FOURTH ANNUAL UMAA CONVENTION 2006

PROGRAM

"  O ye who believe! stand out firmly for Allah, as witnesses to just dealings, and let not(even) the hatred of others make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to piety: and be aware of Allah. For Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do."
-Quran (  5:8 )                                                                                                                                                                    

WELCOME

Assalam Alaikum,

Welcome to the Fourth Annual UMAA Convention Program.
Before traveling to the convention, make mental preparation (niyah or intention) for this great event of learning, friendship and unification.

• Go out of your way to greet others at the convention with “Assalam Alaikum,” the beautiful greeting that is both uplifting and an act of worship to Allah swt.

• Be discreet, particularly in greeting or talking to persons of the opposite gender.

• Observe Islamic dress etiquette.

• Be kind, polite, and patient with convention and hotel staff.

• Make sure the surroundings remain clean and uncluttered. Pick up litter left behind by others.

Please note that the UMAA convention is a family event for everyone to attend and enjoy. The parents and guardians are responsible for their dependants at all times.

MISSION STATEMENT

Universal Muslim Association of America (UMAA) seeks to provide a forum to foster unity among Muslims to encourage them to participate in the civic and political responsibilities, to dispel misgivings about Islam and the Muslims, the help fellow Americans better understand Islam in the light of the Holy Qur’an and the teachings and practice of the Prophet Muhammad (s) and his AhlulBayt (a), and to take all necessary measures to help implement the UMAA objectives, that among other things include social, religious, economic, and political advancement of Muslims in America.

• Provide a thinkers' forum for the Muslims living in the United States

• Facilitate discussion on social, political and economic issues

• Encourage Muslims to vote and to participate in the political process

• Promote better understanding of Islam through interfaith dialog

• Encourage research on contemporary issues unique to living in the West

• Coordinate with the media to help educate it on issues relating to Islam

• Provide a common platform and forum for the Muslim Youth

• Organize conventions, seminars and workshops to help achieve UMAA goals

• Cooperate and coordinate with other organizations pursuing similar goals

• Publish newsletters, brochures and written materials to impart information

• Raise funds for the organization

• Create a central secretariat to help implement the goals and objectives of the organization

UMAA - Universal Muslim Association of America :

UMAA is an idea, whose time had come. A Couple of people from our community attending a Conference in Washington DC in 2002 talked of the need for a Shia organization which could address the socio-economic, political and cultural issues not being addressed by the Centers and other Shia organizations in the United States. Two weeks later, they met with a few other prominent community leaders in Maryland, which led to the formation of UMAA (Universal Muslim Association of America), a name unanimously agreed upon by the founding members of the organization. The new organization was registered with the State of Maryland as a non-profit organization; later it was approved by the IRS as a Tax-Exempt organization.

The aim of the organization is best expressed in its Mission Statement, as follows:
"Universal Muslim Association of America (UMAA) seeks to provide a forum to foster unity among Muslims, to encourage Muslims to participate in the civic and political responsibilities, to dispel misgivings about Islam and the Muslims and help fellow Americans better understand Islam in the light of Qur'an and the teachings and practice of the Prophet Muhammad (s) and his Ahlul Bayt (a), and to take all necessary measures to help implement the UMAA Objectives that, among other things, include social, religious, economic and political advancement of Muslims in America."

UMAA is committed to working towards achievement of solemn as well important objectives listed elsewhere on this site.
The affairs of the organization are run by the First elected UMAA Executive Board consisting of 41 directors which include, besides its founding members, other members representing various communities from across America. It is among the top priorities of the organization to help evolve it into an even more representative and grass root organization through periodic elections and appointment of regional coordinators across the nation.

The Annual Convention held on Memorial Day Weekend has become a very popular and much awaited event. This significant annual event provides an opportunity to the community members, the young as well as the old, to get together, meet old friends, share common concerns, enjoy the vacation and benefit from lectures and workshops on myriad subjects. About 3000 community members attended the first three conventions held on Memorial day weekend in May of 2003, 2004 and 2005. Bringing the people together provides men, women and children a social and cultural refuge. They can share ideas on politics, culture, religion, academics, careers and businesses and develop friendships and enduring relationships. This can help resolve a variety of problems and social issues being faced by the families.

People enjoyed all three conventions. They were jubilant and positive, while voicing opinion about the usefulness and success of the UMAA Conventions, as is obvious from the following impromptu remarks:

To Dr. Hasnain Walji, former President of World Khoja Ithna Ashri Federation stated, ' it was a phenomenal event, the first of its kind. Syed Mazhar Jaffri of Chicago called it the first Shia convention ever held.

Br. Partomeh, an Iraqi Kurd went further. He said that he had never seen anything like this in the Shia world. He called it the first Shia Convention in the world.

Shakir Rizvi, a young executive sent this email to the Program Coordinator after the First Convention:
"......I think the entire convention was an absolute success. Everyone who was involved in setting up this convention did an excellent job. I was very impressed with the level of professional and intellectual environment surrounding this event. Secondly, I think the pragmatic and realistic approach taken in the content of the lectures and presentations will serve as excellent tools for the attendees to take back to their communities. I feel this was the most beneficial aspect that we can
use to help strengthen our identity and maintain relationships among other shia communities.......I would like... to get involved in working with the UMAA organization in terms of planning and developing strategies in the forth coming months for next year's convention. "

Future is now. How our children and their children will lead their lives depends in large measure on the legacy we leave behind. That legacy largely depends on whether we are ready and willing to respond to the challenges of this fast changing world by developing and supporting institutions which can address the issues facing us in these critical times.

UMAA is one humble effort in that direction. The genesis of all good things in human history resulted simply from an idea and a few persons getting together in the pursuit of that idea. We do sincerely believe that the implementation of UMAA's well-defined and crystal clear mission and objectives will lead to fulfillment of many things most cherished by our community. This will enable us insha Allah to leave behind a legacy that will ensure adherence of coming generations to the values and teachings of the Qur’an, the Prophet (s) and his Ahlul Bayt.

Why UMAA?

UMAA is an idea which has been there for years. The year 2002 provided an opportunity for this idea to translate into action. It took shape and the organization was formed. It has crystal clear and well defined objectives. To summarize, UMAA is to work for the unity of Muslims, help fellow Americans better understand Islam, create political and civic awareness among the community members and address the socio-economic and political issues not being addressed by the centers and other organization. There is no desire to compete with or to duplicate any work that is already being done. UMAA is in a fledgling phase. The UMAA consultative body members initially loaned $1000 each to the general fund to be able to summon the First Annual Convention. This loan was later converted to donations by each contributor voluntarily. The following two conventions were also made possible by their donations, registrations and vendors' fees.

The constitution of organization was adopted and ratified in 2006, the Board of Trustees and the Executive Board (Board of Directors) were elected. The UMAA Executive Board meets periodically at different locations. All decisions are taken by voting, after due discussion and deliberation. Nobody is given a special status or position or ability to impose a decision. The works are assigned to committees, who are directed to work with three to five other members to accomplish a certain
task.

UMAA is a new kid on the block compared to more organized groups like ISNA, ICNA and CAIR. Every effort is made to maximize the participation of the representatives of the community nationwide. Delegates were sent to the major cities to make presentations. Meetings with community leaders were held to gather ideas and suggestions. The work of appointing regional coordinators in major cities across the country has started. Those who will like to volunteer time to promote UMAA objectives in their area are encouraged to contact the UMAA office. Let us pray to Allah swt that He guides us to walk strictly on His path. May this nascent organization be able to serve the solemn and noble purpose that inspired its genesis.

Please donate generously. Your tax-deductible donations are being accepted by UMAA, during the Convention. Checks may be dropped in the Collection Box or given to the UMAA Workers

SALAT TIMINGS:

Friday 4:00 - 10:00 pm, Saturday 8:00 am - 8:00 pm and Sunday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Main Lobby & Pavilion 21

All persons wishing to attend the convention must register. Visit the registration desk for any questions you may have during the convention.

MEALS

UMAA Matrimonial Service is created to meet the growing demand of the concerned parents as well as marriage-minded young men and women. This service is specially created for the Shia Muslim Youth of North America.

We understand the problems of our families living in the west in finding matches for their sons and daughters. Data is carefully matched and contact information is provided only with the consent of the registered members, after matching the requirements for a suitor. UMAA Matrimonial Service maintains complete confidentiality.

GREETING SESSION:
for marriageable youth and parents

HEALTH FAIR

KIDS PROGRAM Kids Prgram Volunteers Needed

Visit the booths in the Exhibit Area sharing a variety of products, services and information with the community.

THE ANNUAL UMAA BANQUET
Sunday, May 28, 2006 - 9:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Grand Ball Room

The Annual Banquet is organized for the participants of the Fourth UMAA Convention. The admission is by ticket only. The purpose of the banquet, besides fund-raising, is to build bridges with other communities and organizations, to coordinate and network with our larger Muslim Community as well as getting to know one another.

Among the participants will be representatives from the diplomatic circle and our friends from other communities. UMAA is functioning exclusively and only by the fees and donations given by the community. Please donate generously to help UMAA recover the cost of this convention and enable UMAA to undertake other projects aimed for community development.

Children under 18 not permitted.

Tickets for the Banquet are available at the Registration Desk.

DONATE FOR YOUR FUTURE!
UMAA is your organization! It is committed to the noble work of community development. Your material and moral support will help this growing organization become a vibrant forum for the Shias in the North America. Time is now! Please donate generously for UMAA to facilitate achievement of its solemn objectives. It's history in the making; be part of it!

THE STEERING COMMITTEE

SPEAKERS, MODERATORS & ASSOCIATES

PROGRAM AGENDA

Please donate generously. Your tax-deductible donations are being accepted by UMAA, during the Convention. Checks may be dropped in the Collection Box or given to the UMAA Workers

Please donate generously. Your tax-deductible donations are being accepted by UMAA, during the Convention. Checks may be dropped in the Collection Box or given to the UMAA Workers

Please donate generously. Your tax-deductible donations are being accepted by UMAA, during the Convention. Checks may be dropped in the Collection Box or given to the UMAA Workers

UMAA RELIEF UPDATE

The devastating South Asian Earth quake on October 8, 2005 caused unprecedented havoc in Pakistan and Azad Kashmir, killing and wounding many thousands and making more than 4 million homeless. UMAA Relief launched a fund raising campaign and was able to immediately collect $150,000, to help the victims of this great human tragedy. This enabled UMAA to participate in the world wide humanitarian effort. The President and Vice President of UMAA visited Pakistan and undertook a tour of the areas affected by the massive earth quake. They were shown the affected areas in Mansehra, Muzaffarabad, Bagh and other places by the representatives of the Hussaini Foundation, Uswa and Jabir bin Hayan Trust, who had been engaged in the relief effort since immediately after the earth quake. We at UMAA will like to participate in this continuing relief effort, to help rehabilitate our brethren in the affected areas, in cooperation and coordination with the Relief agencies in Pakistan. UMAA Board has under its consideration proposals submitted by Jabir Bin Hayan Trust and USWA, to help rebuild schools and colleges for the children of the affected families. Here is a summary of the relief effort, led by our sister organizations in Pakistan.

Hussaini Foundation (HF), an organization born in the wake of October 8, 2005 earthquake, lived up to its name and carried out relief operations. Its volunteers reached inaccessible areas to help the earthquake victims. It extended invaluable support to the affected people both physically and mentally. Physical support was in the form of medical aid, food, clothing, bedding and shelter while on the mental side, volunteers particularly our Ulama reached every where to console the people and share with them their moments of grief and sorrow. The relief goods were distributed through our three zonal camps, that is Mansehra, Muzaffarabad and Bagh. Hussaini Foundation is still continuing its operation in the affected s areas.

1. Where as relief operations were of critical importance yet not the ultimate solution. The Permanent settlement of the affected and restoration of their normal life is the ultimate objective. HF, in consultation with field representatives and other experts of the affected areas as well as professionals, has planned as follows.

2. Reconstruction of Residential Accommodation. The most important feature of the rehabilitation is to provide permanent shelter to the victims. Until and unless the victims have proper place to live, all other activities would be meaningless. This will be the foundation’s prime objective during rehabilitation phase. The proposed house is estimated to cost between 3 to 3.5 Lakh PKR (GBP 3000). We plan to construct 3000 to 3500 houses.

3. Financial Rehabilitation. The earthquake has affected the people in many ways. What ever means of living they had in the area have been destroyed. Be it business, agriculture or employment. Therefore they need our help to re-establish themselves. To preserve their dignity and honor, we need to help them re-establish some source of income. This would mean:

a. Loans Without interest. Those who were already doing some business will be encouraged to re-start some business or self employment project. The capital required for such project/business will be provided in the form of loan. The size of loan and other modalities shall be determined through consultation.

b. Training for various skills. Quite obviously every one can not go into the field of business. Therefore the educated and the young shall be given training to acquire some skill which will help them in getting some employment. This shall be done by collaborating with training institutions. Modalities shall be finalized soon. Subject to availability of resources, HF plans to establish a technical training college. This will go a long way in training our educated youth to earn
honourable living and become respectable members of society.

c. Scholarship for Education. There are students who were studying in various schools/Colleges and who have lost their earning family members. It will be a double tragedy for those families if such students could not continue their education. Such students shall be helped either through loan without interest or scholarships. Since USWA Career Planning Cell of Jabir Bin Hayan Trust is already working in this field, it has been mutually agreed that all such cases will
be referred to them. HF will render necessary assistance in this regard.

d. Financial Assistance to Special Families. There are families who have either lost the head/earning member or he has been so incapacitated that he can not work any more. Such families need to be supported financially either by creating some job / self employment for the female surviving members of the family or through monthly financial assistance.

e. The Care of the Orphans. A fairly large number of children have become orphans. It would be very unfortunate if orphans of our community land up in wrong hands. The HF has planed to establish its own orphan house at Mansehra. However, HF will also extend all possible help to the orphans to reach the right type of orphan house for their proper up bringing.

f. Education. USWA school system functioning under the umbrella of Jabir Bin Hayan Trust has long time experience in this field. They have already taken a start in the affected areas. Three schools have started functioning, whereas eleven more are at various stages of planning. HF will extend all possible help to USWA School System.

g. Health. The Government and other NGOs are working in this field. So far HF has limited its activities in this field only to the camps being run by HF at Islamabad and Mansehra and provision of medicines to tent village in Muzaffarabad being run jointly by HF and other NGOs. However subject to the availability of resources, it would be worth while to establish a few dispensaries in the areas where mumineen or sadaat are in majority. This will have a long lasting good will effect on the beneficiaries irrespective of their faith/religion besides a positive impression on government agencies.

h. Employment Bureau. A large number of people have been rendered homeless overnight. Some of them are still in a state of shock/trauma. HF plans to function as a link between such people and the potential employers, so that these financially displaced families get settled as early as possible.

4. Modalities For the Execution of Rehabilitation Plan.

a. HF is in the process of forming Community Rehabilitation Committees (CRCs) in each union council. These committees will have notables of the union council as its members. All CRCs shall undergo Community Management Skill Training (CMST) to ensure that they understand the policy of the foundation and have requisite expertise to execute the projects properly.

b. Initially, HF plans to have offices for CRCs in each union council. These CRCs will evaluate the requirements and make its recommendations. HF will have one Zonal Community Rehabilitation Committee (ZCRC) for each zone. These committees will have members from the entire zone. The Recommendations of CRC will be considered by the ZCRC and decisions taken.

c. ZCRC and Head office of the foundation in consultation with CRCs, the victims, the local experts and professionals, will formulate detailed modalities for each project and get it approved from the Rehabilitation Committee of the foundation.

d. The managing committee of the HF shall lay down the basic parameters for the rehabilitation work. The Rehabilitation Committee of the foundation shall over see the working of this entire operation and issue directions as and when required. Specially the prioritization of projects and resource allocations for each project.

UMAA wishes to thank everybody -- volunteers and donors -- who responded to its appeal immediately after the tragedy. Their generous donations will help the affected families to rebuild their homes. May Allah reward you and all your families in this world and the hereafter for your compassion. You can directly donate to the organizations in Pakistan, or make tax-deductible donations to UMAA RELIEF, to participate in the ongoing rehabilitation work.

UMAA is committed to participate in the continuing effort to help the affected families, particularly their children. Remember a donation of $40 monthly only will help feed 10 orphans. A $400 donation pays for Annual Tuition of a college going boy or girl. We are looking for donors and volunteers . To join us in this humanitarian effort ( as donor or volunteer ), please contact the Registration Desk or any UMAA Board Member.