Islamic Positive Youth Development
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Ellicott City - Safar 18th, 1445 ~ September 3, 2023 -The Islamic Leadership Institute of America (ILIA) and UMMA proudly celebrated their first-ever joint event, with over 25 enthusiastic attendees. This remarkable event, targeting the youth and young adults, features diverse and thought-provoking discussions on topics like leadership and personal growth.
The dynamic speakers who led the discussion were Ayman Nassar and Asra Khatoon, who shared their expertise and wisdom on the multifaceted nature of leadership. The event, which lasted for a captivating hour, proved to be both enlightening and engaging.
One of the key points explored during this discussion was the fundamental question “Who is a leader?” Attendees had the opportunity to gain insights into the ILIA’s philosophy, which continues to work towards the development of leaders and discover the essential steps to cultivating leadership qualities.
The active engagement of the audience resulted in a dynamic exchange of diverse ideas and experiences. Questions flowed freely, and attendees shared their thoughts without hesitation or restraint.
The conversation didn’t stop at the surface, as it dived into the depth of leadership, which includes responsibility, patience, followership, and the importance of submission to Allah (سبحانه وتعالى). Attendees were given valuable advice from our speakers on how to channel these qualities in order to become effective leaders and contribute positively to their communities.
This conversation even explored the realm of life, and how establishing a clear purpose and mission in your life is important. The audience was encouraged to reflect on their own individual experiences, and how they could construct a purpose for their work.
This inaugural event serves as a testament to the commitment of both ILIA and UMMA to empower and inspire the youth. By providing a platform for dialogue and learning, they aim to nurture the next generation of leaders who will lead with wisdom, compassion, and a strong sense of purpose.
ILIA and UMMA are excited to continue collaborating and hosting future events that foster personal growth and leadership development. Stay tuned for more exciting initiatives from these organizations as they work together to build a brighter future for our community.
ILIA’s Research Foundation provides visibility into prevalent issues concerning youth, such as youth development, advocacy and public policy, Islamophobia, and mental health, and is the gateway to new courses and continuous curriculum updates and development.
Positive Youth Development
Positive youth development (PYD) refers to a comprehensive approach that aims to promote the positive growth and development of young people. It emphasizes the strengths, assets, and potential of young individuals, rather than focusing solely on risks and problems. The goal of positive youth development is to empower young people to reach their full potential and become healthy, competent, and resilient adults.
PYD is based on the belief that young people possess inherent strengths and capacities that can be nurtured and enhanced through supportive environments, relationships, and opportunities. It takes into account the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional aspects of development and recognizes the importance of holistic development.
By implementing positive youth development strategies, organizations, communities, and individuals can contribute to the well-being, resilience, and positive outcomes of young people, fostering their healthy development and preparing them for a successful transition into adulthood.
ILIA is in the process of building a Prophetic Positive Youth Development Framework which is based on Prophetic teachings from the Sunnah and grounded in Quranic revelation and hadith. Download a summary of our draft framework from here.
