Social Activism
Invite your work colleagues to an iftar or Eid party. Deepen your relationships and introduce them to a tradition that they are likely not familiar with.
In a Nutshell
Every Ramadan we throw iftar and Eid Parties for our Muslim friends. Make the effort to do an iftar or Eid party where you invite non-Muslim work colleagues. The personal touch is important - host the event yourself - an office Iftar (or Eid party) may not have the same impact.
Success Stories
TW (in CA): I started this tradition over 10 years ago. The first year, a few curious colleagues decided to fast with me and I treated them to an iftar dinner at a local Persian restaurant. As participation grew, we decided to host iftar at our house. Last year, over 30 people (across departments and titles) fasted one day during Ramadan and came over to our home. Colleagues look forward to the event now and it’s becoming a bonding ritual (sehri food pics shared in the morning, “you can do this” e-mails in the afternoon, and iftar pictures shared the day after). The surprise to us was how much people appreciate sharing a cultural tradition that they consider very personal to us.
The Ask
This Ramadan, throw a dinner party for your work colleagues. If you fast, see if people are curious to join you in fasting. People are sometimes hesitant to fast, but almost everyone can do it and most enjoy the challenge. Your workmates will be thrilled once they’ve pulled it off. Make it worth their while by serving up traditional iftar specialties (or just order takeout from a Pakistani or middle eastern restaurant). Feel free to talk about what Ramadan is like for your family and community. Alternatively, you can invite workmates for an Eid party at the end of Ramadan.
Benefits
Positive association with Muslim and PakistaniPositive association with Muslim and Pakistani cultureculture
Strengthens office camaraderie
Deepens your work relationships
Effort and cost
Same as any small iftar or Eid party.
Scaling the play
Share within your circle – get acceptance and commitments 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
