Minnesotans Standing Together PSA Project

Vital Stats

Rachel Q

Saint Paul, MN

people helped1500
People Doing It 60

The Problem

Religion is at the heart of some of the greatest conflicts currently occurring in our world. Moreover, it seems that every day we see hateful speech in the media related to these events: The word "Islam" seems to always mean terrorism, and the word "Christian" is automatically associated with homophobia. Stereotypes such as these take root inside of us and create hostility between religious groups. On a daily basis, I notice my peers avoiding conversations about religion. They feel uncomfortable and confused when they see someone in a keepah or turban. They only spend time with people who are of a similar religious background to them, so they miss out on the new friendships and personal growth that can arise from interfaith dialogue. By combating prejudice and lack of education about religion on a local level, I hope that we can form leaders for the future who will boldly engage in interfaith dialogue to create a more peaceful world.

Plan of Action

With the interfaith service-learning model of the IYLC, a core team of youth used film to explore the concept of religious freedom in America in remembrance and in light of the way Americans came together after September 11 to grieve, support one another, and stand by our common ideals of freedom and democracy. Youth interviewers were paired with religious leaders, politicians, community representatives and young people of a variety of faiths, asking them how they work to promote religious freedom. The interviews were then edited into short Public Service Announcement-type videos and a new video will be presented online every few days to reach hundreds of young viewers as lead-up to the “Minnesotans Standing Together” 9/11 Ceremony at the State Capitol, a collaboration of religious, civic and military groups from across Minnesota. During the ceremony, a longer compilation film will be screened that includes clips from all the interviews, coming together to communicate the importance of religious freedom in America and how we can all work to promote it in our daily lives. After the 9/11 ceremony, the compilation video will be posted to encourage ongoing dialogue.