We RISE Stronger Together

This year, RISE has had the honor of witnessing the incredible strength of our community as we've united locally and globally to support causes that align with or values. During times of urgent need, we’ve partnered with allies to raise funds, increase awareness, and inspire hope. At home, we've empowered voters by ensuring our communities have the resources they need to make informed decisions on issues that affect us all. As we look to the coming year, we remain committed to fostering this spirit of unity and resilience in everything we do. Key highlights include:

Muslim Women’s Day at the Capitol: For our annual Muslim Women’s Day at the Capitol we gathered to advocate for critical community-focused legislation. We prioritized three key bills: to protect immigrant communities, expand financial aid access, and ensure environmental justice in state projects. Together, we pushed for a more equitable Minnesota, grounded in our commitment to justice and positive change.

Candidate Cards: This election season, we empowered our community with accessible, values-based voter guides on key issues like Reproductive Rights, Police Funding, Climate Change, and the Israel Arms Embargo. Our candidate cards broke down where each candidate stood, making it easier for everyone to vote with informed confidence. Even after the ballots are in, we’ll continue our mission to equip and educate, helping our sisters make impactful choices in every election.

Black HERstory Month: This February, we celebrated Black HERstory month with a series in our Expressions blog that amplifies and preserves the often-overlooked narratives of Black Muslim women in Minnesota, honoring their transformative impact on our communities. This year, we curated four new stories from local women, spotlighting their unique contributions to fields like entrepreneurship, arts, education, and grassroots activism. 

Expressions Palestinian Series: This year, our Expressions blog dedicated space to the voices of our Palestinian sisters, each sharing vivid, often painful memories of displacement, loss, and resilience. In a year marked by ongoing atrocities in Palestine, we featured powerful pieces like Hanin Moussa’s poem, Olive to Cedar Trees. Her poem conveys the complexities of being a "Palestinian refugee"—a profound identity embodying a legacy of resilience that defies reduction to a few words. Through these reflections, we honor those lost and renew our commitment to amplifying the call for justice, self-determination, and liberation.

Students for a Just Palestine (SJP of UMN) Fundraiser: RISE partnered with SJP of UMN for a Tatreez & Tea fundraising event, featuring contributions from local artists and businesses. Together, we raised $2,594 from the event alone. With SJP and RISE each contributing $1,000, our grand total donated to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund was $4,594!

Wellness Retreat: Our inaugural Wellness Retreat was a transformative day of grounding, healing, and connection for our sisters. Led by inspiring partners and community healers, the day was filled with hikes, journaling, and yoga, all supported by a nutritious meal. This retreat created a space to combat burnout and renew our collective strength—a powerful reminder that rest, as a form of resistance, is essential for sustaining our fight against gendered Islamophobia, racism, and discrimination.

The past year has reminded us of the urgent need for solidarity, empowerment, and justice. As we look to the coming year, we remain steadfast in our commitment to these values. We worked tirelessly for change and built momentum around critical movements, advocating for Palestine and empowering voters on issues that impact our communities. However, the work continues, and we need everyone’s support to amplify Muslim women's voices. Together, we can make strides toward a more just world where Muslim women are connected, reflected, celebrated and emboldened.

Your support is vital as we strive to create a world where Muslim women can thrive. 

Contributions to RISE will fund general support for our core mission, allowing us to create more impactful programming.  

Civic engagement efforts that equip our community with the knowledge and tools to participate fully in the democratic process.  

Storytelling projects that reclaim and amplify the narratives of Muslim women, ensuring their experiences are heard and valued.

Leadership development programs that empower women to take on roles in their communities and advocate for social justice as well as economic empowerment initiatives that help Muslim women break through barriers to success and stability.

With your generosity, we can continue to cultivate a future where every Muslim woman is connected, celebrated, and emboldened to lead. Thank you for standing with us and investing in the strength of our Sisterhood.