of the asset valuation,

and diversity of individual accounts due to the

and by controlling its current ratio between 1 – 2,

Association.

as well as ensuring its operating cash flow current ratio is above 1. The organization developed key

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FINANCIAL REPORT

relationships and invested in key products to

and updating program delivery guidelines. We

ensure access to financing facilities to finance

complemented

capital acquisitions. Currently, MAC is holding

communication protocol to ensure internal processes

a number of financing facilities that are used to

are properly followed and reported. Vaccination

acquire capital totaling $21,568,963 (compared

return-to-work policies were instituted. Employment

to $22,909,387 in 2020). The organization works

contracts were revised and strengthened.

in diversifying its revenue sources as a means to

this

by

establishing

a

strong

TECHNOLOGICAL RESILIENCE

attain financial resilience.

OPERATIONAL RESILIENCE

Resilient firms invest in strong,

Resilient

to manage cyber threats and to

secure, and flexible infrastructure

organizations

maintain

robust

program

avoid technology breakdown. We

delivery capacity that can

increased resiliency of our operations

both flex to meet changes

and program delivery by investing in the digital

in demand as well as remain stable in the face

transformation of our processes. Automated aspects

of operational disruption, all without sacrificing

of the Human Resources management through

quality.

ADP HR portal that improves HR management and compliance, integrity of data and its security,

The fluid situation of the pandemic demanded

provides enhanced controls over payroll process

that we become a more agile organization, responding

as

appropriate

to

a

flow.

changing

environment. Because of the dynamic nature of

The second area is in accounting by implementing

the pandemic restrictions, the operational risks

an ERP platform, Microsoft 365 Business Central.

were mitigated by continuously monitoring

The operational agility afforded by this platform

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will allow us to optimize key workflows across the

environment with rapidly shifting norms.

many operational units of the organization and will

BUSINESS-MODEL RESILIENCE

enable agile workflows and resourceful dashboards.

Enhancements such as easier bank reconciliation

Resilient

and deductible reports were introduced in phase#1.

enhanced and better reporting. One optimization this year was that we were able to deliver tax receipts electronically to 95% of recipients.mitigation.

maintain

business models that can adapt to

In Phase#2, this will be extended to all projects which will lead to considerable reduction of process time,

organizations

significant shifts in demand and needs, increased presence of service providers, shifting demographics and social norms,

and

changes to the regulatory terrain.

One of the key strengths of MAC is its delivery

REPUTATIONAL RESILIENCE

models that combine the strengths of both the

We invested in the integrity of our brand by deliberately creating and cultivating a strong narrative about our organization and its good works. We increased the visibility of our brand by platforming our message by amplifying our voices through thought leadership and earned media

strong administrative arm of an organization and the agile and resourceful arm of the network, or what Kotter called the “dual operating systems”.

Networks expand the reach of the organization and allow for more people joining the effort and more new ideas and capacities added to the organization capabilities, while strong management structure

presence.

ensures proper direction and control, utilization of

These investments and undertakings are part of a

identification and mitigation.

resources, delivery outcomes, and effective risk

holistic approach to risk management in a dynamic

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LO O K I N G B AC K WA R D

MOVING FORWARD Balancing the demands ranging from program

individual paths while staying connected to their

delivery and increasing organization footprint, to

faith in meaningful and profound ways, and helping

managing risks to secure the long-term viability

newcomers acclimatize with their new home. Over

of the organization is a huge undertaking. To that

the past 5 years we were able to reposition MAC as an

end, we have invested in building the human and

anchor of the Muslim community through building

organizational capacity that can sustain this growth.

key capacities to become:

Strategically, we hope this will propel the organization into the next normal without disruption. We are also nurturing a culture that provides our organization with an enduring character that transcends services, programs and events, but profoundly steeped in community-ethic grounded in fidelity to our faith and development of our community. We continuously assess the following key outcomes.

• Mission Clarity and Program Relevance by continuously connecting programs to the mission.

• COMMUNITY OF LEARNERS: we created the environment to make it possible to seek learning opportunities and engagements to further our key competencies and advance our knowledge in new areas of projected importance for our mandate.

• Building Capacity through investing in strategic initiatives to build human and organizational capacity.

• COMMUNITY CONVENERS: we tapped into our networks and connections to build greater capacity to become a catalyst for change and action.

• Amplify our social impact which is contextualized around the premise that the promise of our brand— not programs or events— must determine the scope and scale of our engagements with the community.

By the grace of Allah, we have invested our passion,

energy,

and

resources

into

• COMMUNITY BUILDERS: we invested over $10 Million in revitalizing and renovating community spaces to contribute to creating Healthy Communities. We invested in community programs. Those programs were integral to supporting communities through this difficult pandemic, especially those who depend on such support.

creating

vibrant communities, supporting families raising

• COMMUNITY: as we work towards a collective vision of developing an authentic and unapologetic narrative of Islam in Canada that is vital, vibrant, and relevant.

their children and helping youth navigate their

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TO QUANTIFY THE IMPACT OF OUR WORK:

What was achieved is huge, and this is the result of an accumulative process of cultivating knowledge, culture and structures to enable this transformative change within the various layers of the organization. This huge repository of

11%

knowledge enabled us to nurture a unique Increased

blend of capacities that position MAC for

COMMUNITY ASSETS

success. It is also important to reflect on what got us to this point: an inspiring

(from 2020 levels)

vision, unifying values and an outlook to Islamic work that forms the foundation

4% 8% 10%

for our organization’s culture. Using those foundational assets, we look forward

Reduction in

to building a more agile organization

LONG TERM LIABILITES

that is more adaptive to the needs and opportunities of the next normal.

(from 2020 levels)

By the grace of Allah, our organization has delivered on its value-proposition to our community. From increasing community infrastructure footprint, to reaching tens of thousands of families on a weekly basis, to employing hundreds of community members, to delivering programs to youth, our presence is adding to the quality of life to our communities.

Increased

PROGRAM SPENDING

Increased

FULL-TIME SCHOOL CAPACITY ENROLLMENT

Doubled the enrollment for weekend-school programs from 2020. (enrollment reduced to a third due to the pandemic. Currently just over 50% are enrolled from pre-pandemic levels).

Key investment in digital transformation and organizational systems.

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Stepping Up to the Plate There are many ways you can contribute to support this work:

GIVING NOW

GIVING LATER

CASH GIFTS:

Interested in leaving your mark in the sand of time for your community? We invite you to shape the

• Your gift–by

future of MAC. Anyone can leave a positive legacy

• Cheque,

for others to build upon. Here are some ideas to help you do just that:

• Credit card, • Direct deposit, or

THINGS YOU CAN DO TODAY TO LEAVE A LEGACY ™

• Establishing a monthly pledge Click button or type in URL

• Prepare a will

DONATE HERE

• Leave a gift in your will for MAC that makes a difference in your life

http://Macnet.ca/donate

• Leave a specific dollar amount or a percentage of

You will receive a donation receipt for the full value of your gift.

your assets to MAC • Consider using assets for your legacy gift • Name MAC as a beneficiary of your RRSP, RRIF or pension plan • Remember loved ones with memorial gifts

GIFTS OF STOCKS AND SECURITIES: A gift of publicly traded securities is both simple and tax-effective. You receive a greater tax benefit through a gift of securities than you would if you sold the securities and donated the cash proceeds to charity. Gifts eligible for this preferred tax treatment can include any of the following securities: prescribed bonds, units of mutual funds, and shares, warrants, bills and futures that are listed on the stock exchanges prescribed by CRA.

MIS-Calgary - Creative Design - G8 - Noor El Jichi (2nd Place)

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Muslim Networking

(10:61) (O Prophet!) Whatever you may be engaged in, whether you recite any portion of the Qur’an, or whatever else all of you are doing, We are witnesses to whatever you may be occupied with. Not even an atom’s weight escapes your Lord on the earth or in the heaven, nor is there anything smaller or bigger than that, except that it is on record in a Clear Book.

— (TAFHEEM-UL-QURAN - ABUL ALA MAUDUDI)

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WE ENVISION MAC TO BE AN ORGANIZATION THAT REFLECTS THE CONSCIENCE OF OUR COMMUNITY, PLAYING A VITAL ROLE IN ITS DEVELOPMENT AND RESILIENCY.”

WHY SUPPORT MAC: BECAUSE MAC HAS A DREAM to help Muslims build more caring and

inclusive communities, where Muslims are well represented in all areas of Canadian society.

BECAUSE MAC HAS A VISION to see a time when the understanding of

Islam and Islamic values are commonplace in Canadian society.

BECAUSE MAC HAS the national reach to deliver on its mission. Where

14 chapters and more than 37 projects, including schools and community centres, that MAC operates, are safe and welcoming spaces for families.

BECAUSE MAC HAS shown it has the capacity for growth & excellence.

Espousing a strong framework for social change and community development, enabled by a strong and committed membership and volunteer base.

BECAUSE MAC is investing in key priorities for our communities. Not only

developing new programs, but replicating successful projects across Canada.

As a result, more youth are welcomed to quality programs that nurture their potential to become tomorrow’s leaders.

BECAUSE MAC is making a difference every single day.

mac@macnet.ca

www.macnet.ca

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