What is WMI?

The purpose of WMI is to help Muslims implement the positive changes that they want to see in their communities. We actively acknowledge that people in positions of power do not have all the answers, the right answers or sometimes even any idea that here are any questions that need to be answered. 

We have six years of experience advocating on behalf of and encouraging indigenous Western Muslim culture that embraces core Canadian values such as respect, understanding, independence and compassion.

Vision

Working together to create enriched communities that have a balanced approach to life and faith.

Mission

WMI is a non-profit organization that strives to create strong, positive connections with local communities and individuals by working collaboratively with other organizations and encouraging innovative ideas that help make Canada a better place to live.

Goals

(a) Assist Muslims in Calgary with their spiritual, social, cultural, and intellectual endevours;
(b) Provide the Calgary community with clear and accurate information about Islam and/or Muslims by disclaiming any myths or misconceptions;
(c) Carry out programs and events that help establish strong bonds between Muslims in Calgary;
(d) Promote friendly relations between Muslims and people of other faiths in Calgary;
(e) Cultivate cooperation between existing Muslim organizations; and
(f) Reach out and help meet the needs of the less fortunate peoples in the community.

Objectives

• Actively consult and collaborate with local communities and organizations.
• Ensure programs, events and projects are inclusive and minimize barriers to participation.
• Engage in information sharing between organizations.

History

Originally called the Muslim Youth Initiative, a medical student at the University of Calgary started the Western Muslim Initiative in 2001. It was intended to provide Muslim youth an opportunity to enjoy the company of other Muslims their age and to learn about Islam. At that time, the main participants of the organization were Muslim boys at the junior high and high school levels. In 2004, Muslim Youth Initiative obtained charitable status and was registered with the federal government.

In 2004, Muslim Youth Initiative started an online magazine called The Western Muslim Magazine, which explored indigenous Western Muslim culture through the media. Based on the experience of this initiative it quickly became apparent that young Muslim boys were not the only ones interested in embracing both their Canadianess and their Islamic identities. As such, the organization explored ways to engage the larger Calgary Muslim community and also those who were interested in creating interfaith connections.

With the closing of The Western Muslim Magazine in 2009, the decision was made to change the name of the Muslim Youth Initiative to more clearly reflect the broad goals of the organization.

Past and ongoing projects

Here are some of projects we have been a part of since 2004:
• Helped establish the Tutoring and Mentoring program, now being run by Islamic Association of NW Calgary
• Sound of Reason Music event
• Muslim Art Movement
• Offbeat Muslim Fashion
• Helped Bridges Canada with Demystifying East and West Gender Perspectives
• Assisted in establishing The Western Muslim Club – University of Calgary Chapter
• Boys youth summer camps
• The Western Muslim Magazine
• Mic night
• Interfaith lectures

What is the role of WMI’s board of directors?

The role of the board of directors (board) will be to help link ideas to people, tools and other ideas so they are made into actual initiatives. Another role of the board will be to constantly think of novel programs, events and initiatives.

One of our major pet peeves is bureaucracy, which is inherently inefficient and ineffective. We are going to try our best to remain as transparent, effective and efficient as possible and we expect the community to let us know about our shortcomings and ideas for improvement.

Do you have an idea?

We are looking for ideas that:
1. Are for the common good
2. Promote an indigenous western Muslim culture
3. Are inclusive and fall into one or more of WMI’s broad objectives.
4. Have short timelines and discrete deliverables

If you have ideas that are larger more long-term projects, we would like to hear those as well.

Your idea could fall into one of the following areas:
• Planning educational, social, recreational, cultural and spiritual events and programs that enhance community and inter-faith bonds.
• Providing publications and other media that are an active exploration, expression and positive contribution towards a unique Canadian Muslim culture.
• Inviting speakers to create intellectual forums of discussion relating to Islam and issues pertaining to Muslims.
• Organizing cultural events that promote Muslim talent (artists, musicians, writers, performers, etc.)
• Providing support and social networks for women and families in need in Calgary.
• Facilitating volunteer and charitable activities in the Muslim and larger Calgary community.

Presenting ideas
We want to be passionate and excited about your ideas so when presenting it try to give us as much information as possible. When hearing your ideas we will have the following questions in mind:
• What types of tools can we provide?
• Which organizations should we connect to?
• Will this cost money?
• Can we link to an existing organization?
• How involved will we be in the process?
• Are there existing initiatives like it or similar to it?