Sharing Humanity is a community-based project focusing on young Muslim (female and male) as well as non-Muslim youth. The project will seek to develop Young Muslim Leadership (10 males and 10 females) to enable young people to develop the skills and build the confidence necessary to influence members of their peer group and the community at large. The project will work to build understanding and equip Muslims with the theological fundamentals that counter extremist ideologies, dispel misconceptions and develop their role as citizens, leaders and positive role models so that they can become “leaders” for mainstream Islam and assert their Australian identity.

The initiative has the potential to impact the attitudes and behaviours of young Muslims seeking greater Islamic knowledge and awareness across the community. It will allow greater understanding of Islam and their role as Muslims in a secular society, confidently dealing with the challenges of identity and society. Considering the wider problems of generational disconnect that relates to problems of disengagement and identity crises, this has great potential to empower Muslims to address these issues internally.

The Objectives of the Activity are to:

a. Develop educational resources that promote interfaith/intercultural understanding and provide individuals with the knowledge and skills to challenge and debate radical ideologies, especially in schools and higher education institutions.
b. Develop programs that address issues of identity, sense of belonging and cultural isolation, which can be factors leading to radicalisation.
c. Develop programs that challenge radical messages and ideologies, including those perpetuated online, and provide avenues for the non-violent expression of views and encourage participation in our democratic society.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for the Sharing Humanity Leaders program, you must:
• Identify as an Australian Muslim
• Be between the ages of 16 – 26 years.
• Have a strong interest in community leadership
• Agree to attend all program sessions
• Be willing to be photographed and interviewed to promote the program.

How to Apply

The applications for the program are open from: 22 August 2011.

The Sharing Humanity Leaders Program is for young people who are looking for an opportunity for personal growth and development. Individuals who submit an application should be aware that they are making a life changing commitment. To be selected as one of the 20 participants you must be ready for a change, to be challenged, to making a difference and to becoming a future leader in the Australian Muslim Community.

Key dates for the program are as follows:

• Applications Open - 22 August 2011
• Applications Close - 17 September 2011, 5pm
• Interviews Conducted - September 2011
• Successful Applicants Notified - 3 October 2011
• Program Starts - October 2011
• Program Ends - 31 August 2012

Application process

All applications must be complete. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. A complete application includes the following items:

• Completed Application Form (download the Application Form and type response in space provided).
• Resume (no more than 2 pages in length)
• Respond to the following essay question: What do you believe are the three most important qualities of an effective leader? Why? Please limit your response to no more than 600 words.
• One letter of recommendation (may be completed by teacher, guidance counsellor, community leader, etc.; recommendation letters may not be completed by peers or relatives).
• Copies of any accompanying documentation you wish to provide with your application.
• You should then email your application to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or mail your application to:

Project Manager,
Sharing Humanity Leaders Program
The Lebanese Moslem Association

PO Box 297 Lakemba NSW 2195

To download the applicaion form please click here.

For further information:

Please contact Iman Dandan at the Lebanese Moslem Association on (02) 9750 6833, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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