The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC), a coalition of over 60 mosques and Islamic institutions across Chicagoland, joined DuPage United, a community organization of churches, mosques, synagogues, and civic institutions, for a night of solidarity and action on Thursday, November 17 at the Islamic Center of Naperville.
The fall assembly, titled “Solidarity in Action – Treatment Not Incarceration,” addressed the desperate need for crisis intervention and diversion services for people with mental illness so that we can reduce emergency room visits, homelessness and incarceration that affect many people in our communities. DuPage United will address these issues by working with law enforcement and fundraising for the construction of crisis diversion centers to serve as cost efficient and life saving alternatives to incarceration.
As part of the public assembly, the groups also asked for commitments to action from key County officials and for members of the diverse population of DuPage to pledge solidarity with one another and affirm a zero tolerance policy for hatred and xenophobia.
Earlier this year, DuPage United’s “We the People – Solidarity with Muslims” campaign began with an unforgettable launch event that brought together over 850 friends and neighbors for a one-to-one conversation with their fellow American Muslims. Coming together to reject Islamophobia and bigotry, diverse communities discussed ways to build better relationships by finding common issues to address together while holding open mosque days, community listening sessions, and developing relationships with local refugees. Since then, thousands of people of all faiths have created opportunities and participated in events to continue these conversations.