SAMNET PROPOSAL 2021

SAMNET WOULD LIKE TO PROPOSE THE FORMATION OF AN ASSOCIATION FOR MUSLIM BROADCASTERS, JOURNALISTS, MEDIA, MARKETING, ADVOCACY AND PR PROFESSIONALS

WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THIS INCORPORATE MEMBERS FROM SOUTHERN AFRICA

The Proposal

The South African Muslim network would like to propose an Association of Muslims in Southern Africa involved in Media, Broadcasting, Journalism, Marketing and related fields. Our research shows that no such association exists at present and we believe this is necessary to form. Purpose outlined below.

The Benefits

Why Form an Association?  

• Networking and making connections benefit one and all in the media, journalism and related fields
• Connecting with Journalists in other areas across Southern Africa
• Content development, producing and not just reporting/consuming news
• Promotion of the industry and promoting interest in the industry
• Produce Accurate, True, Reliable, Credible and unbiased content to represent the current affairs in the Muslim world to dispel misconceptions and correct Misinformation spread by other media sources.
• Students can seek mentorship from Media experts, Marketing Professionals, Journalists and Political experts from this association
• Skills development
• Sharing ideas, discuss visions, career guidance, collaborations with experts in the same fields etc.
• Staying informed and updated on changes and issues in a variety of communities. Staying current on trends in the industry.
• Retired Journalists, media experts can share experiences, stories, provide guidance to upcoming journalists, impart wisdom and advice to attain success.
• Assessment of the image and representation of Muslims
• Exchange and sharing of resources and assistance

(To be discussed further)

Members

Who should join?

Individuals involved in the following fields:

• Media and marketing
• People involved in Public Relations and/or Advertising
• Print media
• Radio broadcasting
• Television broadcasting/production
• Journalists
• People Involved in Media Advocacy

…. and Related fields

How will it function?

This will be a Voluntary association and membership, funding, and administrative functions to be decided once a working team is established

Guidelines to consider when creating an Association

• The Association needs to have a Vision and Mission that is mutually shared by members
• In the beginning stages, the Association may need to offer incentives or opportunities to attract professionals and experts to join until growth is successful
• A Board of Members who are successful in their fields to lead the joining members.
• A diverse culture needs to be established to accommodate a diversity of people involved in the association, making all feel welcome and comfortable.
• Membership and financial running costs? Would there be a member ship fees? Funding.

Name (Suggestions)

1. Southern African Association of ….
2. SA Muslim Media, Marketing and Journalism Association
3. Association of Muslim Media, Marketing and Journalism in Southern Africa

 (Open to more Suggestions/ideas)

About us summary (Example)

This Association is a professional network for journalists, media professionals, PR professionals, media advocates, political professionals and members involved in related fields in South Africa.

The Association provides a forum for members to network, stay up-to-date with latest issues in the Muslim Community, be involved in effective Media Advocacy and social media activism as well as inspire future generations to become selflessly involved in the community.

Aims, Objectives and Campaigns suggestions

• Creating a forum that facilitates contact between professionals and non-professionals sharing similar interests in the world of Media, Activism, Politics and other journalism related fields.
• Allowing members to network with each other and discuss and/or address issues locally and internationally.
• Provide truthful, accurate, reliable and unbiased coverage on news and current affairs
• Educating students, at high school and tertiary level, about Islamophobia, Injustice, Hate Crimes, Religious intolerance, inequality, inhumanity, immorality and unlawful practices.
• Strengthen the various affiliated professions
• Improve the accuracy, honesty, integrity, humanity, transparency and fairness in all forms of publications and posts shared with the public.
• Inspire, encourage and assist the youth to get involved in the Journalism, media advocacy, humanities, activism and/or political fields.
• Addressing glass ceiling/discrimination issues affecting members
• Aces funding for bursaries, research, post graduate studies
• Networking with international bodies

Governance and Administration

• Membership
• Articles of association
• Code of conduct
• Board/management team

To be discussed further…

Examples of other Associations

Association of Muslim Professionals (AMP) – India

This Association provides a platform for all Muslim professionals to share their skills, resources and knowledge to develop the community and empower the Muslims in India educationally, socially, politically and economically. They also empower the youth and assist those that are gifted but ignored or not given the opportunity to succeed.

What do they do?

They offer scholarships, training programmes, career counselling, skills developments programmes, relief and welfare activities and more.

Each member pays a membership fee and this money is used to fund the projects and to keep the Association running.

Association of European Journalists

This is an independent non-profit international association that has no ties with any political parties or unions. They function democratically with a General Assembly and Board.

The Association consists of Journalists all over Europe to create and promote European Harmony and defend Freedom of information and freedom of the press in Europe.

International Federation of Journalists

They promote and defend professional and ethical journalism in its role as a cornerstone of democracy and freedom, and be in the vanguard of creating a media culture that is ethically based, driven by the public interest and fit for the digital age.

They have created various campaigns and have a media center in which they produce newsletters, blogs and news covering international news and the work they do.

The IFJ policy is decided democratically at a Congress which meets every three years and work is carried out by the Secretariat under the direction of an elected Executive Committee.

Resources

• Social media accounts (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram)
• Official Website
• National, local and community print media and radio broadcasting
• Running a monthly or weekly newsletter
• Internet access for Webinars/online meetings

(To be discussed further)