What do you actually do at an Islamic Awareness Week? Depending on your university capacity and resources available, a variety of options are available. This committee is responsible for constructing a program appropriate for different audiences and interests. They can take the form of a range of tables introducing different themes in Islam, forums for dialogue, dinner and a lecture, movie showings, or a game night. The program committee will be responsible for making the decisions of program type, timings, and speaker selection. This committee will need to be in contact with all other committees to make all necessary arrangements, therefore planning ahead and clear communication is critical in constructing a successful program.

Speakers

What would an academic institution be without lectures? A hallmark of IAW is the address of a knowledgeable speaker who not only represents intelligence and expertise in the realm of Islamic knowledge, but also demonstrates eloquence that proves to be captivating and entertaining. Therefore, inviting the best speakers for your IAW is exceedingly important. When selecting a speaker, consider the following:

1. Decide how many speakers are needed. Do you want a speaker every night or only for a dinner? If you have multiple speakers, what will each one discuss? Who will be a good moderator? Will your advisor or a MSA officer welcome the attendees?
2. Make a list of speakers to invite that are not only knowledgeable but also captivating. Consider both well-known Muslim speakers and speakers from your local community.
3. Contact the speakers by phone or writing to inquire about their availability and interest in participation. Keep in mind that some speakers may request an honorarium. In addition, speakers who are invited from out of your area require transportation and accommodation.
4. Confirm all speakers. Make sure that you have come to an agreement with the speaker about his/her participation and his/her accommodations. At this time, you can ask the speaker if s/he have any special requests for special equipment for the speech (i.e. a projector).
5. Brief the speaker on the topic that s/he will be discussing and the time limit that s/he has. It is important to mention to the speaker who s/he will be speaking to so that s/he can be prepared to address the audience in the most appropriate manner.
6. Gather background information about your speaker to create a biography to introduce the speaker before s/he begins his/her discussion or talk.
7. Factor in transportation and accommodation costs, if applicable, and assign one member of your MSA to assume responsibility for all necessary arrangements. In addition, it is important to have one person assigned to a speaker for possible needs such as pick-up, drop-off, etc.

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