RISE: Powered by You

This past year has challenged us like never before.

Our communities face unprecedented threats: families being torn apart by ICE raids, political violence endangering our elected leaders and youth, and government shutdowns cutting off essential services that Muslim women and other Minnesotans depend on.

The nonprofit sector itself is under attack. Federal rollbacks on DEI work, proposed state restrictions, and threats to revoke tax-exempt status for organizations deemed "terrorist groups" have created a climate of fear designed to silence us.

In efforts to combat and rise above these challenges, RISE remains steadfast in our commitment to showing up as unapologetic Muslim women. This past year, we have worked tirelessly for change and built momentum around critical movements, ensuring that organizations like ours can not only survive but thrive during moments of social and political turbulence. Here are just a few of the highlights from the last year:

• Roots to RISE Conference: Our annual Muslim Women's Leadership Conference brought together hundreds of women to learn, connect, and lead.
• Iftar with Electeds: Our record breaking Iftar had over 100 community members and 20 elected officials gathered to build bridges and understanding.
• 2nd Annual Wellness Retreat: 100+ Muslim women found restoration, renewal, and sisterhood in nature.
• Values-Based Voter Guides: We empowered our community with accessible information about candidates’ stances on police accountability, deportation defense, rent stabilization, halting encampment sweeps, labor standards, and ending genocide through BDS.
• Black HERstory Series: We curated powerful stories from local African American Muslim women who have been on the forefront of change in Minnesota for generations.

We advocated, we created space for community care, we mourned losses and celebrated wins. However, the attacks aren't slowing down. They are escalating.

Our communities are counting on us. Muslim women are facing hate crimes, workplace discrimination, and targeted harassment at alarming rates, yet many don't know how to report incidents or where to turn for help. And at the same time, our rights are being systemically stripped away, our democracy eroded. 

That's why in 2026, RISE is pushing through the barriers and challenges to be bold in our work, adding new initiatives and breathing new life into ongoing programs:

• Combatting Islamophobia Training: We want our vulnerable communities to Know Their Rights and be active bystanders. We hope you’ll join us as we roll out anti-hate training, hate crime reporting education, and voter mobilization programs in 2025. 
• Annual Muslim Women’s Leadership Conference and Annual Wellness Retreat: These events serve as spaces for renewal, empowerment, and community care in an increasingly turbulent political climate. In order for us to sustain this work, we must continue to offer space where Muslim women can learn, equip themselves with skills and tools, and find power in Sisterhood. 
• Annual Muslim Women’s Day at the Capitol: Our community does not have the luxury of sitting out when decisions are being made about us, our bodies, and our safety. The Sisterhood will be back at the Capitol this year to advocate for better health outcomes, safety for all, and funding for our most vulnerable communities.

This is just the beginning of what we're building in 2026. With your support, we'll expand our reach, deepen our impact, and create even more pathways for Muslim women to lead.

The attacks on our communities and our nonprofit sector have made progress slow. However, the work continues with more determination than ever, and we need your support to amplify Muslim women's voices. We can't wait for grants or government funding that may never come or could be weaponized against us. We need grassroots support from people like YOU who believe that Muslim women deserve safety, dignity, and power.

We will not slow down. We will not back down. But we cannot do this without you.

Every contribution helps us reach more women, build new leaders, and continue our work toward collective liberation. With your support, we can make strides toward justice and equity for Muslim women across Minnesota and beyond. We call on our Sisterhood and our allies to join us in this movement to amplify the voice and power of Muslim women. 

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