Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Email | RSS | More

UPDATE: CWSC has launched Eyes on Our Communities…At a time when many are cut off physically and possibly experiencing uncertainty of how to even get help in the face of a fast changing public health crisis expands, a voice on the other end of the phone asking, how are you doing and what do you need can be an extra set of eyes preventing the most vulnerable from slipping through the cracks. Click here for more information.

[Note: Only remote non-onsite assistance is currently available to registered MCNRD institutions via the VHRN (Volunteer Human Resource Network) until further notice.]

Protecting your family and community

“Al-Nu’man ibn Bashir reported: The Messenger of Allah (S), said, “The parable of the believers in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other is that of a body. When any limb aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever.” Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 5665, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2586

As-Salaam-Alaikum (peace be with you).

Community Wide Shuraa Conference (CWSC) urges you and your family to continue to stay tuned to the latest updates being provided by local, regional and national elected and public health officials, and our institutional leaders of the organizations we regularly visit.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention can be a valuable source of information to assist your family, institution, and community with information on how to stay safe during this pandemic.

Visit too Coronavirus.gov  for comprehensive steps taken by the federal government to address COVID-19.

See your specific State and Local Public Health Authorities for information.

For a global view, visit World Health Organization to be aware of what’s happening with others globally and to serve as a reminder to include specific communities hardest hit and all communities globally in our prayers.

This is a time to think before we act, to be deliberate and vigilant in terms of hand washing hygiene, spatial distancing, and prioritizing our contacts based on criticality of services we may need.

CWSC is built upon a 21st century hi-tech, decentralized operational platform and paradigm that allows us to conduct our affairs on a daily basis and get work done without being in the same place or even at the same time and consequently, we’re equipped Insha Allah (by the Creator’s Will) to operate safely and continue providing you the services you expect from us everyday including broadcasting Share-Your-Jumah and all regular programming from American Muslim 360 or AM360.org.

There’s not a more important time to understand we’re one community locally, nationally, and globally, tied together in so many ways with a common destiny…

We’re very grateful for institutional leaders across the nation conducting effective shuraa and making the determination as to what is in the best interest of their communities based on their circumstances.

Please stay tuned to AM360.org as a backup to local communication networks at your institutions as we receive information on closures that may affect jumahs and other scheduled public events in various areas. We encourage institutional leaders to alert us here of their closures, postponements, and cancellations as a result of staging a defense against the spread of the Coronavirus. You may email info@cwsc.us or call us at (910) 317-0297 with your institutional updates so we can help you get the word out expeditiously as the public health environment reacts to changing circumstances.

We’re thankful to our staff and volunteers who continue to manage their local circumstances, while keeping our intelligentsia operations running smoothly. 

It is our prayer that out of this pandemic, many lasting positive developments will occur including a renewed commitment wherein all of our leaders at every level globally will have a greater demonstrated appreciation for all who do not have access to health care, or clean running water, sufficient nutrition, and basic sanitation systems and the other fundamentals of a modern secure and safe society, and are willing to collaborate with others in achieving that vision. There is not a more important time than now to understand that we are one community locally, nationally, and globally, tied together in so many ways with a common destiny, and if we neglect to remember this then we ignore a simple fact that Dr. King so eloquently reminded us…that a threat to justice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

Stay safe and above all, stay faithful.

As-Salaam-Alaikum.

M. Muhammad, Executive Director for The CWSC Team

Food and medical help during the Pandemic

NATIONAL ― Tens of thousands are affected in multiple ways because of the Coronavirus Pandemic including health, business, education, child care, income and other personal economic issues. Social distancing can help stop the virus, but can also have a negative effect on the elderly, disabled, and children who are among the most vulnerable populations. See below ways you can be part of the solution to help here and abroad. Note: CWSC is not affiliated with any of the agencies or organizations listed. Pictured above: Volunteers from Florida Conference of Muslim Americans, Tampa Bay Area Muslim Association,  Interfaith Tampa Bay and CWSC convene at Metropolitan Ministries in Tampa, Florida to help feed the homeless and needy.

ORGANIZATIONS ASSISTING FAMILIES & COMMUNITIES

The CDC Foundation: This nonprofit organization for the CDC is raising funds to help respond to the public health threat when federal and state funding is not available. The foundation said it will use the funds to support state and local health departments in the US as well as support the global response including logistics, personal protective equipment, and critical response supplies.
Donate here.

The American Red Cross: As the number of coronavirus cases increases in the US, the number of people eligible to give blood and platelets for patients in need could decrease further, the Red Cross said. The organization is urging all eligible, healthy donors to donate blood and platelets to help maintain a sufficient blood supply flow and avoid potential shortages. Make an appointment here.

Meals on Wheels: This organization delivers meals to the country’s elderly population. Many of its local programs are struggling with the additional costs of delivering meals during the outbreak. You can find ways to help a local program here or donate to the national organization here.

Feeding America: This organization helps feed communities and individuals facing hunger across the United States through a nationwide network of food banks.
Donate here.

No Kid Hungry: With coronavirus forcing mass school closures across the country, millions of children are losing the daily meals they depend on. No Kid Hungry uses donations to send emergency grants to food banks and local community groups. It diverts resources to feed kids in the hardest-hit communities. The organization also has plans in place to ensure families know how to find food while schools are closed and making sure kids get three meals a day.
Donate here.

Center for Disaster Philanthropy: This US-based organization is supporting local nonprofits in areas with a high number of affected individuals and vulnerable populations to help them support hourly wage earners, gig economy workers, immigrant populations, older adults, people with disabilities, and other communities vulnerable to the physical, mental, and economic impacts of the pandemic.
Donate here.

Save the Children: This international organization is helping to protect vulnerable children and families by training health teams across the world on protection and prevention. The organization is supplying personal protective equipment and other supplies to help health staffers on the front lines of fighting the outbreaks.
Donate here.

UNICEF: The United Nations Children’s Fund is sending supplies and support to save and protect vulnerable children affected by the coronavirus.
Donate here.

GlobalGiving: Donations to this US-based organization’s coronavirus relief fund will help local organizations in affected areas meet immediate needs for health care, food, and water and transition to longer-term education and recovery efforts.
Donate here.

If you know of other national organizations including faith-based institutions providing aid and that should be included here, please contact us at info@cwsc.us. Stay tuned to AM360.org to share your story about what’s happening in your area.

Virus Image Credit: This illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses. Note the spikes that adorn the outer surface of the virus, which impart the look of a corona surrounding the virion, when viewed electron microscopically. A novel coronavirus, named Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China in 2019. The illness caused by this virus has been named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).