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Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom™

Enriching Women's Souls, Shattering Stereotypes

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Validation of Our Impact

Results of 12/2018 Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom Research

 The construct of all programming of the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom is based on the theory of change of contact and extend contact effects.  While there is ample research support for the idea that better relationships among individuals lead to better inter-group attitudes (contact effects), it is certainly important to verify that these research studies extend to real world settings.  As such, an independent study was conducted in December 2018 by Civil Politics among 405 Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom chapter members to obtain evidence as to how research on contact and extended contact effects maps to the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom.

The findings indicate that members do indeed report better inter-group attitudes.  As you can see below, most surveyed members self-report that they feel more comfort with others, are more dedicated to speaking out against divisive rhetoric, and are more committed to protect the stranger.

Women who are members of a Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom chapter perceive that they share much more in common than differences between groups.

Research does indicate that those who hear about others making friends across groups also have their attitudes affected (e.g. this work on extended contact effects).  This would therefore indicate that members of the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom have a positive impact on non-members’ attitudes towards Muslims and Jews. While we were not able to survey those who have heard about this work from members, we did ask members how much they told others about their experiences.  Virtually all, or 96% of those researched, are proud to tell others that they participate in an interfaith program with Muslim and Jewish women and 91% state that they often tell others about their participation.

Importantly, 92% state that they are likely to recommend that a friend or family member become involved in the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom. On average, members tell 23 other people outside their chapter about their experience.

 

 

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© Copyright 2021 — Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom™

Taking the Sisterhood to the Next Stage--Announcement on Transition and Town Hall Meeting
Dear Friends,

As someone who cares deeply about the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom, you will be most interested in the important news we share with you today. It has been more than a decade since Sheryl Olitzky co-founded the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom, together with Atiya, to develop a “circle of friendship” between Muslim and Jewish women. With mixed emotions, we share the news of Sheryl’s retirement as Executive Director on March 1, 2021.

We owe a debt of gratitude to Sheryl for her passionate commitment, countless hours, and abundant energy. She has grown the Sisterhood to be an international organization with more than 8,000 Muslim and Jewish women committed to interfaith exchange and partnership. Sheryl has created a healthy organization that is well-positioned to achieve our goals in 2021 and beyond, with a talented and hard-working staff team and a dedicated board of trustees. Following a well-deserved break, we are so fortunate that Sheryl will join the Sisterhood’s Board of Trustees later this year.

The Sisterhood’s succession planning committee and Board of Trustees has hired Ceres Group Advisors (interimdirector@sosspeace.org), an experienced interim leadership team. Ceres Group Advisors will ensure a smooth transition and a strong organizational foundation as we search for our next executive director. Sheryl will help shepherd this process with her vast knowledge, strong community connections, and experience.

The last decade has been a time for great growth and powerful impact for the Sisterhood’s network. What started out as a small chapter of 12 women grew into an organization and evolved into a movement of Muslim and Jewish women and girls committed to building bridges and tearing down barriers of hate and prejudice.

This year, we were confronted with challenges that none of us could have imagined. Last March, when Covid-19 impacted all of our lives, the Sisterhood pivoted to virtual programming, creating space for engagement and participation to connect in new ways across geographic boundaries. We are excited to continue on the Sisterhood journey with you to envision the next stage of the Sisterhood’s development as we emerge from the challenges and opportunities of the last year.  We commit to doing more to meet your needs and opening our tent to reach more Muslim and Jewish women and girls who want to make this world a better place. And, we look forward to your engagement in this brave space of the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom.

Now, more than ever, our mission to build trust, respect, and relationships between Muslim and Jewish women and teenage girls and to work together to end hate for all human beings is more important than it has ever been. With your continued support and participation, we are confident that the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom will thrive and set the stage for bold programs and important new connections during this crucial time in history.

Please feel free to reach out to us or to Sheryl (sherylolitzky@gmail.com) with any questions or thoughts.

Warmest regards,


Roberta Elliott, President     
(robertabelliott@gmail.com)

Atiya Aftab, Co-founder & Chair Emeritus
(criterion17@gmail.com)

To join the Townhall meeting on Wednesday, February 3rd at 8pm ET, please email Nadia at nadia@sosspeace.org for ZOOM registration link.

Town Hall Facebook Live With One of The Sisterhood's Greatest Supporters inThe U.S. Senate!
Cofounders, Sheryl Olitzky and Atiya Aftab, in dialogue with Senator Cory Booker as we focus on the issues facing us as Muslim and Jewish women in this challenging time in our history. Click here to watch.