UK activities

Forward Thinking’s project activities include:

1. Fact-finding meetings:  At the outset of every project a number of fact-finding meetings are held with the identified groups, with the aim of determining the communities’ needs and corresponding project priorities.  This initial effort will ensure that the project matches the needs and expectations on the ground and within the community.
2. Creating access to the Establishment:  A central component of Forward Thinking’s UK Programme is the need to facilitate and increase access of grassroots communities to the various parts of the British Establishment, including government agencies and institutions.
3. Identity research:  As part of its work, Forward Thinking has identified the need to enable young Muslims to examine and articulate the challenges and issues they face including but not exclusively cultural experiences, the generation gap, role models, educational experience and growing up in today’s Britain.  Consequently, an important element of our work consists of involving Muslim youth in our ongoing identity research project.  In this activity, young Muslims across ethnic, cultural, sectarian, linguistic and regional divides come together to conduct a research project of the issues identified above.  Within this framework, they set the terms of reference in a safe environment, prioritise the issues, conduct interviews and write up the findings.
4. Examination of Faith Issues:  Forward Thinking organises a variety of forums in which young Muslims can explore and discuss religious and cultural teachings and traditions in a safe environment. Facilitated by prominent Muslim scholars, the forum is a unique opportunity for young British Muslims to explore the theological underpinnings of current issues such as living in a pluralistic and secular society, the role of women, Islam and civil society, and being a minority community among manyothers.