ChangeTheStory.net Makes Big Strides in First Year

What started out as an idea to dispel misconceptions affecting the Muslim world has evolved into a highly interactive, online resource that challenges the negative narratives we carry of each other, Muslim and non-Muslim alike. The ChangeTheStory (CTS) team has spent this year producing curricula, facilitating workshops and participating in panel discussions aimed at promoting pluralism in the United States and countering negative stereotypes about Muslims that persist in our society.

On Sept. 24^th 2008, the Consensus Building Institute and Search for Common Ground released a ground-breaking report, Changing Courses: A New Direction for U.S. Relations with the Muslim World. The report was produced in collaboration with 30 internationally known policy experts, including former Secretary of State Madeline Albright.

In conjunction with the report's release, Intersections launched ChangeTheStory.net, a concrete expression of one of the report's recommendations, encouraging people to build bridges of mutual respect and understanding.

"We wanted to bring to life some of these core values to help bring down stereotypes affecting the Muslim world," says Sara Reef, the CTS project manager. Today, it is evident that CTS is moving closer to accomplishing this goal.

To date, more than 21,000 unique visitors have browsed the website, making use of its educational resources, advocacy tools, and grassroots connections. ChangeTheStory.net has been featured in the Washington Post, Arab American News, and Islam Today, and has appeared on Dandana TV.

Change the Story will be featured as a thematic centerpiece in materials created by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The materials will equip primary and secondary school teachers to combat intolerance against Muslims, and Change the Story will be highlighted as a "best practice." These resources will be used throughout the 56-nation region of the OSCE that includes North America, Europe and Central Asia. Intersections Director the Rev. Robert Chase was asked to serve on the editorial board of experts that will help produce these materials.

This fall, CTS launched a new lecture series featuring leaders who have "changed the story" in their communities and in the wider world. The series includes discussions on turning dialogue into action, the U.S. engagement of Iran, and changing perspectives around the Iraqi refugee crisis.

"It's great that we've been able to accomplish so much and establish a strong presence in the world, and we're hoping to approach the coming year just as strong," Reef says.