Project Interfaith FAQs
What is Project Interfaith?
Project Interfaith, a non-profit based in Omaha, Nebraska, grows understanding, respect and relationships among people of all faiths, beliefs and cultures. We provide innovative community-building programs that educate and engage a variety of audiences on issues of faith, religion, identity, interfaith relations, and religious and cultural diversity. We strive to create a community and world where people of all faiths, beliefs and cultures are valued, included and protected. As such, we seek to serve as a national leader and resource on interfaith and religious diversity issues. We launched in December 2005.
What programs does Project Interfaith offer?
Project Interfaith’s programs are offered throughout the year and can be broken down into four basic tracks:
Interfaith Arts Programs
* Use the arts to teach about and explore religious and cultural diversity
*Examples: Interfaith Architecture Tour, Interfaith Storytelling Festival, Images of Faith Interfaith Exhibit
Community Conversations Annual Speaker Series
* Brings nationally-renowned speakers to Omaha to educate and engage audiences on issues of faith, religion, identity, interfaith relations, and religious and cultural diversity
* Examples: NPR Speaking of Faith host Krista Tippett, CBS Mideast Analyst and bestselling author Reza Aslan, New Testament Scholar Dr. Amy-Jill Levine, First Amendment scholar Dr. Charles Haynes, and Islam expert Dr. John Esposito
Topical Community Programs
* Address a wide variety of timely topics that are of interest to the community
* Examples: Jewish-Christian-Muslim Study Circle, Interfaith Holistic Health Fair, Interfaith Youth Service Project
Religious and Cultural Diversity Resources for Professionals
* Provide trainings, workshops, and resources that prepare and support professionals in serving religiously and culturally-diverse populations
* Currently target the following professions: Professional Care Givers, Health Care Providers, Educators, Social Workers, and Social Service Providers
* Consults to organizations and corporations on inclusion of religious and cultural diversity
Is Project Interfaith affiliated with a specific religious community?
No. Project Interfaith exists as a leader and resource on interfaith and religious and cultural diversity issues and as such is not beholden to a particular religious community. Both the Project Interfaith Advisory Council and Board of Directors contain individuals from diverse religious communities including Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, Bahai, Buddhist, Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Evangelical Christian, United Church of Christ, ELCA Lutheran, Presbyterian, and Disciples of Christ as well as individuals who do not affiliate with a faith tradition.
Does Project Interfaith operate outside Omaha?
Yes. Project Interfaith originates from, is based in, and is very committed to serving the Omaha community. However, demand for our programs and services from those outside Omaha has led us to work on regional, national and international levels. Social media also has enabled Project Interfaith to engage people from across the globe in its mission and work.
How is Project Interfaith funded?
Project Interfaith relies on funding from individuals, community and family foundations, corporations, and revenue from our fee-for-service programs to cover its operational and programmatic costs.
How can I financially support Project Interfaith?
A tax-deductible financial donation is one of easiest and most helpful ways you can support Project Interfaith’s mission and work. You can make a secure gift online through this website, through our Facebook Fan Page, by mail, or over the phone by calling the Project Interfaith office. To learn more about Project Interfaith’s giving program, please contact Ryan Strawhecker, Project Interfaith Development and Communications Director at (402) 305-2403 or email ryan@projectinterfaithusa.org.
What is the difference between the Project Interfaith Board and its Advisory Council?
The Project Interfaith Board of Directors are charged with ensuring effective strategic planning and governance of the organization; promoting, educating, and connecting individuals and organizations with Project Interfaith’s mission and work; fundraising and building support in the community for the Project; and supporting Project Interfaith staff by providing professional feedback and guidance and helping staff build key relationships in the community. At this time, the board meets monthly.
The Project Interfaith Advisory Council advises Project staff on current and emerging interfaith issues in our community and recommends possible programs or actions for the Project to take to address them. Advisory council members also are responsible for raising awareness in their respective religious communities and/or organizations about and engaging members from their religious communities in the Project’s mission and work.
What religious and community groups are represented on the Project Interfaith Board and Advisory Council?
Twelve religious communities currently are represented on the Project Interfaith Board and Advisory Council. They are: Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, Bahai, Buddhist, Roman Catholic, Greek and Antiochan Orthodox Christian, Evangelical Christian, United Church of Christ, ELCA Lutheran, Presbyterian, and Disciples of Christ. In addition, scholars of religion from Creighton University, the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Metropolitan Community College, and Bellevue University as well as educators from public and private schools in the Omaha area serve on the Project Interfaith Advisory Council.
How can I learn more about Project Interfaith?
Additional information about Project Interfaith can be found at:
Project Interfaith website: www.projectinterfaithusa.org
Project Interfaith blog: http://projectinterfaith.blogspot.com/
Facebook: Project Interfaith Fan Page and Cause
MySpace: Project Interfaith Profile and Group
Twitter: @projectintrf8th
Email: info@projectinterfaithusa.org
Phone: (402) 933-4647
Mailing address: Office address:
Project Interfaith Project Interfaith
P.O. Box 6037 115 S. 49th Ave.
Omaha, NE 68106 Omaha, NE 68132