CENTER FOR PLURALISM

https://centerforpluralism.com We define Pluralism as “Respecting the otherness of the other.”

The reason for conflicts between you and me, your culture and mine, your faith and mine, blacks and whites, Republicans and Democrats, your food and mine is because we don’t know each other. What we know about each other are myths created by our parents, teachers, pastors, friends and of course Television. Instead of finding the truth, we keep pounding them on our memories and it reflects in our responses and I pray that these myths do not become a part of our DNA. Truth brings clarity and freedom.

You are who you are, and I am who I am with our own thumbprints, eye prints, taste buds, religion buds, political leanings and of course, DNA. We should resist the temptations to deflate, discount or annihilate the other, that temptation is an expression of our inability to deal with the differences. We are better than that, we are capable of handling differences and our focus should be how to co-exist in peace and harmony. Animals are bestowed with horns, fangs, and paws to fight out their conflicts, humans are blessed with the ability to dialogue and not be at each other’s throats.

Recognizing the human need to be happy, which comes through conflictlessness, we are set out to build a cohesive America, where no American has to live in anxiety, discomfort or fear of the other.

Our programs are designed to bring Americans Together. The center is driven by the fact that the more often people see each other in social, cultural, civic, religious, political and other settings, the stronger the medicine would be against divisiveness, resulting in fewer misunderstandings and misperceptions between fellow Americans.

The Center is committed to reassuring each other, including the disconnected ones among the White Americans, that together as Americans, we are committed to safeguarding the American way of life. No American needs to worry about losing his or her way of life. As Americans, we uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in our Constitution.

We will continue to bring non-stop actions in practicing pluralism in religion, politics, society, and culture and be a catalyst for a safe and a secure America for each one of us.

The Center for Pluralism is committed to building a cohesive America where no American feels excluded. If we can learn to respect the otherness of other and accept the God-given uniqueness of each one of us then conflicts fade and solutions emerge. Our vision is to see each one of us live securely in the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness

We bring Americans Together in social, religious, cultural, political, civic and other settings. The more we know each other, the fewer the misperceptions would be. At CFP we have programs in place to achieve this mission.

SHAPING AMERICA’S FUTURE
We are committed to a cohesive America.

Ten years from now, you will not find a place of work, worship, playground, school, restaurant, theater and other places of public gatherings where you will not find people of different faiths, races, and ethnicities interacting, working, studying, intermingling, playing and marrying together. This is bound to create conflicts.

A vast majority of us have heard things about others from our friends, news, social media or our own knowledge of others and we instantly form opinions about others. As responsible individuals, we must strive to strip stereotyping and build pathways to ensure smooth functioning of our society, whether it is the workplace or our neighborhoods.

We need to reassure each other, particularly the disconnected ones, that together as Americans, we are committed to safeguarding the American way of life. No American needs to worry about losing his or her way of life. Together as Americans, we uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in our Constitution; an insurer of our way of life.

CFP will continue to bring non-stop actions in practicing pluralism in religion, politics, society, and culture and be a catalyst for a safe and a secure America for each one of us as we move through this transition.

As we learn to respect the otherness of others and accept the God-given uniqueness of each one of us, then conflicts fade and solutions emerge.

Our vision is to see each one of us live securely in the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness.

CENTER FOR PLURALISM
https://centerforpluralism.com
We define Pluralism as “Respecting the Otherness of Other.”

The Center for Pluralism is committed to building a cohesive America where every American feels included. As we learn to respect the otherness of other and accept the God-given uniqueness of each one of us then conflicts fade and solutions emerge. Our vision is to see each one of us live securely in our pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness.

Our vision is to see each one of us live securely in the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness.

We bring Americans Together in social, religious, cultural, political, business, civic and other settings. The more we know each other, the fewer the misperceptions would be. At CFP we have programs in place to achieve this mission.

CFP’S PROGRAMS

We are an applied research organization. Our work produces results through workshops in implementing the research, conduct seminars and organize symposiums on burning topics of the day that affect Americans. We are all about research, action, and leadership. Please visit various tabs at www.CenterforPluralism.com.

Once again, Pluralism is respecting the otherness of others, and we have our work cut out in the following area; Pluralism in Religion, Politics/Governance, Culture, Society, Business, and workplace.

I. Religious Pluralism

Religious Pluralism works with the principle that “Your way of life works for you as my way of life works for me.” You are who you are, and I am who I am, neither of us has to give up or compromise in our faith to accommodate the other. What we need to do is acknowledge the uniqueness of each other, and learn to live with each other with our uniqueness. Indeed, the unstated purpose of all religions is to build societies where each one of God’s creation is respected and honored whether he or she is invincible or vulnerable. We have four specific programs in this area and run several ad-hoc programs as the situation demands.

Understanding the Essence of Religions, all the beautiful religions – workshops
The wisdom of Spiritual Masters— A talk series
Festival of Faiths—celebrating all faiths, an annual event
EThe essence of celebrating Festivals or commemorations – publications and talks.

We have used the Radio (780 Hours on just understanding Religion, all religions), TV, Social Media and print to communicate the ideas.

II. Political Pluralism (Governance)

We are committed to developing solutions for pluralistic governance of diverse people. We provide the leaders with insights, and policy solutions to efficiently managing the multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural societies.

In democratic politics, pluralism is a guiding principle which permits the peaceful coexistence of different interests, convictions, and lifestyles.

We attend both the Republican and Democratic enclaves and hope to organize conversations to pin down the ‘real’ difference and separate the chaff from the wheat.

Adhoc Seminars with Republicans and Democrats
Issue-based Seminars

III. Media Pluralism

We have had success with Fox News in having them see another point of view, but that is only a fraction of a percent. We offer pluralistic solutions to the media on issues of the day. We have two decades of research and work with 3500 articles, 300 national TV appearances, 200 times on the national radio talk shows. We have a weekly newsletter “Pluralism News,” and with your help, we hope to make it a full-time online Newspaper to cover pluralism in politics, religion, society, culture, business, and workplaces.

IV. Cultural Pluralism

It is all about respecting the celebration of life in a variety of ways. Each community has figured out their unique approach to live their lives through food, drinks, clothes, dance, and music.

The arrogance that my culture is superior produces conflicts right off the bat, but when we focus on the “joy” people receive through their traditions, we see it as an equally valid culture. With that realization, conflicts fade, and solutions emerge.

Thanksgiving Celebrations & Awards Night—Since 1994
July 4th—Annual Event

V. Gender Pluralism

The Center will explore the source of misogyny, and continue to separate religion from the attitudes. Do men hide their insecurities by making women insecure? Is it them or their faith? The unintended consequence of such acts amounts to making a villain out of God.

Gender Pluralism—Seminars
LGBTQ – programs

VI. Social Pluralism

We the people of the United States of America of every faith, race, ethnicity, culture, and background come together to express our desire to co-exist in peace, and pray for the unity, safety and well being of our nation.

As Americans, we uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in our constitution. All our faiths reinforce the creed of “One Nation under God, with liberty and justice for all.” As Muslims we take this duty seriously, it is our nation and our home.

We have four Annual programs to achieve our goals efficiently.

Unity Day USA—Since 2001
Holocaust and Genocides – Since 2006
Memorial Day commemoration—Since 2015
Veteran’s day—Since 2015

VII. Pluralism in Workplace

Every organization is made up of people who are loyal and committed to the prosperity and profitability of an organization. While a majority a of the board members, associates and employees stick to the guidelines for a smooth sail, a few don’t and pull down the productivity of the entire group. It is not because they want to bring it down, but because of the inherent phobias instilled in them by parents, teachers, friends, clergy and the media.

Our workshops are designed to build cohesive workplaces where people acknowledge their differences but focus on the common goal of effective functioning of the organization. Areas covered: Racism, Anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, Homophobia, Misogyny and others diseases.

VIII. Standing up for others

Societies are built to protect the rights of individuals whether they are invincible or vulnerable. If you don’t stand up for others, why should anyone stand up for you? It is all about Human rights and religious freedom.

The Book, Standing up for others is in the works – and chronicles work done in standing up for the rights of Atheists to Zoroastrians, including LGBTQ communities.

Creating Safe Zones for refugees – hope to introduce a bill in the Congress.

Understanding the
ESSENCE OF RELIGIONS
Atheism to Zoroastrianism and every tradition in between

When we live as neighbors, fellow workers, students, players, activists and inhabitants of the same city, it behooves us to learn about each other’s beliefs, motivations, moments of celebrations, devotions or commemorations. The more we know about the other, the less mythical they would become creating a friendly environment for all of us to function efficiently in whatever we do. Knowledge leads to understanding and understanding to acceptance of the otherness of others leading us into tension free and sustainable prosperity.

Please donate generously to carry on the work we do.
America Together Foundation is Center for Pluralism
https://centerforpluralism.com/donate/

SHAPING AMERICA’S FUTURE

We are committed to a cohesive America.

Ten years from now, you will not find a place of work, worship, playground, school, restaurant, theater and other areas of public gatherings where you will not see people of different faiths, races, and ethnicities interacting, working, studying, intermingling, playing and marrying together. The future is bound to create conflicts.

A vast majority of us have heard things about others from our friends, news, social media or our knowledge of others and we instantly form opinions about others. As responsible individuals, we must strive to strip stereotyping and build pathways to ensure smooth functioning of our society, whether it is the workplace or our neighborhoods.

As we learn to respect the otherness of others and accept the God-given uniqueness of each one of us, then conflicts fade and solutions emerge.

Please visit our website and participate as a volunteer, sponsor or a donor. We are a Washington based non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization.

MIKE GHOUSE
Committed to building cohesive societies

Please refer to the attached booklet highlighting the work I have done towards building inclusive societies, you can also download it from: https://centerforpluralism.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/MikeGhouse-religious-freedom-revised.pdf

Dr. Mike Ghouse is blessed to have stood up for the rights of people of every faith from Atheists to Zoroastrians including Native Americans, Pagans, immigrants, Wicca and LGBTQ communities across the globe. He has a solid record of work for each one of these communities, and a book is in the works chronicling this work as an encouragement to people to enjoy the joys of “standing up for others.”

Mike is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. As we learn to respect the “otherness” of others and accept the God-given uniqueness of each one of us, Mike believes that conflicts will fade and solutions emerge. He has dedicated his life for this purpose and offers programs to bring about the positive change—to create cohesive societies.

Mike’s mission is open people’s hearts, minds, and souls towards each other. Knowledge leads to understanding, and understanding to the respect and acceptance of the uniqueness of others in building inclusive societies.

Please donate: https://centerforpluralism.com/donate/

MORE DETAILS

The Center for Pluralism

We are pleased to submit the summary of what we do, also included in the summary below is the Muslim Segment of the Center.

Our mission is to build a cohesive America where no American has to live in apprehension, tension or fear of fellow American. Our programs are designed to bring Americans Together.

The center is driven by the fact that the more often people see each other in social, cultural, civic, religious, political and other settings, the stronger the medicine would be against divisiveness, resulting in fewer misunderstandings and misperceptions between fellow Americans. We have programs to bring Americans together, Attached brochure gives the details – https://centerforpluralism.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/4.-CPF-Programs-4-Pages.pdf

WE ARE DOERS:

Please visit our website www.CenterforPluralism.com and browse through nearly 20 programs designed to bring Americans together. We are an organization of activism, and through our actions on the ground, research, publications, Seminars, workshops, TV and Radio appearances we bring results to the community and create a sense of security for every American.

We have defined Pluralism as ‘respecting the otherness of others.’

We are committed to forging a secure environment for all Americans, ultimately the safety of each one of us hinges on the safety of people around us.

PLURALISM AWARDS

The 20^th Annual Pluralism Awards, the awards are designed to encourage individuals who respect the otherness of the other, and stand up for the rights of other – Last year’s video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6H9V0h7Jr_M&t=399s

FESTIVAL OF FAITHS

The 2^nd Annual festival of faiths will be held on Sunday, December 18, 2017 where we celebrate all religions from Atheism to Zoroastrianism and everyone in between. If we want to develop a sense of oneness with the other with our given uniqueness, we have to witness each other’s celebrations. Last year’s event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vAwvoqz01I

HOLOCAUST AND GENOCIDES

The 13^th annual reflections on Holocaust and Genocides. The purpose of the event is education, we have to learn to acknowledge and reflect upon the terrible things we have inflicted upon each other. We have to commit to ourselves to resist the temptations to stereotyping others. We cannot demand peace unless we are peaceful ourselves. Our main anchor event will remain Holocaust and we will be highlighting the plight of Rohingya people and what we can do to prevent evil occurrences.

Invitations are in process to invite the decision makers at the Department of State, Department of Justice and the United Nations. Details at – www.HolocaustandGenocides.com

UNITY DAY USA

The 14^th annual Unity Day USA will be held on September 11, 2018.The idea for Unity Day USA was first conceived on Tuesday, September 11, 2001, and took its current form on Sunday, September 11, 2005. It is an initiative for Americans to come together to stand up for the safety, security, and cohesiveness of America.

On this Unity Day, we the people of the United States of America of every faith, race, ethnicity, culture, and background will gather to express our commitment to co-existence, unity, prosperity and well being of our nation.

Pictures and stories at www.UnityDayUSA.com

THANKSGIVING CELEBRATIONS

The 20th Annual event will be held in November 2018. The purpose of celebrating this event is to thank the creator for helping us learn; to give thanks for the blessed life we all enjoy in these United States of America; to celebrate the diversity of creation; to enjoy the cultural heritage of each ethnic group that makes America; to appreciate and recognize outstanding volunteers in each community; to gather together as Immigrant Americans with born Americans; to bring the new immigrants into our fold and to accept, respect and appreciate each other’s uniqueness. www.ThanksgivingCelebrations.org

UNDERSTANDING RELIGIONS

When we live as neighbors, fellow workers, students, players, activists and inhabitants of the same city, it behooves us to learn about each other’s beliefs, motivations, moments of celebrations, devotions or commemorations. The more we know about the other, the less mythical they would become creating a friendly environment for all of us to function effectively in whatever we do. Knowledge leads to understanding and understanding to acceptance of the otherness of others leading us into tension free and sustainable prosperity. We will resume workshops on “Understanding Religions, all the beautiful religions” – in 2018. https://centerforpluralism.com/workshops/

MY DREAM

All good things in society happen with some one’s dream and execution of the same. Here is my dream which is becoming a reality, that one day we will wake up to an America, where no American lives in apprehension, discomfort or fear of the other. It would be a prophetic realization of the vision of our founding fathers, “That all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” And that dream was refreshed by Martin Luther King, Jr. Please join us in achieving that dream for each one of us.

A COMPREHENSIVE PROFILE OF THE FOUNDER:

Mike Ghouse building cohesive societies: https://centerforpluralism.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/3.-MikeGhouse-Building-Cohesive-Societies-68-Pages.pdf

Please visit the homepage www.CenterforPluralism.com for more details or browse through different tabs on our website.

Your donation is appreciated – Americans Together is same as Center for Pluralism
https://centerforpluralism.com/donate/