UNITY DAY USA

8th Annual Unity Day USA

2011-12-05T05:24:00.000-08:00

Invitation to 8th Annual
UNITY DAY USA -2012
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2012 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Unity church of Dallas, www.UnitydayUSA.com

6525 Forest Lane, Dallas, TX 75230

We are pleased to invite you to the 8th Annual Unity Day USA; a purposeful event to bring Americans together. Unity Day USA has become a symbol of unity among Americans.

The idea for Unity Day USA was first conceived on Tuesday, September 11, 2001 and took its current form on Sunday, September 11, 2005. It is an initiative to come together to stand up for the safety, security and cohesiveness of America.

On this Unity Day, we the people of the United States of America of every faith, race, ethnicity, culture and background will gather to express our commitment to co-existence, unity, prosperity and well being of our nation. (Scroll down for the list)

Our civic leaders including Mayors, Council members, State representatives, Senators, Congresspersons and other officials will honor us with their presence. Each Mayor at the event will give a one minute speech to share his/her thoughts about co-existence and promoting social cohesion in their respective cities. Additionally, our men and women in uniform including police and fire chiefs will be honored for their outstanding service to our nation.

Leaders from various faith communities will share a few words of wisdom from their respective scriptures, beliefs or oral traditions. Unity Day USA is about re-affirming our faith in the goodness in humanity, and the longing for harmony and co-existence. The traditions include but are not limited to Native American, Atheist, Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Earth-traditions, Hindu, Muslim, Jain, Jewish, Sikh, Wicca and Zoroastrians; thus it is an all inclusive event.

It is an experience to feel a sense of unity with fellow Americans that will bring a feeling of coming home to where we drop all of our identities and to be united together as an American family.

As Americans we uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in our constitution. Our faiths reinforce the idea of one nation with liberty and justice for all.

1. Please mark your calendar for Sunday, September 09, 2012 between 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM, and send a confirmation of your intent to attend with your names to: confirmattendance@gmail.com

2. For details, including pictures from the last five years, please visit http://www.unitydayusa.com/

3. If you wish your organization and place of worship to be listed as participating organization, please send the name and URL of your organizations to: unitydayusa@gmail.com, it will be listed on our website. We have had 90 organizations participate in our previous events.

Mike Ghouse
(214) 325-1916

2009, 2008, 2006, 2005 Participating Organizations

911 STORY & INTERFAITH MOMENTS

2011-09-10T07:32:00.000-07:00

First of all you are invited to join us at 5:00 PM on Sunday, September 11, 2001 at the Unity Church of Dallas to hear and share reflections on 9/11. Details at www.Unitydayusa.com
# # #

Since September 11, 2001, many stories have been told and experiences shared, but here is one story among many that the right wing Americans inclusive of Jewish, Christian and others in particular and Muslim Americans in general need to hear. I hope this piece prompts you to think of the difficult interfaith moments you have witnessed. It is the story of the day and few events related to the 9/11 interfaith encounters we have held over the years. This is a long story, still more will be added, and it is 4 times the normal News paper story encapsulated in 3000 Words. I hope it offers insights into what it takes to build a cohesive America, a free America where no one has to live in apprehensions. Yes, we can do it.

This is also the story of the birth of Unity Day USA, a day to bring Americans Together. The idea for Unity Day USA was first conceived on Tuesday, September 11, 2001 and took its current form on Sunday, September 11, 2005. It is an initiative to come together to stand up for the safety, security and cohesiveness of America.

On this Unity Day, we the people of the United States of America of every faith, race, ethnicity, culture and background will gather to express our commitment to co-existence, unity, prosperity and well being of our nation.

Our civic leaders including Mayors, Council members, State representatives, Senators, Congresspersons and other officials will honor us with their presence. Each Mayor at the event will give a one minute speech to share his/her thoughts about co-existence and promoting social cohesion in their respective cities. Additionally, our men and women in uniform including police and fire chiefs will be honored for their outstanding service to our nation.

Pictures, comments, sound bites are all at www.Unitydayusa.com

ON THE DAY OF 09/11/2001

About 10:00 on the Morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001, I was called in by Rehan Siddiqi at AM Radio 1150 to address the situation; and Amir Morani of 950 AM also joined in to simulcast the program. The great tragedy had left every one speechless and had frozen everyone from doing anything. I was shaking but was committed to make sense out of the chaos and bring coherence to the day, and pave the way for relevant action.

I was on the air for 7 hours straight, standing on my feet and getting just about every community, religious, civic and business leader and the general public on the air to talk about the situation. Many of them read prepared statements, and one by one they condemned the attack. I did not even get to eat or take a break. The calls were pouring in and I was completely absorbed in the situation.

Among many who jumped on the idea to hold interfaith prayers were Mr. Joel Brooks of American Jewish Congress, Ms. Vinoda Kumar of the DFW Hindu Temple, Mr. Mohammad Suleman of the Islamic Center of Dallas, Mr. Poras Balsara of the Zoroastrian community and someone from the Baha’i Temple, the list was endless. Mr. Taiyab Kundawala of India Association announced the prayer vigil at the association and the fund raising was set up the very next evening. Mr. Mansoor Shah of Pakistan Society was there to do anything that needed to be done. Mr. Ashok Kumar Mago of the Indian Chamber of Commerce also joined in on the Radio. I apologize to many friends, whose name have gone blank on me. I would appreciate if you could share them. This will go as a chapter in my upcoming book on Pluralism.

While this was going on, my late wife Najma called in to announce about the blood drive and sure enough, hundreds of people were lining up at Wadley (I believe it was Wadley) Blood center. She drove to the facility and the folks told her that the lines were too long and asked us to hold off the announcements till the next day. I wish I could get hold of the CNN tapes from the next day where they interviewed Muhammad Suleman and me for over 10 minutes each at the Radio Station we were hanging out. Our friends and my late wife said that every word I said on the TV was just the right word, what a relief.

9/11 is one of the most significant days of my life. A major change occurred in my life around that time. I was an Atheist for a long time, not a belligerent one but the pluralist kind, and for the first time in about 30 years I chose to be a Muslim in Public Sphere. Thanks to my father for inculcating the values of Pluralism in my initial set up.

In the random readings of holy books that I continue to do, I came across a verse in Bhagvad Gita, “finding the truth is one’s own responsibility”. The timing was perfect as Islam was being attacked; the verse inspired me to go find the truth.

Karen Armstrong’s book on Muhammad had made a huge impact on me. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was a divine, distant and a mystical figure to me. That book made me look to him as another human with whose life and decisions I could relate with. He was bent on building cohesive societies and just about every one of his actions was grounded in a singular theme; mitigating conflicts and nurturing goodwil so all can live in relative harmony.

I made it my business to hone on the verses in Quraan that had driven me away from Islam. I had made several attempts and each time I did not like the translations I read. The verse, “finding the truth is one’s own responsibility” did not allow me gulp down what was apparent about Quraan. Over the years of searching, I discovered that Quraan was deliberately mistranslated by politicians who wore the label of Christian as well as Muslim. Steve Blow in Dallas Morning News put my thoughts in the words that I cherish, "In the Middle Ages, European leaders commissioned a hostile Quran translation to foster warfare against Muslim invaders. Later, Muslim leaders produced another translation to inflame Muslims against Christians and Jews." Relax, the first translation is not in circulation but is used by the rightwing Christian and Jews to support their tirade, the second dangerous translation is by Hilali khan, unfortunately it is there and Muslims are now aware of it. However there are over two dozen translations which are OK to alright. The best among available one's is by Muhammad Asad and we need a new translation which the average person can relate with and reflects the universality of God. More about this at: http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2011/09/do-jews-christians-and-muslims-better.html.

That was my background in relating the story of 9/11.

As the community was fully involved on the air with me, the Interfaith-faith prayers, blood donation and fundraising for the men and women in uniform were all in place by evening. The fog was clearing up, Osama bin Laden was the bad guy and Muslim-Americans had nothing to do with his actions, nor did they authorize him to terrorize any one. Indeed, he placed a wedge between Americans that still needs to be undone.

Atheists, Baha'i, Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Muslims, Jains, Jews, Native Americans, Pagans, Sikhs, Wicca and Zoroastrians along with area city mayors, FBI, police and fire chiefs and community leaders graced the first interfaith event in Frisco. Out of which a new tradition evolved called Unity Day. It continues year after year.

A few of us formed a team from different religions and went from place of worship to place of worship and shared the prayers or gave a small talk about the respective religion. That’s where we build the relationship of trust between us for me to read the Jewish Prayers when Joel Brooks was not available, recite the Zoroastrian Prayer for Poras Balsara, Jain prayers for Pradeep Shah or Hindu Prayers for the Hindu community and of course, I represented Ben Moghaddas of Baha’i faith and was always a substitute for the Muslim community. There never was a shortage of Christians, Muslims and Sikhs in interfaith activity at that time. However, it has dwindled down now. Muslims are not participating as much, and at many places I am the only Muslim participating in smaller interfaith events. They go to the big ones though.

One of the biggest walls between Hindus and Muslims was dissolved that week. President of The Dallas Islamic Center, Muhammad Suleman asked me to pull the religious groups for the interfaith prayers and I was pleased to include Hindu prayers. Vijayshree Venkatraman came and chanted the Om Shanti Mantra amidst all other prayers. Perhaps it was the first time Hindu prayers were recited in a Mosque complex. I am sure it is done in India, but it was a new experience for Muslims in Dallas.

If there was one gratifying moment in my interfaith life, that would be one. The other ones are chanting the Jainism’s Navakar Mantra at the Maya Temple in Mexico, Hindu prayers in the Snotes at the Mayan Temples, getting Baptized in the name of God at the place in Jordan River where Jesus was Baptized and dancing with the Pagans in Melbourne and spending time with the Native Australians.

In 1993, I published the first issue of Asian News Magazine which was co-edited by Abraham Thomas. A new standard was set in bringing the communities of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka together. The highlight of the paper was extensive calendar and write ups on the essence of every possible festival that took place in Dallas. Then in July of 1996, AM Radio 1150 approached me to begin the Radio Service for the communities, indeed it was the first Talk Show Radio for the community which paved the way to full time Radio services. These two items highlight the pluralism work that was going on. Every Saturday on the air, we had a segment called Festivals of Asia which was upgraded to Festivals of the World where we shared the essence of every religious festival; we had religious leaders from Aztec to Zoroastrians and every one in between sharing the essence of their festivals on the air.

The idea for Unity Day USA was first conceived on Tuesday, September 11, 2001 and took its current form on Sunday, September 11, 2005. It is a Muslim initiative to come together to stand up for the safety, security and cohesiveness of America, my initial team included Lee Holcomb of UT Dallas and other volunteers and women members from the Plano Mosque who handled wonderful refreshments.

During planning session of the event, I was opposed by a few to hold prayers from all religious groups in an alphabetical sequence. They preferred that Muslim Prayers be done at first and others to follow, someone did not want Islam to be in the Middle of Hinduism and Jainism. Even the idea of the Abrahamic faiths first and others following it was floated. I was not in favor of it as I have always believed in equality of all humans and by corollary all religions, we dug in our heels.

Before it got messy, I called Imam Dr. Yusuf Zia Kavakci and asked his guidance on it and I was praying for wisdom from him and was willing to walk away from the event if there was a preferential treatment to any group. He thought it over and said, Islamically I was on the right tract to treat everyone on equal footing, however he said, if you want to be political, you choose. I asked him if I could put those words in an email and send to the group, and that was the end of the conflict, what a relief! This Imam is a blessing to our town, indeed I have written a few more of the interfaith moments between us.

The prayers were indeed led by 13 groups of religious leaders. Regina Rafraf led the Baha’i prayers, Ben Boothe led the Buddhist prayers; Christian prayers were led by the late Baptist Minister Roy Harrell with a team of clergy from Presbyterian, Methodist, Unitarian, Catholic and other denominations; Swami Nityananda Prabhu led the Hindu group representing 7 different Hindu Temple; Islamic prayers were led by Imam Dr. Yusuf Zia Kavakci with Shia, Bohra, Ismaili, Sufi, Warith Deen Muhammad, Sunni and other Muslim traditions, Pradeep Shah led the Jain prayers, Rabbi Haas led the Jewish prayers, the Sikh prayers were led by Bhai Harinder Singh and Ramneek Singh, Wicca prayers were led by Brian Langford and the Zoroastrian Prayers were lead by Poras Balsara. In the later years Native Americans, Pagans, Earth based Traditions, Atheists and others have joined in, no one is excluded, however a few continue to malign us and refuse to join standing shoulder to shoulder with people of different faiths.

FBI Chief Danny Deffenbaugh, Mayors or Mayors pro-tem and Police chiefs of Plano, Frisco, Richardson, Dallas, Garland, Carrollton, Addison and representatives of congress woman Eddie Bernice Johnson and State Representative Florence Shapiro were all on the stage. Among the civic leaders were Dean Hobson of the UT Dallas among others.

My conversation with Maria Arita of Fox news was interesting. She wanted to know if it was difficult to pull these various groups together. She could not resist the inherent bias and blurted out, was it the Moslems that were difficult? I said no and the answer will be in my upcoming book. It’s an amazing story of interfaith.

In the 3rd annual Unity Day event we discovered something beautiful about how we hold things inside. I have sincere relationships with my friends in different religious communities and they share whatever bothers them, usually is it about Muslims. Every one wants to genuinely find the truth and thanks to my friends from the Zoroastrian and Sikh Communities who held back the issue for two years.

Dr. Harbans Lal and Firdosh Mehta asked me to find out why Muslims walked out on them, when it was their turn to pray in the first Unity day? Remember the Alphabetical sequence? I thank Bhagvad Gita for instilling in me with “finding the truth is one’s own responsibility”… we dug up and found out that it was the prayer time for Muslims when the Sikhs and Zoroastrian got on the stage. I shared that story and told our friends attending the event that you have got to admire our Muslim brothers and sisters, when the time for prayer comes up, they drop everything as nothing else is a priority to them and Mayor Pat Evans appreciated the hint. If that time were during the speech of the Mayor, they would simply fulfill their duty to God and pray. Isn’t it amazing what was construed as dislike to hear the Sikh and Zoroastrian payers, was not? It was such a relief to our friends Dr. Lal and Mehta.

Gregory Gomez, the Apache American surprised everyone and continues to remain the talk of the town. When Gomez went on to the stage with our Hopi Chief Ambrose to cleanse the environment (Done with feathers, a native tradition and I have been cleansed a few times). The first words the Native American spoke thrilled the audience, it was ironic, unexpected and truthful, he said, “Welcome to my country”. The biggest appreciation came from Richardson Mayor, Gary Slagel without missing the beat.

A few more of the moments are at http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2011/09/do-jews-christians-and-muslims-better.html or in Dallas Morning News at: http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/09/texas-faith-do-jews-christians.html

God willing my upcoming book will share some of the most difficult and humorous interfaith moments.

Islam teaches one to be non-judgmental, and consistently encourages individuals to do good. It emphasizes about individual responsibility towards the peace and security of society at large. Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) described a good deed as an act which benefits others whom you don't even know, such as planting a tree that serves generations of wayfarers with fruit and the shade. The world is a better place today because of a good legacy bequeathed to humanity by people of all faiths that came before us. We owe it to coming generations to leave the world a little better than we found to usher an era of justice and peace. Indeed, this is the same message, every messenger of God in every faith or a peace maker or a wise men and women have reiterated.
…….. ….. …..

Mike Ghouse is committed to building a cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day to the media and the public. He is a speaker thinker and a writer on the topics of pluralism, cohesive societies, Politics, Islam, interfaith, India and Peace. Over a thousand articles have been published on the topics and two of his books are poised to be released on Pluralism and Islam. Mike's work is reflected in 4 website's and 27 Blogs indexed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/ and you can find all of his current articles at www.TheGhousediary.com

9/11 MEMORIAL UNITY DAY AT UNITY CHURCH

2011-09-07T13:56:00.001-07:00

Invitation to 7th Annual
UNITY DAY USA -2011
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2011 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Unity church of Dallas, www.UnitydayUSA.com

6525 Forest Lane, Dallas, TX 75230

We are pleased to invite you to the 7th Annual Unity Day USA; a purposeful event to bring Americans together. This is the 10^th Anniversary of 9/11, from this day forward we hope to effect the change to make this UNITY DAY USA become a symbol of unity among Americans.

Leaders from various faith communities will share a few words of wisdom from their respective scriptures, beliefs or oral traditions. Unity Day USA is about re-affirming our faith in the goodness in humanity, and the longing for harmony and co-existence. The traditions include but are not limited to Native American, Atheist, Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Earth-traditions, Hindu, Muslim, Jain, Jewish, Sikh, Wicca and Zoroastrians; thus it is an all inclusive event.

It is an experience to feel a sense of unity with fellow Americans that will bring a feeling of coming home to where we drop all of our identities and to be united together as an American family.

As Americans we uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in our constitution. Our faiths reinforce the idea of one nation with liberty and justice for all.

1. Please mark your calendar for Sunday, September 11, 2011 between 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM, and send a confirmation of your intent to attend with your names to: confirmattendance@gmail.com

2. For details, including pictures from the last five years, please visit http://www.unitydayusa.com/

3. If you wish your organization and place of worship to be listed as participating organization, please send the name and URL of your organizations to: unitydayusa@gmail.com, it will be listed on our website. We have had 90 organizations participate in our previous events.

Mike Ghouse
(214) 325-1916

2009, 2008, 2006, 2005 Participating Organizations

Do Jews, Christians and Muslims better understand each other since 9/11?

2011-09-07T13:19:00.000-07:00

TEXAS FAITH: Do Jews, Christians and Muslims better understand each other since 9/11?

Abstract: Jews need sincerity and not duplicity. Native Americans need an apology and there is a good amount of phobia embedded in Hindus about conversions. We believe in Jesus as a Prophet and not as a son of God. Unless we deal with tough issues about our differences, we will continue to fake being nice to each other and brood with ill-will within. There is indeed improved understanding among faiths since 9/11. But there also is deepening suspicion among them. One is spiritually motivated and the other is political. Please note, most of my writings are inclusive of all theist and atheists traditions, we all inhabit the earth and we need to figure how best to co-exist cohesively.

# # #

Since September 11, 2001, many conversations have taken place among Muslims, Jews and Christians. There are official interfaith conversations occurring all over the globe, where participants dig into each other's texts. And numerous personal dialogues have been established over the last decade. Many of us have learned more about the three Abrahamic faiths since September 11, 2001 than perhaps we knew before that day.

But here's this week's question, which is simple in its wording but not necessarily simple to answer: Do followers of the three Abrahamic faiths really understand each other better since 9/11?

Eight Texas Faith Panelists including Mike Ghouse weighs in at: http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/09/texas-faith-do-jews-christians.html

MIKE GHOUSE, President, Foundation for Pluralism, Dallas

There is indeed improved understanding among faiths since 9/11. But there also is deepening suspicion among them. One is spiritually motivated and the other is political.

We were better off when we knew very little about each other. But as we faced the hostage crisis in 1979, the evangelical foray into politics, the Baptist convention on harvesting poor souls and finally 9/11, religion moved on to center stage. It will get better when we know more about each other.

On September 11, 2001, I was on the radio in Dallas attempting to make sense out of the chaos of the day and pave the way for relevant actions. Interfaith-faith prayers, blood donation and fundraising for the men and women in uniform were all in place by evening. The fog was clearing up. Osama bin Laden was the bad guy and Muslim-Americans had nothing to do with his actions, nor did they authorize him to terrorize any one. Indeed, he placed a wedge between Americans that still needs to be undone.

Atheists, Baha'i, Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Muslims, Jains, Jews, Native Americans, Pagans, Sikhs, Wicca and Zoroastrians along with area city mayors, FBI, police and fire chiefs and community leaders graced the first interfaith event in Frisco. Out of which a new tradition evolved called Unity Day. It continues year after year.

But while we are trying to know more about each other, more needs to be done. Here are a few examples;

* Mosques in Dallas/ Fort Worth area opened their doors right after the 9/11 incident. As Christians walked in, they were naively welcomed by yet-to-be trained volunteers who said, "We believe in Jesus as a Prophet and not as a son of God." However, the volunteers were trained to welcome without conflict the very next week.

Of course, back in the 8th Century, a Syrian bishop had declared that Islam was a false religion. That declaration has remained in the psyche of a few Christians forever.

Pastor Robert Jeffress of the First Baptist Church of Dallas reiterated the statement and added, "Quran is a false book written by a false prophet." He was asked to prove it but failed.

There are several verses in Quraan that are mistranslated for political gains. Steve Blow in Dallas Morning News quoted me, "In the Middle Ages, European leaders commissioned a hostile Quran translation to foster warfare against Muslim invaders. Later, Muslim leaders produced another translation to inflame Muslims against Christians and Jews."

One such difficult passage is "Kill the infidels wherever you find them." Ten such propaganda verses were read to separate the myths from reality. They were not read by Muslim clergy, but by Baptist, Mormon, Protestant, Catholic, Unitarian, Methodist, New Age, Unificationists, Sikhs, Hindu and others at the Quraan Conference

*Shamelessly, anti-Semitism continues to operate under the radar. The anti-circumcision bills in San Francisco and Santa Monica were irksome to some, but frightening to others. Indeed, there are still a few Christians out there who cannot shake off what Fred Phelps was demonstrating with reckless posters such as "Christ Killers."

The Judeo-Christian phrase was thrown around in the 40's to build relationships between Jews and Christians. A whole industry of opportunists was born from it. The support for Jews by Billy Graham, Richard Nixon, Pat Robertson, John Hagee, Glenn Beck and other chest thumpers have ulterior motives. They want to cash in on the name of Israel and perhaps convert them. Jews need sincerity and not duplicity to feel genuinely secure.

*Native Americans need an apology for the destruction of their religion and there is a good amount of phobia embedded in Hindus about conversions. Some of them feel that Governors Nikki Haley and Bobby Jindal made it in politics because they converted to Christianity.

*The spiritual balance in the community needs to be restored through observing and following the Golden Rule, which is treat others as you would like others to treat you. Although we have failed in the past, such as when the city of Plano rejected a permit to build a Hindu temple in the early 80's and Richardson did not permit a Muslim school to open there in the mid-1990s, we still have come a long way. Thank God, those are now history and the public in the metroplex welcomes diversity.

* Interfaith meetings are still social gatherings. Leaders from smaller groups are invited as tokens rather than to genuinely get to know each other. Unless we deal with tough issues about differences, we will continue to fake being nice to each other and brood with ill-will within. There is plenty of room for honesty to grow and mature.

If we can learn to respect the otherness of other people and accept the God-given uniqueness of each one of us, then conflicts fade and solutions emerge. One of these days we will get there. Meanwhile, I am pleased to invite you to the 7th Annual 9/11 Memorial, the Unity Day USA on Sunday September 11 at 5:00 PM at the Unity Church of Dallas on Forest Lane. Details are at www.UnitydayUSA.com

----

References:
Steve Blow – Dallas Morning News: http://www.dallasnews.com/news/columnists/steve-blow/20100919-In-defense-of-Islam-pursuing-9397.ece

----

List of difficult passages: http://quraan-today.blogspot.com/2010/12/difficult-passages-in-quraan.html

----
Quraan Conference program sequence: http://quraanconference.blogspot.com/2010/12/quraan-conference-program-sequence.html

-----

Mike Ghouse is committed to building a cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day to the media and the public. He is a speaker thinker and a writer on the topics of pluralism, cohesive societies, Politics, Islam, interfaith, India and Peace. Over a thousand articles have been published on the topics and two of his books are poised to be released on Pluralism and Islam. Mike's work is reflected in 4 website's and 27 Blogs indexed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/ and you can find all of his current articles at www.TheGhousediary.com

9/11 UNITY DAY IN DALLAS

2011-09-06T14:14:00.000-07:00

Invitation to 7th Annual
UNITY DAY USA -2011
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2011 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Unity church of Dallas, www.UnitydayUSA.com

6525 Forest Lane, Dallas, TX 75230

Leaders from various faith communities will share a few words of wisdom from their respective scriptures, beliefs or oral traditions. Unity Day USA is about re-affirming our faith in the goodness in humanity, and the longing for harmony and co-existence. The traditions include but are not limited to Native American, Atheist, Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Earth-traditions, Hindu, Muslim, Jain, Jewish, Sikh, Wicca and Zoroastrians; thus it is an all inclusive event.

It is an experience to feel a sense of unity with fellow Americans that will bring a feeling of coming home to where we drop all of our identities and to be united together as an American family.

As Americans we uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in our constitution. Our faiths reinforce the idea of one nation with liberty and justice for all.

1. Please mark your calendar for Sunday, September 11, 2011 between 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM, and send a confirmation of your intent to attend with your names to: confirmattendance@gmail.com

2. For details, including pictures from the last five years, please visit http://www.unitydayusa.com/

3. If you wish your organization and place of worship to be listed as participating organization, please send the name and URL of your organizations to: unitydayusa@gmail.com, it will be listed on our website. We have had 90 organizations participate in our previous events.

Mike Ghouse
(214) 325-1916

2009, 2008, 2006, 2005 Participating Organizations

9/11 Event in Dallas

2011-09-06T14:06:00.000-07:00

INIVITATION TO 9/11 EVENT ON SUNDAY
I am pleased to invite you to the 7th Annual 9/11 Memorial, the Unity Day USA at 5:00 PM on Sunday Sep 11 at the Unity Church of Dallas on Forest Lane. Details are at www.UnitydayUSA.com. Kindly rsvp to Unitydayusa@gmail.com Thank you

Mike Ghouse
Americans Together building a cohesive America
(214) 325-1916
www.AmericaTogetherFoundation.com

UNITY DAY USA ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 11

2011-07-20T11:15:00.000-07:00

Invitation to 7th Annual
UNITY DAY USA -2011
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2011 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Unity church of Dallas, www.UnitydayUSA.com

6525 Forest Lane, Dallas, TX 75230

Leaders from various faith communities will share a few words of wisdom from their respective scriptures, beliefs or oral traditions. Unity Day USA is about re-affirming our faith in the goodness in humanity, and the longing for harmony and co-existence. The traditions include but are not limited to Native American, Atheist, Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Earth-traditions, Hindu, Muslim, Jain, Jewish, Sikh, Wicca and Zoroastrians; thus it is an all inclusive event.

It is an experience to feel a sense of unity with fellow Americans that will bring a feeling of coming home to where we drop all of our identities and to be united together as an American family.

As Americans we uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in our constitution. Our faiths reinforce the idea of one nation with liberty and justice for all.

REQUESTED ACTION:

1. Please mark your calendar for Sunday, September 11, 2011 between 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM, and send a confirmation of your intent to attend with your names to: confirmattendance@gmail.com

2. For details, including pictures from the last five years, please visit http://www.unitydayusa.com/

3. If you wish your organization and place of worship to be listed as participating organization, please send the name and URL of your organizations to: unitydayusa@gmail.com, it will be listed on our website. We have had 90 organizations participate in our previous events.

SUGGESTED LINKS:
A few selected comments from the fist event.
Civic Leaders and Mayors who attended
Organizations (90) who have been a part of the event

PICTURE ALBUMS:

STORY HIGHLIGHTS:
2009, 2008

VOLUNTEERS & SPONSORS

Please call me

Mike Ghouse
(214) 325-1916

2009, 2008, 2006, 2005 Participating Organizations

Happy Independence day

2011-07-04T15:31:00.000-07:00

Happy Independence day, happy 4th
www.AmericaTogetherFoundation.com | www.TheGhousediary.com


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Fox 4 News, North Texans react to Bin Ladens death

2011-05-02T18:26:00.000-07:00

Imam Zia Shaikh and I are in the VIDEO Fox 4 News in Dallas at: http://www.myfoxdfw.com/dpp/news/050211-north-texans-react-to-bin-laden%E2%80%99s-death

We had a similar take on the issue, but Fox chose to show two different takes. That is their choice, that is not all the things I have said. The following is my take and it will appear in Huffington Post is at: http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2011/05/muslims-rejoice-end-of-icon-of-evil-era.html

Fox News
Published : Monday, 02 May 2011, 5:10 PM CDT

DALLAS - As details of Osama bin Laden’s death emerge, many North Texas residents are reacting with feelings of relief, victory, justice and a bit of fear.

Outside former President George Bush’s Dallas home there are signs thanking him for trying to run down bin Laden. A crowd braved the overnight rain to proclaim victory outside the house. Some brought American flags and chanted “USA” in triumph.

North Texans who have lost loved ones in the 911 attacks are still trying to digest the news. Many said they never felt certain that bin Laden was still alive so confirmation of his death at the hands of the United States military brings a sense of relief.

“He’s the face of evil. I know a lot of people don’t believe in true evil, but he was evil,” said Marty Fangman.
Fangman’s younger brother Robert was a 31-year-old flight attendant on Flight 175, the second plane that crashed into the World Trade Center.

Former flight attendant Joni Schippel felt compelled to visit the 9/11 Flight Crew Memorial in Grapevine. She finds justice in the death of bin Laden and believes for many people his death ends a decade of resentment.
“We’ve been hanging on to that over 10 years. He just never got what he deserved for what he did to us and our family and friends, people that we knew,” she said. “I’m glad he’s done. I don’t like to say that about anyone who has past but he was not a good person.”

At DFW Airport some of the families of troops departing and arriving for R & R said they’re cautiously optimistic about the news. Some fear that bin Laden’s death will prompt more violence overseas.

"I do think everything will be heightened security wise and maybe there's a chance for retaliation attacks," said Army Lt. Col. Steve Davis.

However, Army Spc. Wade Pantermuehl said the announcement of bin Laden's death during the 30 hour flight home was met with an erruption of cheers.

The Department of Homeland Security has not raised the terror threat level because of bin Laden’s death, but it has warned Americans traveling abroad to be extra careful.

Travelers and flight attendants at the airport said they are just concerned about what happens next.

“The threat’s still out there and it will always be out there because somebody is waiting right behind him to take over. But to have him out of there, the mastermind behind 9/11, I mean it’s just a relief for us,” said Anke Dawson, a flight attendant.

As Robert Jasinki waited for his plane he said bin Laden’s death brings closure for a lot of people. But the war is not over.

“I don’t think we should become complacent at all,” he said.

Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison applauded the efforts of President Barack Obama, former President Bush and the military for hunting down bin Laden.

“He is the spiritual leader of the terrorist networks that are operating against freedom throughout the world and having the spiritual leader taken out I hope will be a significant impact on the others that would try to do harm to innocent people anywhere in the world,” Hutchison said.

State Sen. Brian Birdwell , an Army lieutenant colonel who was severely injured in the Pentagon on 9/11, said bin Laden’s death was a matter of “personal justice” for him, his family, other victims and the entire community.
"I knew we would see the day the day he would die," Birdwell said. "The question was whether it was natural causes or ours. It was ours. That's good."

Even members of the Muslim community in North Texas said they feel a sense of joy and relief.
World Muslim Congress activist Mike Ghouse said he is so happy with the news he can hardly contain himself. He hopes it will foster an improved Muslim-American relationship.

“Muslims didn’t like the guy as much as other people didn’t because he has done more harm to Muslims and the religion than anyone else ever in the history of mankind,” Ghouse said.

He believes bin Laden’s burial at sea was a good move.

“If he was buried somewhere in the ground somebody would’ve made a shrine out of it which would have been even more dangerous. I am glad he went into the sea. There are no more symbols of him left,” Ghouse said.

Read more on myFOXdfw.com: http://www.myfoxdfw.com/dpp/news/050211-north-texans-react-to-bin-laden%E2%80%99s-death#ixzz1LFISW6I1

Muslims rejoice the end an evil era and an evil icon

2011-05-02T14:15:00.001-07:00

http://911unitydayusa.blogspot.com/2011/05/muslims-rejoice-end-evil-era-and-evil.html

It is one of the best news items Muslims have had in a decade, we are delighted that an evil era has come to an end with the death of this evil man Osama Bin Laden. It brings a sense of justice and relief to nearly 3000 fellow Americans.

Indeed Muslims were not only victims of his terrorism, but were also subject of harassment by several governments around the world in Airports as well as employment and ordinary life acts. The Sikh community also became a target of the mistaken identity. With his death, we pray that the Taliban mind set and the oppression of women in Afghanistan also comes to an end.

President Obama’s statement was profound, he literally stole the sentiments and words of Muslims around the world, “Bin Laden was not a Muslim leader; he was a mass murderer of Muslims. Indeed, al Qaeda has slaughtered scores of Muslims in many countries, including our own. So his demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity.” As Muslims, we welcome this.

I recall that dark Tuesday on September 11, 2001, I was called in to manage the emergency situation on Radio station AM 1150 and handle the crisis. My first goal was to make sense out of the chaotic incoherence of the day and move forward purposefully. I was on the air from 10:00 AM through 5:00 PM on AM Radio 1150 and 950 simulcasted at times.

The Spiritual leaders from all faiths and traditions were called in to pray and share their wisdom for this moment. They were from the traditions of Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islam, Jain, Jewish, Sikh, Zoroastrian and other traditions. Area Mayors, community and business leaders joined in as well.

The fog was clearing up; Osama bin Laden was our enemy and we had to get rid of him to bring justice; Muslims had nothing to do with Osama, nor did they authorize that terrorist; and a declaration of war against Osama was made on the Air.

By the end of the day a clear sense of direction was developed, a sense of Unity had emerged on the Radio, multi-faith prayers were arranged and fund raising had begun. That historic day, I made a commitment to dedicate this day and unite Americans of every faith, race and tradition on the day every year and thank God we have been doing this.

People were responding to my calls to donate blood, my late wife Najma was driving around and reporting from the Blood centers and called in to tell us to stop the announcements as the lines were too long and that they could not handle it any more for the day.

September 11, 2005 gave birth to Unity Day USA - 14 faiths were represented at the event with 650 plus individuals attending with 8 Mayors, FBI Chiefs and DOJ attended the event and the Fire and Police Chiefs were honored. The civic Officials proclaimed it as Unity Day USA. It was well covered by the media.

I am working on making this day a national day of Unity and I want my fellow Americans to know that Muslims are committed for the well being, peace, prosperity, security and unity of America.

Indeed in a luncheon meeting with Congressmen Pete Sessions, Ralph Hall, Kenny Marchant, Paul Johnson and others, congressman Sessions suggested to designate the event on Sunday before 9/11 every year. Even the former Speaker Nancy Pelosi had jumped at the idea.

Bin Ladens death brings a closure to the reign of terror that began September 11, 2001 and we plan on a big celebration this year all over the nation.

# # #

Mike Ghouse is an interfaith Speaker, thinker, futurist, writer, organizer and an activist committed to building cohesive societies with a firm belief that the purpose of religion is to bring harmony to an individual within and create a balance with what surrounds; life and matter. If we can learn to respect and accept every which way people have come to worship the creator, then conflicts fade and solutions emerge. He offers pluralistic solutions to media and to the public on complex issues of the day and is available to speak in a variety of settings such as schools, seminars, conferences, and places of worship, or the work place. His work is indexed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/

Muslims sigh relief and rejoice the end of an evil man Bin Laden

2011-05-02T01:22:00.001-07:00

Muslims sigh with relief, pray and celebrate, they were not only victims of Bin Laden’s terrorism, but were also the subject of harassment by several governments around the world and in the Airports as well.

Muslims sigh relief and rejoice the end of an evil man Laden

May 01, 2011, Dallas, Texas:- Mike Ghouse, President of the World Muslims Congress was delighted to announce the end of an evil man and prays that an evil era ends with him. It brings a sense of justice and relief to nearly 3000 fellow Americans. He whole heartedly concurs with President Obama’s statement, “Bin Laden was not a Muslim leader; he was a mass murderer of Muslims. Indeed, al Qaeda has slaughtered scores of Muslims in many countries, including our own. So his demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity.” Indeed, we welcome it.

Indeed Muslims were not only victims of his terrorism, but were also subject of harassment by several governments around the world in Airports as well as employment and ordinary life acts. The Sikh community also became a target of the mistaken identity. With his death, we hope the oppression of women in Afghanistan also comes to an end.

Mike recalls Tuesday, September 11, 2001, “On that tragic day, I was called in to manage the emergency situation on Radio station AM 1150 and handle the crisis. My first goal was to make sense out of the chaotic incoherence of the day and move forward purposefully. I was on the air from 10:00 AM through 5:00 PM on AM Radio 1150 and 950 simulcasted at times.”

By the end of the day a clear sense of direction was developed, a sense of Unity had emerged on the Radio, multi-faith prayers were arranged and fund raising had begun. “I made a commitment to dedicate this day and unite people on the day every year.”

People were responding to the calls to donate blood, my late wife Najma was driving around and reporting from the Blood centers and called in to tell us to stop the announcements as the lines were too long and that they could not handle it any more for the day.

“It was my love for my country to work on making this day a national day and Muslims wanted to do this and hence took the initiative, I want my fellow Americans to know that Muslims are committed for the well being, peace, prosperity, security and unity of America.”

Bin Ladens death brings a closure to the reign of terror that began September 11, 2001 and we plan on a big celebration this year all over the nation.

# # #

Muslim Speaker Mike Ghouse

2011-04-14T19:50:00.001-07:00

NURTURING PLURALISTIC VALUES EMBEDDED IN ISLAM

A Muslim Speaker, thinker, organizer and an activist committed to building cohesive societies with a belief that what is good for Muslims has got to be good for the world and vice versa to sustain peace, harmony and prosperity.

To be a Muslim is to be a peace maker, one who constantly seeks to mitigate conflicts and nurtures goodwill for peaceful co-existence of humanity. God wants us to live in peace and harmony with his creation; Life and Matter. Over 1000 articles have been published on a range of topics in Islam and Pluralism. Insha Allah, a book outlining the Muslim vision is on the horizon.

In defense of Islam, pursuing a civil dialogue

http://www.dallasnews.com/news/columnists/steve-blow/20100919-In-defense-of-Islam-pursuing-9397.ece
Over and over you hear it said: If Muslims oppose terrorism, why don't they stand up and say it?

If that has been you, Mike Ghouse ought to be your hero.

It is hard to imagine that anyone has worked harder than the Carrollton resident to demonstrate the peaceful and moderate side of Islam.

And that effort includes personally visiting Dallas' First Baptist Church last Sunday just to put a friendly face on the "evil, evil religion" that the Rev. Robert Jeffress denounced a few weeks before.

"It was wonderful," Ghouse said of the visit. "We were so warmly received."
He hopes a quick chat with Jeffress will be the start of deeper discussion about Islam and the importance of respect between religions.

"I want to have a dialogue with him, not to say he is wrong but to share another point of view," Ghouse said.

The 57-year-old Muslim was born in India and has lived in the United States for 30 years. He owns a small property management firm. But most of his day is devoted to building bridges between people of different faiths.

"It is my passion," he said in his distinctive raspy voice.

He has been a guest a dozen times on Sean Hannity's TV and radio talk shows. "I don't like the way Sean cuts me off, but I have to honor him for giving the American public a semblance of another point of view."

Ghouse said he can understand fear and criticism of Islam because he went through a time of similar feelings. As a teen, he was troubled by passages of the Quran. He called himself an atheist for a while.

But he said deeper study led him to realize the Quran had been purposely mistranslated down through history.

In the Middle Ages, European leaders commissioned a hostile Quran translation to foster warfare against Muslim invaders.

Later, Muslim leaders produced another translation to inflame Muslims against Christians and Jews.

"It was all for politics," he said.
Ghouse said he hopes to present Jeffress with a modern, faithful translation and challenge him to find evil verses.

"If he can, I will convert. I will join his church," Ghouse said. "If he can't, I will call on him to retract his statements and become a peacemaker."

Ghouse acknowledges that deep problems persist within Islam. "Three steps forward, two steps back," he said with a sigh.

And he agrees that mainstream Muslims have not done enough to counter violent images of their faith.

"That is very true," he said. "But part of it is that many Muslims have given up hope that we will ever be heard."

He said repeated denunciations of terrorism seem to fall on deaf ears.

And some efforts have backfired - like the proposed Islamic information center in New York. He said it should be hailed for furthering the moderate Muslim cause.
Instead, it has deepened hostility toward Muslims.

I have been astounded by the amount of anti-Islam propaganda that circulates via e-mail. Tons of it has come my way in the last few weeks.

One theme is that people like Mike Ghouse can't be trusted, that Islam encourages deception.

But Ghouse says actions speak louder than words. And he points to elections in Muslim nations.

More than half of Muslims live in countries with some degree of democracy. And time and time again, Islamist parties are overwhelmingly rejected in favor of secular, mainstream parties.

"The religious parties don't get more than 3 percent of the vote," Ghouse said.
Polls show deep mistrust of Muslims. "But the most important question in those surveys is: 'Do you know anything about Islam?' " Ghouse said. "Most people say no."
What keeps him going is faith in Americans, he said.

"The majority of Americans, if they know the truth, they will change their minds."

# # #

Mike Ghouse is a speaker, writer, thinker, futurist and an activist of Pluralism, Islam, India and Civil Societies passionately offering pluralistic solutions on issues of the day.

He is a commentator at Fox News on the Hannity show, nationally syndicated Radio shows along with Dallas TV, Print and Radio networks and occasional interviews on NPR. He has spoken at international forums including the Parliament of Worlds Religions in Melbourne, Middle East Peace initiative in Jerusalem, International Leadership conference in Hawaii, Washington and elsewhere.

Concerned by the divisiveness, he saw the need to bring Americans together and founded America Together Foundation committed to building a cohesive America, indeed it is in response to ACT America which is bent on pitching one American against the other. We will be holding series of educational programs, conferences and workshops to address the issues that divide us such as Civil Right, GLBT, Quraan, Abortion, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, Racial Profiling and Stereotyping.

The Annual Unity Day USA is in its 7^th year now, it is a purposeful event to bring Americans together, on this Unity Day, we the people of the United States of America of every faith, race, ethnicity, culture and background will gather to express our commitment to co-existence, unity, prosperity and wellbeing of our nation.

Thanksgiving Celebration is in its 15^th year showcasing cultural diversity.

The 5^th Annual Reflections on Holocaust and Genocides is to learn and to acknowledge and reflect upon the terrible things we have inflicted upon each other and commit to avert such tragedies. Through this event non-Jewish people have consciously learned about Holocaust for the first time, it was also for the first time that people of 14 faiths came together to join in to commemorate the Holocaust that commemorated within the Jewish Community for years. They are not alone anymore in their anguish, we are all in it together with them, and it is a Muslim initiative to effect a positive change.

The programs, seminars and workshops conducted by the Foundation for Pluralism have become a part of the America Together Foundation. While the Foundation for Pluralism continues championing the idea of co-existence through respecting and accepting the otherness of other, the commitment to nurturing the pluralistic ideals embedded in Islam through the World Muslim Congress continues.

# # #

Full Profile at: http://www.mikeghouse.net/MuslimSpeaker.MikeGhouse.asp

Mike is working on two books scheduled to be released this year; The American Muslim Agenda and My Journey to Pluralism.

Mike has written over 1000 Articles on Pluralism, Islam, India, Peace & Justice and civil societies published in a wide spectrum of Newspapers and Magazines around the world.

Locally, he is a panelist at Dallas Morning News's and writes weekly on a range of issues facing the nation. Washington Post, Huffington Post and other news papers and sites regularly publish his work.

Mike is available to speak on Pluralism, Islam, Civil Societies, and Peace & Justice at your place of worship, school, work place, seminars, workshops or conferences. His work is reflected at three websites & twenty two Blogs listed at http://www.MikeGhouse.net/

UNITY DAY USA 2011

2011-03-05T19:27:00.000-08:00

Invitation to 7th Annual
UNITY DAY USA -2011
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2011 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Unity church of Dallas, www.UnitydayUSA.com

6525 Forest Lane, Dallas, TX 75230

Leaders from various faith communities will share a few words of wisdom from their respective scriptures, beliefs or oral traditions. Unity Day USA is about re-affirming our faith in the goodness in humanity, and the longing for harmony and co-existence. The traditions include but are not limited to Native American, Atheist, Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Earth-traditions, Hindu, Muslim, Jain, Jewish, Sikh, Wicca and Zoroastrians; thus it is an all inclusive event.

It is an experience to feel a sense of unity with fellow Americans that will bring a feeling of coming home to where we drop all of our identities and to be united together as an American family.

As Americans we uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in our constitution. Our faiths reinforce the idea of one nation with liberty and justice for all.

REQUESTED ACTION:

1. Please mark your calendar for Sunday, September 11, 2011 between 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM, and send a confirmation of your intent to attend with your names to: confirmattendance@gmail.com

2. For details, including pictures from the last five years, please visit http://www.unitydayusa.com/

3. If you wish your organization and place of worship to be listed as participating organization, please send the name and URL of your organizations to: unitydayusa@gmail.com, it will be listed on our website. We have had 90 organizations participate in our previous events.

SUGGESTED LINKS:
A few selected comments from the fist event.
Civic Leaders and Mayors who attended
Organizations (90) who have been a part of the event

PICTURE ALBUMS:

STORY HIGHLIGHTS:
2009, 2008

VOLUNTEERS & SPONSORS

Please call me

Mike Ghouse
(214) 325-1916

2009, 2008, 2006, 2005 Participating Organizations

Unity Day USA ceremony in Dallas

2010-09-13T20:24:00.000-07:00

Divisive issues hang over Unity Day USA ceremony in Dallas
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/religion/stories/DN-unityday_13met.ART0.State.Edition1.358b243.html

06:45 AM CDT on Monday, September 13, 2010By JESSICA MEYERS / The Dallas Morning News
jmeyers@dallasnews.com

In a year when 9/11 commemorations felt as much political as reverential, a North Dallas ceremony the day after the anniversary tried to strip away the tension.

Photos by STEWART F. HOUSE/Special Contributor

Zainab Khurrum (center), 11, of Irving talked to her 10-year-old sister, Hussaina, as they applauded during Sunday's Unity Day USA ceremony at the Unity Church of Dallas. "We're asking people to drop their sub-identity and look to each other as Americans and nothing but Americans," said Mike Ghouse, the president of the Foundation for Pluralism and the event's organizer and founder.

Sunday marked the sixth annual Unity Day USA, an evening ceremony intended to cull something positive from the 9/11 tragedy – a sense of cohesiveness, security and humanity.

Turquoise headscarves, navy turbans and sun-orange robes mixed on stage in the semi-filled sanctuary of Unity Church of Dallas as a handful of civic leaders and religious representatives spoke about the freedom of diversity and the naivete of fear.

"You belong to the country you live in," said Durriya Jamali, adjusting her white headscarf. "I've been here almost half my adult life."

A 43-year old Muslim from India, she's attended Unity Day celebrations since her daughter sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the inaugural event. "America is about all people and has nothing to do with religion," she said.

Speakers consolidated their beliefs into one-minute explanations of the "oneness of all religions" preached by Baha'i followers or the "universal oneness" practiced by Vedanta Hinduism devotees. About 100 attendees represented more than 30 religious denominations, including Zoroastrians, Muslims from five sects, and Methodists.

Ghouse had hoped to avoid the divisive issues that hung over this year's formal ceremonies. But they remained an inevitable undercurrent throughout the program.

"Not nearly enough leaders are standing up," said Dallas County Schools president Larry Duncan, referring to objections to an Islamic cultural center near Ground Zero. "I know I am preaching to the choir because you are here. But each of us is standing up to be counted."

The program contained an insert that asked Muslims to pray for the well-being of those who burn the Quran – an indirect nod to the Florida pastor whose threats to destroy copies of the Muslim holy book dominated headlines last week.

"Politics," scoffed Madan Goyal, a 68-year-old Hindu who lives in Plano. "People will try to get whatever advertising they can. This means we can't take anything for granted."

Ghouse envisions a nationwide Unity Day and is making plans for celebrations in 10 cities next year. He said he chose the Sunday after 9/11 to draw a bigger crowd.

"All we can do is raise consciousness so others see people are aware of this," said Len Ellis, president of the Dallas Peace Center. "The alternative is to do nothing, and that's not a good alternative."

Unity Day USA - 6th Annual Event

2010-07-24T15:37:00.000-07:00

Invitation to 6th Annual
UNITY DAY USA -2010
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2010 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Unity church of Dallas, 6525 Forest Lane
Dallas, TX 75230

We are pleased to invite you to the Unity Day USA; a purposeful event to bring Americans together. The idea for Unity Day USA was first conceived on Tuesday, September 11, 2001 and took its current form on Sunday, September 11, 2005. It is an initiative to come together to stand up for the safety, security and cohesiveness of America.

On this Unity Day, we the people of the United States of America of every faith, race, ethnicity, culture and background will gather to express our commitment to co-existence, unity, prosperity and well being of our nation. (Scroll down for the list)

Our civic leaders including Mayors, Council members, State representatives, Senators, Congresspersons and other officials will honor us with their presence. Each Mayor at the event will give a one minute speech to share their thoughts about co-existence and promoting social cohesion in their respective cities. Additionally, our men and women in uniform including police and fire chiefs will be honored for their outstanding service to our nation.

Leaders from various faith communities will share a few words of wisdom from their respective scriptures, beliefs or oral traditions. Unity Day USA is about re-affirming our faith in the goodness in humanity, and the longing for harmony and co-existence. The traditions include but are not limited to Native American, Atheist, Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Earth-traditions, Hindu, Muslim, Jain, Jewish, Sikh, Wicca and Zoroastrians; thus it is an all inclusive event.

It is an experience to feel a sense of unity with fellow Americans that brings forth a feeling of coming home to where we drop all of our identities and to be united together as an American family.

As Americans we uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in our constitution. Our faiths reinforce the idea of one nation with liberty and justice for all.

REQUESTED ACTION:

1. Please mark your calendar for Sunday, September 12, 2010 between 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM, and send a confirmation of your intent to attend with your names to: confirmattendance@gmail.com.

2. For details, including pictures from the last five years, please visit http://www.unitydayusa.com/

3. If you wish your organization and place of worship to be listed as participating organization, please send the name and URL of your organizations to: unitydayusa@gmail.com, it will be listed on our website. We have had 90 organizations participate in our previous events.

SUGGESTED LINKS:
A few selected comments from the fist event.
Civic Leaders and Mayors who attended
Organizations (90) who have been a part of the event

PICTURE ALBUMS:
2009, 2008, 2006, 2005 Participating Organizations

STORY HIGHLIGHTS:
2009, 2008

Link for this invitation
http://911unitydayusa.blogspot.com/2010/07/unity-day-usa-6th-annual-event.html

Thank you.

Mike Ghouse
(214) 325-1916

Who is attending?

The general public including you.

The people representing different faiths on the stage... and civic leadership
Are you in the group? If not, please join.

We are looking for confirmations, if you wish to represent the non-assigned group, please let us know and we are still waiting for confirmations ...

#####

Agnostics
Ahmadiyya - confirmed
Atheism - confirmed
Bahai - confirmed
Baptist
Bohra - confirmed
Buddhists - confirmed
Catholic
Choctaw - confirmed
Christian - confirmed
Church of God
Confucius - confirmed
Dao
Earth Traditions - confirmed
Episcopal
Evangelicals - confirmed
Greek Orthodox
Hare Krishna - confirmed
Hinduism - confirmed
Hopi
Ismaili - confirmed
Jainism
Jehovah's witness
Judaism - confirmed
Lutheran
Maya
Methodist - confirmed
Mormon
New Thought
Oloriyo
Pagan - Confirmed
Presbyterian - confirmed
Protestant - confirmed
Scientology
Shia
Shinto
Sikh
Spiritualists - confirmed
Sufi
Sunni - confirmed
Toltec
Unification Church - confirmed
Unity - confirmed
Unitarian Universalists
Urantia - confirmed
Vendantic Hinduism - confirmed
Warith Deen Muhammad - confirmed
Wicca
Zoroastrian - confirmed

No matter what sub-identity we prefix to it, we are all Americans. I request each one of you to be who you are, and be proud of it, it is what you believe and it works for you.

What does it take to build orderly societies?

What does it take for you, me and others to feel safe and live in peace?

We have to consciously create institutions and systems that will become a catalyst to a positive change and bring about cohesive functioning of the society. It is our duty to keep law and order and faithfully guard the safety of every citizen. As an individual, I cannot be safe if the people around me aren’t, it is in my interest to seek peace for all of us.

We have a monumental task to repair the World, and we will do our part in working towards a World of co-existence, one person at a time. We are committed, and now join us with the blessings of the all pervasive, omnicient energy that some call it cosmic energy, some don't believe in the existence of such a being and many call him God in so many ways...

Civic Leaders from several cities including Mayors, fire and police chiefs

THE PROGRAM
Sunday, September 12, 2010 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

National Anthem
Pledge of Allegiance
Purpose of Unity day
Acknowledgment
Civic Leadership
Faith Leadership
Recognitions
Peace Pledge
Refreshments

PROGRAM FUNDED BY

Mr. Mansoor Shah
Mr. Farooq Hemani
Mr. Amir Ali Rupani
Dr. Basheer Ahmed

.... what about you?

Unity Day USA, 6th Annual event

2010-02-24T18:29:00.000-08:00

You are invited to the;
6th ANNUAL UNITY DAY USA

Sunday, September 12, 2010 @ 5:30 PM

We are pleased to invite you to the 6th annual Unity Day USA, a purposeful event to celebrate the American Unity. Unity Day USA was born at the heels of the 9/11 tragedy, to stand up for the safety, security and cohesiveness of America.

On this Unity Day USA, we the people of the United States of America of every faith, race, ethnicity, culture and background will gather to express our commitment to co-existence, Unity, safety, prosperity and well being of our nation.

Who: Your family and friends. Leaders from civic, fire, police, education and public life.

Ticket: Complimentary, courtesy of the sponsors

It is a day to experience a sense of unity with fellow Americans, as we drop all our identities for the two hours we are together and be with each other as Americans. If we shy away from consciously shaping our future, we may drift into the abyss of incoherence. We may be fighting against deeply entrenched positions rather than finding solutions to the common issues; peace, security and prosperity of fellow Americans.

As Americans we uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in our constitution. Our faiths reinforce the idea of One Nation with liberty and justice for all.

REQUESTED ACTION:

Please visit http://www.unitydayusa.com/ for details including pictures from last five years.

Please mark your calendar for Sunday, September 12, 2010 between 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM .
Please send a confirmation of your intent to attend with names to: confirmattendance@gmail.com.

You will be reminded with details of the place. If you wish your organization (any except business) to be listed as participating organization, please send the name and URL of your organizations to: unitydayusa@gmail.com .

PICTURE ALBUMS: 2009, 2008, 2006, 2005 Participating Organizations
STORY HIGHLIGHTS: 2009, 2008Thank you.

Mike Ghouse
Unity Day USA
(214) 325-1916

HOME

2009-08-31T09:07:00.000-07:00

5th ANNUAL UNITY DAY USA

5th Annual Unity day USA, Sunday, September 6, 2009
Picture Album : http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikeghouse/sets/72157624431182967/

Unity Day USA was born at the heels of the 9/11 tragedy, to express that each one of the 301 Million of us Americans are united together to stand up for the safety, security, peace and cohesiveness of America.

We are a part of the mosaic and each one of us needs to remain connected with the other to make us one people and one nation under God’s protection. It is an initiative of American Muslims to add their positive contribution to America in uniting the people on the day of disharmony.

On that tragic day, September 11, 2001, I was on the Radio addressing the public in Dallas and making sense out of the chaos that happened that day. I was on air from 10Am through 5:00 PM straight;

• My first goal was to bring a sense of clarity and direction to the public. Then pave the way for a sense of purpose, a sense of what needs to be done. I repeated the same thing on its anniversary.
• By the end of the day a clear sense of direction was developed followed by: I) Multi-faith prayers ii) blood donation ii) donation of funds. The Blood centers had to close down due to the people’s overwhelming response.

• The fog was clearing up – I) Osama bin Laden was the bad guy ii) Muslims had nothing to do with Osama iii) Declaration of war against Osama.

Spiritual leaders from all faiths joined the talk show; Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islam, Jain, Jewish, Sikh and Zoroastrian. Area City Mayors, community and business leaders joined in an effort to bring a sense of direction.

For the First four years I did the radio show talking about the effect of 9/11 on society, economy and refreshing and galvanizing the interfaith movement. On the 5th anniversary this Unity Day was born. It is my love for my country to make this day a national day, an initiative of Muslims.
To make our homeland a safe, secure, peaceful and a prosperous place we have to relentlessly pursue it. The work has to be done by you and I, and not look for some one else to do this for us; the American way. One of the many things we can do is to have a face to face with people of different faiths, ethnicities, races and other uniqueness', let’s build a threshold of acceptance for others and start dropping our phobias.

We the people of the United States of America of every faith, race, ethnicity, culture and background are here today, to express our desire to co-exist in peace, and pray for the unity, safety and well being of our nation.

The Civic Leaders included Mayors of Irving, Carrollton, Richardson, Grand Prairie and council members from many cities participated. The fire and police Chiefs, the County chief among others. Each one of the Mayors spoke for a brief 3 minutes about the need to co-exist.

Faith Leadership - Each faith tradition shared a line of wisdom from their tradition. Unity Day USA is about re-affirming our faith in the goodness in humans, and the longing for harmony and co-existence. Faiths included Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Earth Based Tradition, Hindu, Muslim, Jain, Jewish, Sikh, Wicca and Zoroastrian faiths.

The purpose of Unity day is bring together Americans of all hues and rededicated our pledge for the peace, prosperity and unity of our nation.

Recognitions - Several members of the community were recognized for their contributions in making this world a better place.

The Audience participated with joy, about 35 of them got on the stage in groups of three, and each group read the wisdom of religions mentioned above, written in 100 words.

PLEDGE OF PEACE

I will speak up when there is injustice.
I will speak up when truth is not spoken.
I will do my best to make my words and my actions to mitigate conflicts.
I will do my best to do my share in nurturing goodwill for the benefit of all.
I will do my share of peace work, without looking for others to do their share.
I will do my best to accept and respect the God given uniqueness of each individual.
I will do my best to live and let others live their way.

Thank you.

I am committed to Unity day USA.
Mike Ghouse
http://www.mikeghouse.net/

WHEN: 5:00 PM, Sunday, September 6, 2009
WHERE: Unity Church of Dallas, 6525 Forest Lane,Dallas Texas. 75230.
Click the items below for details

Thank you

Program Outline

2009-08-31T08:55:00.000-07:00

.
The program is set and is tightly scheduled. The event is an expression of solidarity by merely being there with face to face with people of different faiths, ethnicities, races and other uniqueness’s.

PROGRAM OUTLINE

5:00 Meet and Greet
5:35 Program Starts
7:35 Program Ends
7:45 Refreshments/Iftaar

PROGRAM

National Anthem
Pledge of Allegiance
Unity Choir
Civic Leaders, Mayors, Fire and Police Chiefs will share a moment
Meditation
Wisdom of Religion – leaders will share a verse (wisdom) each
Purpose Statement
Audience Greeting
Audience Participation
Pledge of Peace

Thank you.

Mike Ghouse

What we need from you

2009-08-31T08:47:00.000-07:00

Three things:

1. Unity Day, what is it? :: Write a note in 100 words or less, the need for all of us Americans to remain United or what does one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all. The selected item will be read by either you or one of us. Check the following link for references: http://www.foundationforpluralism.com/Images_UnityDay/UnityDay_Past_Comments.asp

2. Essence of your faith :: Write in 100 words or less, a summary of what your faith is all about, so if a person who does not know any thing about your faith, can read and understand it.

3. One line verse :: Send a one line verse from your scripture that guides humanity to co-exist. Please quote name of the book, verse # or page #.

You can write all that in the comments section below
Thank you.

Mike Ghouse
Chair, Unity Day USA

#

5th Annual Unity Day USA

2009-08-17T05:37:00.000-07:00

http://911unitydayusa.blogspot.com/2009/08/5th-annual-unity-day-usa.html

NOTES & PICTURES

Our 2009 theme continues to be "One Nation under God". Our religious leaders will seek guidance and wisdom from their respective faiths and our Civil servants and community leaders will echo the same sentiment and suggest ways in which we as individuals can work toward creating and sustaining cohesive and thriving local communities.

CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO GET LARGER VERSION. NOTE ABOUT THE IMAGE : (39 Members from the audience were asked to step up on the podium forming 13 groups of 3 each, each individual was asked to dare accept the randomly assigned faith, and then read one line from the assigned scripture, the participants had no idea what is coming up, but they sure enjoyed reading scriptures from the assigned faith and loved it.. for example, each one of the 39 individuals were given to read scriptures from a faith other than their own, and the selection was random. They all realized the the wisdom of each faith was beautiful - See all the pics in the left panel, again clicking on the image enlarges the picture)

Event : 5th Annual Unity Day USA
Date : 5:00 PM, Sunday, September 6, 2009
Place : Unity Church of Dallas,
Add : 6525 Forest Lane, Dallas, Texas 75230
Map : Click here for map
Call : Mike Ghouse (214) 325-1916
email : UnitydayUSA@gmail.com
web : http://www.unitydayusa.com/
rsvp : confirmattendance@gmail.com

Our 2009 theme continues to be "One Nation under God". Our religious leaders will seek guidance and wisdom from their respective faiths and our Civil servants and community leaders will echo the same sentiment and suggest ways in which we as individuals can work toward creating and sustaining cohesive and thriving local communities.

Mike Ghouse, President of the organizations announced. “This is an annual event for all Americans to come together and look to each other as American and nothing but American. We will rededicate our pledge to the safety and security of our nation”.

The American Muslims have taken this initiative to remember one of the greatest tragedies in the history of our nation by bringing about a positive change to the 9/11 event. We are committed to make this day, the Sunday before 9/11, a day of Unity of Americans to pledge to the peace, unity and prosperity of our nation and the humanity.

As Americans we uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in our constitution. All our faiths reinforce the creed of "One Nation under God, with liberty and justice for all."

A. 90 Organizations participated
B. News Media
C. Religious Leaders Participated
D. Mayors & Civic Leaders
E. Public Comments
F. Power Point Presentation
G. 2005 Album
H. 2006 Album
I. 2008 Album

God Bless America

Information for the previous years
http://911unitydayusa.blogspot.com/2009/07/v-annual-unity-day-usa.html

#

Funds Accounting

2009-08-17T05:22:00.001-07:00

.
We are pleased to list the organizations and individuals who have committed to fund the 5th Annual Unity Day USA. We invite donors in multiples of $100.00; and sponsorships in multiples of $500.00 . An accounting of the funds will be updated frequently on this site, every dollar received and paid will be listed here.

I. Organizational Sponsorships

The following organizations have funded the event (more to be added), we appreciate their belief in "unity of mankind".

Center for Spiritual Living $ 1,000.00
Universal Peace Federation $ 200.00
Family Federation for World Peace $ 300.00
Faith Club of Richardson $ 100.00

II. Individual Donors

The individuals listed below see the need for humanity to co-exist and have voluntarily send their checks (All names will added upon receipt of the funds). A few want to remain anonymous and we honor them by their initials. We believe transparency is important and hence we will list all receipts and payements on this web.

FWH $ 700.00
Mahendra Naik $ 100.00
Shahnaz & Rafi Farukhi $100.00
Bonnie Kaplan $ 100.00
Amy Martin (Earth Rhythms) $50.00

III. Refreshments (Iftaar) Sponsorship:

Refreshements and Iftaar (breaking of fast for Muslims during Ramadan) arrangements are made by a donor and will be served at about 7:49 PM

Please mail the check to
Foundation for Pluralism,
2665 Villa Creek Dr, Suite 206
Dallas, TX 75234

IV. Payments

Unity Church Facility $600.00
A & V and other Services at Unity $300.00
Posters and Fliers $55.00
Photo & Video $500.00

It is an iniative of the American Muslims and the Foundation for Pluralism. You are welcome to share your views at the bottom comment box.
#

Volunteers for Unityday USA 2009

2009-08-17T05:12:00.000-07:00

5th Annual Unity Day USA
5:00 PM on Sunday, September 6, 2009

We are pleased to announce the names of the following volunteers A list of things to do is appended below;

RESPONSIBILIITES

Registration: Team to register attendees - Rita Clarke
Ushers: Seating the public in the Sanctuary - Sabreena Hakeemy
Hospitality: Receiving & Seating dignitaries - Casey Ohanja
Stage Manager: Responsible for stage seating, audio, video, screens, microphones - Bernie Mayoff
Video & Photo: Managing the photo & Videographer - Joshua Frenk
Valet parking coordination for dignitaries - Hero Hernandez
Refreshements: Halal/Kosher - AE
Ramadan Muslims Prayers : Adil Khan
Booklet Production - Mike Ghouse
Listing Organizations - Todd Collier
Volunteers f/u- Latha Nehru
Media - Leonard Ellis
Website - Mike Ghouse

VOLUNTEERS

The following volunteers have taken up the responsibility to bring at least ten individuals to the event and perhaps invite twenty five people they know. I Request each one of you to follow up with them and bring a list to Registration desk to check off when they walk in - please ask them ask for your name, as they would be listed as your guests. Thank you.

Akbar Poonja
Alan Keith
Bishop Larry McGriff
Bishop Mark Hernandez
Casey Ohanja
Dishad Deyani
Donna Anderson Collin
Dr. Karen Hollie
Esther Vasquez
Harbans & Amrit Lal
Isabell Norikov & Ashraf Sabry
Jeanette Walker
Jonathan Halsey
Joshua Frenk
Len & Janet Ellis
Lubna Ahmed
Maliha Durrani
Mariam Mahmood
Mary Ann Thompson-Frenk
Marylou Ghyst
Mazuk & Alexis Jaami
Nisaa Muhammad
Rizwan Sheikh
Steve Kille
Suleman Hemani
Todd Collier
Umer Shaikh
Vatsa & Shobha Ramanathan

If you wish to volunteer, please send the email to: MikeGhouse@aol.com - in the subject line, please write "Volunteer for Unity Day" - Thanks

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

First, download the flier at this site, first item on the top left or and then you can forward the link, or simply copy the jpf file and paste it in the email and forward it.

Invite your friends, please reach out and invite people from every race, faith and ethnicity.
Invite organizations to participate - No money is required
Invite Mayors, Council persons, Fire and Police Chiefs and other civic organizations
Invite leaders from religion and education services
Invite Corporate leaders
Be a Volunteer to do different Chores
If you, your friends or friend wish to donate, please do it in multiples of $100.00
If you have a sponsor, they can do it in multiples of $500.00
We need a confirmation of attendance, please email to confirmattendance@gmail.com

Our Mission is to encourage individuals to develop an open mind and an open heart toward their follow beings. If we can learn to accept and respect the God given uniqueness of each one of the 7 billion of us, then conflicts fade and solutions emerge. We believe that knowledge leads to understanding and understanding to acceptance and appreciation of a different point of view.

Foundation for Pluralism,
Studies in Religious Pluralism & Pluralistic Societies
Workshops Seminars Education News Letters
2665 Villa Creek Dr, Suite 206,
Dallas, TX 75234 (214) 325-1916

Please send the information to UnitydayUSA@gmail.com
I am looking for a few good volunteers to invite every possible organization to the event.

God Bless America

Mike Ghouse, Chair
Unity Day USA
(214) 325-1916
#

Participating Organizations

2009-08-17T05:07:00.000-07:00

An intiative of American Muslims and the Foundation for Pluralism;

Foundation for Pluralism - http://www.foundationforpluralism.com/
World Muslim Congress - http://www.worldmuslimcongress.com/

The following organizations are participating in the 5th Annual Unity Day USA event.

Hosting/Sponsoring Organizations

Center for Spiritual Living -
Family Federation for World Peace - http://www.familyfed.org/
Universal Peace Federation - http://upf.org/
Memnosyne Foundation - http://www.memnosynefoundation.org/
Dallas Peace Center - http://www.dallaspeacecenter.org/
Unity Church of Dallas - www.unitydallas.org/
Institutue of Islamic Learning in Metroplex - www.iilm.org

Participating Organizations

Please send the name and website address of your organization, we do request at least one representative of your organization attend the event. We have had participation from 90 organizations and we hope to get reconfirmation from each one of them in the next few weeks.

Arlington Peace & Justice Center - www.ArlingtonPeace.org
Non-Violent Communication Center - www.nvc-dfw.org
Earth Rhythms - http://www.earthrhythms.org/
Moonlady News - www.moonlady.com
The Lifeway Church
The Church of Living God
United Nations Association of Dallas
United Nations Association of Texas
Muslim Community Center for Human Services - http://www.mcc-hs.org/alshifa.html
American Clergy Association
Ismaili Muslim Community of Dallas - http://www.akdn.org/ & http://www.theismaili.org/
DFW Muslims - Face book group
Helping Hands Inc - http://www.hhcharity.org/
Sikh Study Circle DFW - http://www.Sikhstudy.com
Sikh Temple of North Texas - http://www.sikhtempledallas.org
Academy of Guru Granth Studies
The Global Peace Project - www.TheGlobalpeaceproject.com
Awakening Heart Community of Mindful Living http://www.awakeningheart.org/
Equality March Texas - Facebook group
List Your Non-Profit Organization - You can Post the name and website address of your organization in the comment section below - Thank you.

God Bless America
One Nation and One People with Liberty and Justice for all.

Mike Ghouse, Chair
http://www.unitydayusa.com/
#

V Annual Unity Day USA

2009-07-14T18:17:00.000-07:00

Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas :

The Foundation for Pluralism and the World Muslim Congress have announced the 5th annual Unity Day USA, a 9/11 Memorial event to be held on Sunday, September 6, 2009 in Dallas, Texas.

Event: 5th Annual Unity Day USA
Date: 5:00 PM, Sunday, September 6, 2009
Place: Unity Church of Dallas,
Address: 6525 Forest Lane, Dallas, Texas 75230
Map: Click here for map
Contact: Mike Ghouse (214) 325-1916
email: UnitydayUSA@gmail.com
website: http://www.unitydayusa.com/
rsvp: confirmattendance@gmail.com

On this 5th Annual Unity Day USA, we, the people of the United States of America of every faith, race, ethnicity, culture and background will gather to express our desire to co-exist in peace, and pray for the unity and wellbeing of humanity.

Over the years, Americans of North Texas have demonstrated remarkable unity, coming together as denominations, as well as with other theists and atheists. Every faith (or no faith) and denomination is expected to be represented in the event.

Our 2009 theme continues to be "One Nation under God". Our religious leaders will seek guidance and wisdom from their respective faiths and our Civil servants and community leaders will echo the same sentiment and suggest ways in which we as individuals can work toward creating and sustaining cohesive and thriving local communities.

Mike Ghouse, President of the organizations announced. “This is an annual event for all Americans to come together and look to each other as American and nothing but American. We will rededicate our pledge to the safety and security of our nation”.

The American Muslims have taken the initiative to remember one of the greatest tragedies in the history of our nation by bringing about a positive change to the 9/11 event. We are committed to make this day, the Sunday before 9/11, a day of Unity of Americans to pledge to the peace, unity and prosperity of our nation and the humanity.

As Americans we uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in our constitution. All our faiths reinforce the creed of "One Nation under God, with liberty and justice for all." As Muslims we take this duty seriously, it is our nation and our home.

If you wish to volunteer and or sponsor in multiples of $100, $500.00 as a Gold Sponsor or be the exclusive Grand Sponsor for $3000.00, please do so.

God Bless America

Mike Ghouse
Chair, Unity Day USA,
Information for the previous years
http://911unitydayusa.blogspot.com/2009/07/v-annual-unity-day-usa.html

MORE INFORMATION
A. 90 Organizations participated
B. News Media
C. Religious Leaders Participated
D. Mayors & Civic Leaders
E. Public Comments
F. Power Point Presentation
G. 2005 Album
H. 2006 Album

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

A. Invite organizations to participate - No money is required but at least one person representing the organization must be present. Information will be included in all the publicity material.

B. Invite Mayors, Council persons, Fire and Police Chiefs and other civic organizations

C. Invite Corporate leaders

D. Be a Volunteer to do different Chores - Meeting at my home at 1636 Coyote Ridge, Carrollton - 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM - You are welcome to bring a snack dish to the meeting, please call me in advance.

E. All will be listed in a booklet to be issued on the day - as we have done in the last four years

F. If you, your friends or people who you know wish to sponsor the event. The budget for the event is set at $3,000.00 and we can take any amount in the multiples of $100.00 and each one will be listed in the booklet and on the websites with pictures and videos.

If your organization wishes to sponsor, volunteer, or simply want to list as a supporter of the event, we welcome you to share the information in the following manner: ( about 90 organizations have participated in the past and we hope to sign them up again this year.

Our Mission is to encourage individuals to develop an open mind and an open heart toward their follow beings. If we can learn to accept and respect the God given uniqueness of each one of the 7 billion of us, then conflicts fade and solutions emerge. We believe that knowledge leads to understanding and understanding to acceptance and appreciation of a different point of view.

Workshops Seminars Education News Letters
Foundation for Pluralism, Studies in Religious Pluralism & Pluralistic Societies
2665 Villa Creek Dr, Suite 206,
Dallas, TX 75234 (214) 325-1916

Please send the information to UnitydayUSA@gmail.com

I am looking for a few good volunteers to invite every possible organization to the event.

God Bless America

Mike Ghouse
Chair, Unity Day USA,
(214) 325-1916

Unity Day USA - Sunday, September 11, 2008

2008-08-17T08:30:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE

Dallas, Texas : Sunday, August 16, 2008
Media Contact: Mike Ghouse (214) 325-1916
email: MikeGhouse@aol.com
Unity Day USA 2007 Summary

4th Annual Unity Day USA
A 9/11 Commemoration
Sunday, September 7, 2008 :: 4:30 PM- 7:00 PM
Crowne Plaza Hotel, 14315 Midway Road, Addison, TX 75001
Map Directions

Dallas, Texas : The Foundation for Pluralism and the World Muslim Congress have announced the 4th annual 911 Memorial event to be held on Sunday, September 7, 2007 in Addison, Texas. Mike Ghouse, President of the organizations announced. “This is an annual event for all Americans to come together to rededicate our pledge to the safety and security of our nation”.
On this Unity Day USA, we, the people of the United States of America; of every faith, race, ethnicity, culture and background will gather to pray for peace, unity and security of our nation and the world.
..
Our 2008 theme is "One Nation under God". Our religious leaders will seek guidance and wisdom from their respective faiths and our Civil servants and community leaders will echo the same sentiment and suggest ways in which we as individuals can work toward creating and sustaining cohesive and thriving local communities.
.
The American Muslims have taken the initiative to remember one of the greatest tragedies in the history of our nation by bringing about a positive change to the 9/11 event. We wish to honor the lives of thousands of fellow Americans on that day and we have committed to make this day, the Sunday before 9/11, a day of Unity of Americans to pledge to the peace, unity and prosperity of our nation.

Unity Day USA is to be held on Sunday before September 11 of each year, as was suggested by Congressman Pete Sessions, Kenny Marchant and Ralph Hall in a luncheon meeting in Dallas. Congressman Sessions’ office is considering to proclaim the Unity Day USA as National Day along with Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi who has shown the same interest.

As Americans we uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in our constitution. All our faiths reinforce the creed of "One Nation under God, with liberty and justice for all."

If you wish to volunteer and or sponsor the event, please send the information to info@foundationforpluralism.com.

Your comments at click here and the Summary for 2007.

Mike Ghouse

God Bless America
Mike Ghouse
Chair, Unity Day USA,
Information for the previous years;

Power Point Presentation: http://www.foundationforpluralism.com/Images_UnityDay/UnityDayUSA_PluralismWebsite.pps
90 Organizations Participated - http://www.foundationforpluralism.com/Images_UnityDay/UnityDay_PastOrganizations.asp

Religious leaders who participated - http://www.foundationforpluralism.com/Images_UnityDay/UnityDay_Past_SpiritualLeaders.asp

Mayors & Civic Leaders
http://www.foundationforpluralism.com/Images_UnityDay/UnityDay_Past_HonoredGuests.asp

Comments: http://www.foundationforpluralism.com/Images_UnityDay/UnityDay_Past_Comments.asp

News Media: http://www.foundationforpluralism.com/Images_UnityDay/UnityDay_Past_Press.asp

Pluralism Prayers

Album for 2005 - http://picasaweb.google.com/MikeGhouse/UnityDayUSA_2005
Album for 2006 - http://picasaweb.google.com/MikeGhouse/UnityDayUSA2006_Album02

Our Mission is to encourage individuals to develop an open mind and an open heart toward their follow beings. If we can learn to accept and respect the God given uniqueness of each one of the 7 billion of us, then conflicts fade and solutions emerge. We believe that knowledge leads to understanding and understanding to acceptance and appreciation of a different point of view.

Workshops Seminars Education News Letters
Foundation for Pluralism, Studies in Religious Pluralism & Pluralistic Societies
2665 Villa Creek Dr, Suite 206,
Dallas, TX 75234 (214) 325-1916

September 11 2007

2008-04-13T14:35:00.000-07:00

3rd Annual Unity Day USA Event

Photo Albums, video links, comments and notes listed below

Sunday, Spetember 9, 2007
Crowne Plaza Hotel
14315 Midway Road, Addison, TX 75001

PRESS RELEASE

Honoring the sacrifice of the 911 Heroes

Dallas, Texas : July 31, 2007. The Foundation for Pluralism and the World Muslim Congress have announced the 3rd annual 911 Memorial event to be held on Sunday, September 9, 2007 at Crowne Plaza Hotel at 14315 Midway Road in Addison, a suburb of Dallas, Texas. Mike Ghouse, President of the organizations announced. “This event is under planning stages in 10 Cities around the nation”.

Date & Time: Sunday, September 9, 2007 4:15 to 7:00 P
Venue: Crowne Plaza Hotel, 14315 Midway Road, Addison, TX 75001

On this Unity Day USA, we, the people of the United States of America; of every faith, race, ethnicity, culture and background, gather to pray for peace, unity and security of our nation and the world.

Our 2007 theme is One Nation under God. Our religious prayer leaders will seek guidance and wisdom from their respective faiths. Our Civil servants and community leaders will echo the same sentiment and suggest ways in which we as individuals can work toward cohesive and thriving local communities.

The American Muslims, the World Muslim Congress and the Foundation for Pluralism have taken the initiative to remember one of the greatest tragedies in the history of our nation by bringing about a positive change to the 911 event. We wish to honor the lives of thousands of fellow Americans on that day and we have committed to make this day, the Sunday before 911, a day of Unity of Americans to pledge to the peace, unity and prosperity of our nation

Unity Day USA is to be held on Sunday before September 11 of each year, as was suggested by Congressman Pete Sessions, Kenny Marchant and Ralph Hall in a luncheon meeting in Dallas. Congressman Sessions’ office is planning to get Unity Day USA proclaimed as National Day along with Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi who has shown the same interest.

As Americans we uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in our constitution. All our faiths reinforce the creed of "One Nation under God, with liberty and justice for all."
Mike Ghouse

Chairperson, Unity Day USA,
(214) 325-1916
http://www.foundationforpluralism.com/
http://www.worldmuslimcongress.com/

More information available at the following links:
Power Point Presentation: http://www.foundationforpluralism.com/Images_UnityDay/UnityDayUSA_PluralismWebsite.pps

90 Organizations Participated - http://www.foundationforpluralism.com/Images_UnityDay/UnityDay_PastOrganizations.asp

Religious leaders who participated - http://www.foundationforpluralism.com/Images_UnityDay/UnityDay_Past_SpiritualLeaders.asp

Civic Leaders -
http://www.foundationforpluralism.com/Images_UnityDay/UnityDay_Past_HonoredGuests.asp

Comments: http://www.foundationforpluralism.com/Images_UnityDay/UnityDay_Past_Comments.asp

News Media: http://www.foundationforpluralism.com/Images_UnityDay/UnityDay_Past_Press.asp

Album for 2005 - http://picasaweb.google.com/MikeGhouse/UnityDayUSA_2005
Album for 2006 - http://picasaweb.google.com/MikeGhouse/UnityDayUSA2006_Album02

Key Note Speakers: Daisy Khan, a national interfaith leader confirmed.

Key Note speakers: Karen Hughes, undersecretary of State, yet to be confirmed.

Dear God, with your blessings, we proceed with the program.
God bless the USA

Mike Ghouse (214) 325-1916
Email: mailto:MikeGhouse@gmail.com
Website: http://www.foundationforpluralism.com/
We are looking for volunteers, please feel free to contact:
2007 PROGRAM PLANNING

This years' theme would be One Nation - Information for the items below will be updated....
American National Anthem
Pledge of Allegiance
Statement of Purpose
Acknowledgement of Sponsors
Acknowledgment of Dignitaries
Civic Leaders
Spiritual Leaders
Recognitions
Conclusion
Refreshments

Key Note Speakers:
Daisy Khan, a national interfaith leader.

Civic Leadership: (List: 2005 & 2006)
We plan to invite guests from across America to share their vision of One Nation. Senators, Congressman (both National and State) will be invited along with Mayors, Council persons, Commissioners and others

Spiritual Leadership: (List: 2005 & 2006)
We are inviting a representative leader for each faith including Atheists, Wicca and the Native American groups. All denominations within each faith will come together and say their prayers. We hope to represent every American in the prayers.

Participating Organizations: (List: 2005 & 2006)
We have had support from nearly 90 organizations in the past two years, and we hope to continue to gain their support for the event. All it takes for the name of your organization to be included is, to bring 5 members of your organization to the event.

Sponsors:(2005 & 2006)
We are seeking sponsors and underwriters for the event. The budget is small, but the purpose is great!

Services:
Photography: Bombay Photography - Aftab Lakhani
Videography: Bombay Photography - Aftab Lakhani
Decorators:
Volunteers:
Refreshments:

Community Leadership:
Our goal is to have a representation of every race, ethnicity and nationality. No American resident will be left behind. Our volunteers will aspire to reach every one.
Comments from the community: (2005 & 2006)
A variety of comments have been received and placed together, you are welcome to share yours.
Press: (2005 & 2006)
We are grateful for the support by Dallas Morning News, Plano Star Couriers, Frisco Paper, WBAP 820, KRLD 1080, AM1150, CBS TV 11, NBC TV 5, Telemundo 27 and other News and community outlets.

http://cbs11tv.com/topstories/local_story_253232024.html
Photographs: Can be viewed as slide show.
http://picasaweb.google.com/MikeGhouse/UnityDayUSA2006_Album02
http://picasaweb.google.com/MikeGhouse/UnityDayUSA_2005

September 11 2006

2008-04-13T14:34:00.000-07:00

2nd Annual Unity Day USA
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Double Tree Hotel
Midway at LBJ

http://picasaweb.google.com/MikeGhouse/UnityDayUSA2006_Album02

http://cbs11tv.com/topstories/local_story_253232024.html

September 11 2005

2008-04-13T14:29:00.000-07:00

The First Unity day USA held at Embassy Suites Hotel in Frisco.
650 People attended the event.

Video, press Release and pictures to be uploaded

Album for 2005 - http://picasaweb.google.com/MikeGhouse/UnityDayUSA_2005

Mike

September 11 2004

2008-04-13T14:28:00.000-07:00

Another Day on Radio

September 11 2003

2008-04-13T14:26:00.000-07:00

Another day on Radio
I have committed to do something about it...

Mike Ghouse

September 11 2002

2008-04-13T14:24:00.000-07:00

I was on the radio again for 4 hours, brought together expers from around the world to share with our audiencea about the impact of 9/11.

I will have to pull the information together and post it.

Mike

September 11 2001

2008-04-13T14:22:00.000-07:00

September 11, 2001

I was no Radio from about 10AM to 3 PM on AM Radio 1150
I will copy the details later.

Mike

911UnitydayUSA

2008-04-13T14:14:00.000-07:00

It is all about 9/11 and my committment to turn this tragic day into a Unity Day USA

SEPTEMBER 11 - UnityDayUSA

Mike has made a commitment to dedicate his day very year to 911 and work on learning and sharing it's impact on the world from a moral, religious, economic and social points of view.

September 11, 2005 - Creation of Unity Day USA - 14 faith representation, 650+ individuals, 6 Mayors, FBI and DOJ attended the event. The civic Officials proclaimed it as UnityDayUSA

September 11, 2004 - 4 Hours of Radio Talk Show - I do plan to bring the experts to share the impact of this event on elections, world relations and much more.

September 11, 2003 - 4 Hours of Radio Talk Show - Bring out the experts in to share the impact of the this event on Politics, history, world relations, multi-faith relations and the economy.

September 11, 2002 - 8 Hours of Radio Talk Show - Bring the experts from all over the United States to talk about the impact the event had in every sphere of life.

September 11, 2001 - 8 Hours of Radio

Played leadership role in Dallas on the day of September 1. 2001

Two competing radio stations invited me to man the radio stations, which were simulcasted from 10:30 AM thru 5:00 PM.

My first goal was to bring a sense of clarity and direction to the public. Then pave the way for a sense of purpose, a sense of what needs to be done. I repeated the same thing on its anniversary.

By the end of the day a clear sense of direction was developed followed by : I) Multi-faith prayers ii) donate blood ii) donate money. The Blood centers had to close down due to the people’s overwhelming response.

The fog was clearing up – I) Osama bin Laden was the bad guy ii) Muslims had nothing to do with Osama iii) Declaration of war against Osama.

Spiritual leaders from all faiths joined the talk show ; Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islam, Jain, Jewish, Sikh and Zoroastrian. Area City Mayors, community and business leaders joined in an effort to bring a sense of direction.

UNITY DAY USA

8th Annual Unity Day USA

911 STORY & INTERFAITH MOMENTS

9/11 MEMORIAL UNITY DAY AT UNITY CHURCH

Do Jews, Christians and Muslims better understand each other since 9/11?

9/11 UNITY DAY IN DALLAS

9/11 Event in Dallas

UNITY DAY USA ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 11

Happy Independence day

Fox 4 News, North Texans react to Bin Ladens death

Muslims rejoice the end an evil era and an evil icon

Muslims sigh relief and rejoice the end of an evil man Bin Laden

Muslim Speaker Mike Ghouse

In defense of Islam, pursuing a civil dialogue

http://www.dallasnews.com/news/columnists/steve-blow/20100919-In-defense-of-Islam-pursuing-9397.ece Over and over you hear it said: If Muslims oppose terrorism, why don't they stand up and say it?

UNITY DAY USA 2011

Unity Day USA ceremony in Dallas

Unity Day USA - 6th Annual Event

Unity Day USA, 6th Annual event

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911UnitydayUSA

http://www.dallasnews.com/news/columnists/steve-blow/20100919-In-defense-of-Islam-pursuing-9397.ece
Over and over you hear it said: If Muslims oppose terrorism, why don't they stand up and say it?