Professional Activism
In a Nutshell
Eid and Iftar events at workplaces are on the rise over recent years, but these celebrations typically focus only on getting Muslims at the company/institution together. It is important that such celebrations are expanded to include all team members and make their primary focus one of outreach and celebrating Eid with the rest of the world.
Success Stories
RH (in CA): I and my Pakistani American colleagues decided that our next Eid celebration will not be a Muslim-only gathering. We worked to get management buy in for budget, worked with Facilities to identify and reserve a suitably big space on campus, and organized outside catering of middle eastern food. We worked to publicize the event well in advance. All of us approached our workmates and personally invited them to attend. We also invited C-suite executives to attend and say a few words of welcome, Overall, it was a large gathering and a fun and food filled cultural celebration. We now have the blueprint to do it annually.
The Ask
This Eid, get your fellow Pakistani/Muslim American colleagues to organize group-wide or company-wide Eid celebration. Pick a local Halal restaurant or caterer that you think will wow the attendees with their food. Be sure to do it within office hours and have your primary goal be to get as large number of your non-Muslim colleagues to attend as feasible.
Impact and Benefits
Creates positive association with and increased awareness of Pakistani/Muslim culture and heritage
Strengthens office camaraderie and deepens your work relationships
Supports and promotes local Pakistani and Middle Eastern businesses
Effort and cost
Little to no cost: In most instances companies and institutions can be persuaded to support and underwrite such cultural events and celebrations.
Scaling the play
Share within your circle of Pakistani /Muslim Americans in corporate America and academia (including MSAs at colleges and universities): get commitments from them to try out this play
Reach out to established Pakistan American and American Muslim Organizations and persuade them to share via email/WhatsApp/conferences with their members
