{"alias":"blogEntry","byline":"Created in partnership with the Muslim Scout Fellowship and the Islamophobia Awareness Month campaign","standfirst":"","content":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003ENovember is Islamophobia Awareness Month. Islamophobia Awareness Month (IAM) is a campaign founded in 2012 by a group of Muslim organisations.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe caught up with the Muslim Scout Fellowship and Islamophobia Awareness Month campaign to find out more about what Islamophobia is, as well as how we can help young people to learn more about Islam through Scouts.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIAM aims to raise awareness of Islamophobia, challenge incorrect stereotypes, and break down barriers between Muslim and non-Muslim communities. It showcases the positive contributions of Muslims in the UK.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn Scouts, one of our Scout Active Support Units is the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.ukmsf.org/about-us/\u0022\u003EMuslim Scout Fellowship (MSF)\u003C/a\u003E. It\u2019s support unit for all Muslims who are part of Scouts. The MSF have promoted and supported Scouts in the wider Muslim community, creating 76 new predominantly Muslim groups. They\u2019ve helped bring 4,808 new young people and adult members into UK Scouts. They\u2019re the largest Muslim youth organisation, providing access to non-formal education for young people.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/18336/cubs-chatting-at-table.jpg","width":7000,"height":4667,"altText":"Four Cubs smiling and looking at each other while sat around a table outside.","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat Islamophobia is\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EIAM define Islamophobia as a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness. They explain it as the exaggerated, irrational fear, hatred and hostility towards Islam and Muslims perpetuated by negative stereotypes resulting in bias, discrimination of Muslims from civic, social and political life.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat an Islamophobic attack looks like\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIslamophobia can happen in variety of ways. IAM says that there\u2019s the Islamophobia that people see, such as physical or verbal attacks. Some examples of this might be violence, verbal or physical threats, vandalism or purposeful damage to personal property, jokes and stereotypes, and harassment.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHowever, there\u2019s also Islamophobia that people don\u2019t see, such as discrimination, stereotypes, exclusion and marginalisation.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESome examples of this might be people crossing the road to avoid someone, treating Muslims differently to other people, or leaving people out. It can also be intimidation, inappropriate questions, online abuse and cyber bullying, and exclusion from events, such as not providing halal food, holding events during Muslim religious periods like Ramadan or Eid, or showing lack of willingness to include Muslim people in groups or events for any reason.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPeople can be targeted by Islamophobia even if they\u2019re not Muslim. For example, Sikh people may experience Islamophobia because people may confuse the Sikh turban with Muslim headwear.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/18416/volunteers-with-ball.jpg","width":7000,"height":4667,"altText":"Three volunteers stand in a line, while the volunteer in the centre holds a football above their head.","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhy Islamophobia happens\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u00A0\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIslamophobia can stem from a lack of understanding, a fear of difference, scapegoating, and from picking up myths from the media, friends and family.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe theme for Islamophobia Awareness Month 2022 is #tacklingdenial. The Islamophobia Awareness Month charity say that denial of Islamophobia can be seen in many forms in both political and social spaces and that tackling denial is important, because if you allow people to deny the very existence of Islamophobia, you can struggle to have a sensible conversation about it and therefore tackle this problem. Denial shuts down this conversation.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":false,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Col\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECreate a safe space for discussion:\u003C/strong\u003E Make sure your Scout group\u2019s a safe space for people to discuss thoughts, ideas and opinions. This helps to break down barriers and allows people to learn.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EScouts is committed to inclusion: \u003C/strong\u003EScouts is an inclusive, values-based movement. Membership is open to all those who share our fundamental values. We\u2019re committed to inclusion, and we welcome young people, volunteers, parents and carers of all faiths and from all backgrounds. This should be replicated in all sections, groups and Scout events.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETell everyone what Islamophobia is\u003C/strong\u003E: Teach people what biases Muslims can face, so they can help to prevent and report it. You can visit the \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022http://www.islamophobia-awareness.org/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Islamophobia Awareness Month homepage\u0022\u003EIslamophobia Awareness Month\u003C/a\u003E website and complete the form to become a supporter of the campaign.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEncourage your young people to learn more about Islam:\u003C/strong\u003E It\u2019s important that Islamophobia, discrimination and anti-bullying is talked about with young people. Build it into your Scouts programme by having meetings to celebrate events throughout the year and learn about the faith through activities and badges.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EReach out to the predominantly Muslim Scout groups in your area\u003C/strong\u003E: You could become pen pals, have joint meetings and provide safe spaces for young people to learn. You could invite a speaker\u0026nbsp;to come to your meeting to help educate everyone, answer questions and break down barriers that may exist.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EObserve and get to know your young people: \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cspan\u003ETune in to your observational and listening skills, so that you can pick up on any subtle signs of bullying or \u003C/span\u003E Getting to know your young people well will help you to look out for any early changes in behaviour that may lead to displays of Islamophobia.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETeach young people that skin colour and race is different to religion: \u003C/strong\u003EAsian people who aren\u2019t Muslim have experienced Islamophobia, as people have assumed they\u2019re Muslim because of the colour of their skin. Muslim people are very diverse in what race they might be, as well as their physical appearance, such as skin colour, what they might wear and so on.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEducate yourself\u003C/strong\u003E: Do your own research and learning before teaching others and running sessions. This\u2019ll help to improve your own and other\u2019s understanding of Islam and different faiths, so you can be in a better position to lead sessions. It may include reading books, going on a training course, getting in touch with the Muslim Scout Fellowship or learning the correct pronunciations and terminology. You could also take part in Islamophobia Awareness Training session or hire the Islamophobia Exhibition by emailing Islamophobia Awareness Month at \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:info@islamophobia-awareness.org\u0022\u003Einfo@islamophobia-awareness.org\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETeaching respect when talking about Islam: \u003C/strong\u003EYoung people should be free to ask questions, discover and learn about faiths in Scouts. However, it should be done respectfully. You should help to teach volunteers and young people to not ask invasive or inappropriate questions. For example, commenting on weight loss during fasting isn\u2019t appropriate, but asking in a respectful way why people fast, or wear Muslim clothing, such as head scarves, can be a great opportunity for learning and open conversations.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMake Muslim young people or volunteers comfortable:\u003C/strong\u003E Avoid singling out people and putting them on the spot to talk about personal beliefs, cultural practices or experiences. This may make them uncomfortable, and they should only share what they know if they feel comfortable doing so. Just because someone is part of a community, it doesn\u2019t mean they speak for, or represent, everyone else in that community.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDiscuss Islamophobia at wider areas meetings: \u003C/strong\u003EMake sure tackling Islamophobia and having robust and efficient process anti-bullying reporting policies and procedures is on agendas for section, group and wider area meetings. Everyone should know what to do. Volunteer meetings are great to discuss any worries that adults might have, too.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHave a Code of Conduct, Anti-Bullying policy and zero-tolerance approach:\u003C/strong\u003E Make sure all members, including new ones, are aware of your zero-tolerance stance on bullying, including Islamophobia. As a section or group, you should create a Code of Conduct, Anti-Bullying Code and Discipline policy or procedure. You could involve young people when making these, too.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELet everyone know how to make a report:\u003C/strong\u003E Everyone should know how to make a report of bullying and what will happen next. Your methods for reporting bullying and Discipline policy or procedure you\u2019ll take could be included in any email signatures, welcome packs for volunteers and young people, on your social media pages or on a poster at the meeting place. You may also want to include your whistleblowing procedure or the contact for a Group Scout Leader, in case the bullying involves an adult volunteer.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAct quickly when Islamophobia is reported\u003C/strong\u003E: If you\u2019re concerned about any bullying in your section, you need to act quickly and sensitively, which may include telling the parents and carers involved, speaking to the affected young people involved, offering them support and a chance to share their feelings and needs. Follow your discipline policy or procedure as you would other such incidents. You must intervene, monitor and record any bullying situations, and you\u2019ll need to inform your Group Scout Leader.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EKeep talking all year round: \u003C/strong\u003EMake sure that learning about Islam, along with other faiths and cultures, is on your programme all year round. Learning about Islam isn\u2019t limited to Islamophobia Awareness Month or specific events, such as Eid. It\u2019s the continuous learning and breaking down of barriers that helps to increase education and reduce hate crimes or bullying. Celebrating people of Muslim faith is just as important in breaking down the barriers and stigma many Muslims face.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E","label":"Top 15 tips for discussing Islamophobia with advice from MSF and IAM"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003ETry \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/interacting-with-different-communities/\u0022\u003EInteracting with different communities\u003C/a\u003E \u003Cspan\u003Eby visiting different places of worship, or l\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003Eearn about religious festivals in our game\u003C/span\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/party-planning-pandemonium/\u0022\u003EParty planning pandemonium\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou could explore how a member of a world religion puts their faith into action in \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/faith-feathers/\u0022\u003EFaith feathers\u003C/a\u003E, or discover the art and traditions of henna\u00A0in \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/henna-hands/\u0022\u003EHenna hands\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPeople worship in different ways and in different places. You could learn about how and why with \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/sacred-sites/\u0022\u003ESacred sites\u003C/a\u003E, or play a guessing game with a faith-focused twist in \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/where-am-i/\u0022\u003EWhere am I\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ELearn about Ramadan and celebrate Iftar\u00A0in \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/iftar-under-the-stars/\u0022\u003EIftar under the stars\u003C/a\u003E, or choose to celebrate Eid al-Fitr by learning about Islam and making an \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/eid-lantern/\u0022\u003EEid lantern\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EUse your fingers to create reflections (or prayers), then \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/link-up/\u0022\u003ELink up\u003C/a\u003E to make a paper chain, or go on your own \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/place-of-worship-pilgrimage/\u0022\u003EPlace of worship pilgrimage\u003C/a\u003E to visit a local place of worship or sacred site.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFinally, find out what influences what people do with their money? Explore how someone\u2019s religion might play a part in \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/learn-about-zakat/\u0022 title=\u0022Learn about Zakat\u0022\u003EZakat\u003C/a\u003E, then bake some tasty treats with\u00A0\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/brilliant-baklava/\u0022\u003EBrilliant baklava\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Activities to learn about Islam"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003ELearn about affinity bias in \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/the-tag-game\u0022\u003EThe tag game\u003C/a\u003E, or try working together in \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/equity-spaghetti\u0022\u003EEquity spaghetti\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E and \u003C/span\u003Eexplore how it feels to be on the receiving end of differential treatment.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Activities to learn about discrimination"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Col\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECheck calendars when planning events and activities:\u003C/strong\u003E Be mindful when planning camps and sleepovers to try to avoid Ramadan\u0026nbsp;or other faith events.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETalk about and share your zero-tolerance anti bullying stance:\u003C/strong\u003E Display posters and share information with volunteers and parents and carers to help educate, offer advice and share your zero-tolerance stance against Islamophobia. You should include a zero-tolerance policy on faith-based hate crimes and bullying in your group\u2019s code of conduct or rules. You could share this on posters at your meeting place and with your parents/carers, too.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBe mindful of activities during fasting:\u003C/strong\u003E Be conscious and flexible for people volunteering during Ramadan. When planning your programme, be aware of how active activities may be for people who\u2019re fasting \u2013 is there another task they could have the option of doing? Or is there a relaxed activity, such as a craft, also on offer for people to do?\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHave prayer spaces set up:\u003C/strong\u003E Have prayer rooms or private spaces available at your event, camp, sleepover or meeting space.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECreate inclusive social events for volunteers:\u003C/strong\u003E Be inclusive of when and where volunteer social events are held, especially around alcohol, so everyone feels comfortable attending.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECater for all diets on camps, at meetings or at sleepovers:\u003C/strong\u003E Make sure halal food, or food for any dietary requirements or allergies, is clearly marked and catered for. Check caterers know how to handle it confidently, too.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHave Muslim role models and support local Muslim community heroes:\u003C/strong\u003E Where relevant, see how Muslim role models can be included in any activities you do. You should also make sure to include a diverse range of role models for all activities, including age, gender, ethnicity and disability.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBe conscious of the news and the impact it can have:\u003C/strong\u003E Be sensitive to the impact that \u2018trigger events,\u2019 such as terror attacks, may have on volunteers, parents and carers, and young people, as this can create an increase in Islamophobic attacks.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHelp report incidents, but let people have a choice:\u003C/strong\u003E Make sure victims of Islamophobia or anti-Muslim hatred have a choice over whether and how they pursue incidents \u2013 whether this is informally, or through official Scouts and police reporting or complaints channels.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERepresentation in books and games:\u003C/strong\u003E If you have a book or game selection, make sure these are inclusive as possible in stories, characters and author representations. If you run a one-off or more sporadic storytelling session or event, check these are inclusive, too.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMaking Scout events for everyone:\u003C/strong\u003E If you have an event or hold a local fair, make sure there are options for halal foods, as well as food for any dietary requirements or allergies. You should invite Muslim store-holders, so there are products inclusive for everyone. You can make sure to include a diverse range of products and stallholders, including age, gender, ethnicity and disability.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHelp to educate through the Scouts programme:\u003C/strong\u003E Include our faith-based activities and badges in your programme to help everyone learn about different communities.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHave learning opportunities in free time:\u003C/strong\u003E Help people learn during free or extra time in sessions or on camp. You could offer worksheets, crafts, books or games that help teach young people about Islam or different faiths.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERepresent all skin tones: \u003C/strong\u003ECreate an inclusive first aid box and have plasters for all skin tone, and make sure any paper, colouring pencils or felt tips are representative of all skin tones, too. However, remember, Muslim people can have any skin colour. Asian people who aren\u2019t Muslim have experienced Islamophobia as people have assumed that they\u2019re Muslim because of the colour of their skin.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EReach out: \u003C/strong\u003EKeep reaching out to everyone in your community. It may be to ask for a speaker, getting in touch with a \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.ukmsf.org/join-scouting/find-your-nearest-group/\u0022\u003Epredominantly Muslim Scout group\u003C/a\u003E, or finding new young people and volunteers to join.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E","label":"15 ways to become a more inclusive group with advice from MSF and IAM"}]},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/18315/two-beavers-in-bush.jpg","width":7000,"height":4667,"altText":"Two Beavers wearing blue jumpers smile while crawling through a bush.","caption":"","link":null}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":null,"pageType":null,"location":null,"versionDate":"22 November 2022","reviewDate":null,"furtherReading":[{"caption":"","title":"Read Ayesha\u0027s blog on how we can all ensure there\u2019s no place for Islamophobia in Scouts","url":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/news/2022/november/we-spoke-to-our-uk-youth-commissioner-ayesha-karim-about-islamophobia-awareness-month/","newWindow":true},{"caption":"","title":"Read Humaariah\u2019s story","url":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/news/2021/november/how-you-can-and-why-you-should-fight-islamophobia/","newWindow":true},{"caption":"","title":"Scouts\u2019 inclusivity and diversity","url":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/inclusion-and-diversity/","newWindow":true},{"caption":"","title":"Faiths and Beliefs in Scouts","url":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/inclusion-and-diversity/including-everyone/faiths-and-beliefs/","newWindow":true},{"caption":"","title":"Running faith events in Scouts","url":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/inclusion-and-diversity/including-everyone/faiths-and-beliefs/faith-events","newWindow":true}],"relatedLinks":[{"caption":"","title":"Muslim Scout Fellowship","url":"https://www.ukmsf.org","newWindow":true},{"caption":"","title":"Aziz Foundation","url":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/supporters/aziz-foundation/","newWindow":true},{"caption":"","title":"Islamophobia Awareness Campaign","url":"https://www.islamophobia-awareness.org","newWindow":true},{"caption":"","title":"Activities on learning about Islam","url":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities?orderBy=likes%20desc\u0026name=islam","newWindow":true}],"id":50423,"nodeName":"Islamophobia Awareness Month: What is and how to talk about Islamophobia","title":"Islamophobia Awareness Month: What is and how to talk about Islamophobia","type":"blogEntry","image":{"url":"/media/18280/beaver-with-football.jpg?cc=0,0.11784966833675124,0,0.038460595215852315\u0026width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1dae19ed62a4df0","caption":"Beaver with football smiling","type":"jpg","size":1271832,"width":7000,"height":4667,"altText":"A Beaver in a blue uniform smiles while kneeling down and holding onto a football."},"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Islamophobia Awareness Month: What is and how to talk about Islamophobia","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"subHeader":"Find out more about what Islamophobia is and how we can help young people to learn more about Islam through Scouts.","browserTitle":null,"silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC81MDQyMyJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/news/2022/november/islamophobia-awareness-month-what-is-and-how-to-talk-about-islamophobia/"}