Our Mission
We address Islamophobia and racism in our communities using arts-based education and activism.
Our impact is driven by high-quality educational resources that are both accessible and engaging.
Our Team Values
The Rivers of Hope Collective shares core values that guide how we work together as a team.
Love, friendship and honesty
Getting to know one another
Rivers of Hope Collective members strive to relate to one another with community care.
We intentionally create space to share with one another, to truly get to know who each of us is.
Safe and welcoming
We are committed to creating a safe and welcoming team environment, where we can be ourselves.
Ongoing commitment to learning
We don't see ourselves as experts, but rather are committed to ongoing learning and growth.
Fearless commitment to justice
Helping and mentoring one another
We support and mentor one another to learn and improve the work that we do.
We are fearless in our work to challenge all forms of oppression, including our list of specific commitments.
Our Commitments
The Rivers of Hope Collective holds the following key commitments.
Commitment to decolonization and solidarity with Indigenous communities
We believe that we can only address Islamophobia and racism by understanding their links to settler-colonialism and committing to decolonization. Non-Indigenous people must learn their Treaty responsibilities and build relationships with Indigenous communities.
Commitment to Black liberation and standing against anti-Blackness
Black Muslims face both anti-Black racism and Islamophobia. Black Muslims also often face anti-Black racism within Muslim communities. We prioritize the needs of Black Muslims and are committed to challenging anti-Black racism both inside and outside of Muslim communities.
Commitment to gender justice and critical Muslim feminism
We recognize that Muslim women and girls face gendered Islamophobia -- the combined impact of Islamophobia and misogyny. We reject the idea that Muslim women, girls and non-binary people need to be "rescued". We recognize that there is a long tradition of feminism and gender justice activism within Muslim communities.
We recognize that LGBTQ2SAI+ Muslims face the combined impact of homophobia, biphobia, and/or transphobia alongside Islamophobia and racism. Our work is inclusive of LGBTQ2SAI+ Muslims and aims to meet their distinct needs.
Commitment to LGBTQ2SAI+ Inclusion and Safety
We recognize that racialized people with disabilities face the combined impact of ableism and racism. We strive to uphold accessibility in our work and align with disability justice movements. Our workshops are also designed and delivered with a trauma-informed lens.
Commitment to Disability Justice