Dear ICI Shura Body,

Subject: Urgent Need for Youth Director and Appropriate Programming with Regard to Youth Concerns

We hope this letter finds you in good health. As active members of the Islamic Center of Irving, we are writing to express our deep concern about the current state of youth engagement within our community.

Over the years, we have observed a significant gap in structured support and guidance for our youth. This has led to a growing disconnect between the younger generation and the mosque, resulting in feelings of isolation and disengagement. Many of our peers have expressed their struggles with confusion and doubt, which have adversely affected their faith.

Furthermore, ICI has faced its share of challenges in the past. These incidents have only exacerbated the sense of instability and uncertainty among the youth. They have struggled to find a safe and welcoming space within the mosque premises.

Despite the presence of valuable resources such as the Islamic School of Irving (ISI), a multipurpose hall/gym, and Tanzeel Hifz Program, there exists a noticeable divide between these assets and the broader mosque community. While these initiatives hold immense potential, their full impact is not realized due to the lack of a continued, unified approach.

For instance, while the ISI has nurtured countless young minds, there remains a disconnect between the school and the broader mosque community. Similarly, the hifz program has produced commendable huffaz, yet many graduates find themselves without the necessary guidance to channel their potential towards further contributions.

In addition, our multipurpose hall/gym, designed for sports and community events, currently sees limited utilization. It is a resource with immense potential to engage our youth, but without a comprehensive approach, its impact remains untapped.

Initiatives such as the youth-led IMBA Basketball league have demonstrated the incredible potential of our young community members when provided with the right support and resources. However, it is clear that a more concerted effort is needed to bridge the divide between the different parts of the mosque and create a nurturing environment for our youth.

To address these pressing issues, we propose the establishment of a dedicated Youth Director position. This individual would be tasked with developing and implementing programs specifically tailored to address the needs and concerns of the youth, encompassing a wide range of activities and resources.

We firmly believe that investing in a Youth Director and associated programming will serve as a beacon of hope for our youth, providing them with the guidance and support they urgently require and a means to connect back to Allah.

We kindly request that the Islamic Center of Irving seriously consider and support this proposal. Your attention to this critical matter is greatly appreciated. We look forward to the positive impact that a dedicated Youth Director can bring to our beloved community.

Sincerely,

ICI Youth