SAMNET (and others) need the resources to change the Messaging & influencing the Rules

Giving for more than Relief
While we are all trying to bring lifesaving aid and relief to the people of Gaza, and the rebuilding cost will run into Billions, the global Ummah needs to invest in changing the way we deal with crisis.

For every 100 Dollars, Pounds, Rupees or Rand given in responding to crises in local and in international centres’ we need to give 1%+ towards proactive measures to work towards preventing future events.
Let’s Treat the Cause, Not the Symptoms

Relief alone is not the Answer
We are blessed with many Releif Organisations, local and global, who are exceptional in their ability to deliver services to those in need, be it to a Natural Disasters, Wars, Prejudice, Islamophobia, or Human Rights Abuses.

To effect real change we need to influence the Public, Media, Politics, and Policy, and this requires investment in “Soft Influence” that cannot be measured in food parcels, bricks or bandages.

1% (or maybe 2%+) for Change
We cannot do the same things, and expect a different result.

Alhumdolillah the Muslim community the world over has been most generous, taking our guidance from The Quran and Sunnah.

We are however very comfortable investing in “tangibles”, feed, clothe, build, treat. How long do we keep feeding, clothing, rebuilding and treating?
If 1%+ of those funds go to communication, lobbying, research, training media, political, social, environmental experts etc., we can turn the tide.

The Long Game
However this long game takes year, decades and generations.

For example, the South African Muslim Network’s (SAMNET) support for Journalism Students 10-15 years ago, means we now have professionals who are leading the media rooms and making sure The Truth Lives, even if it is among all the Propaganda!
It takes 10-20 years:
>Earn a Journalism Qualification (4yrs),
>Intern (1-2yrs),
>Build Skills and Experience (6-12 years),
… to then be appointed to a Senior Media Role at age 30’s or 40’s.

SAMNET’s “Soft Influence” investments for almost 20 years to:
>activate Muslims to Vote
>to expose non-Muslims to Muslim values and generosity
>to engage politicians
>to fight Islamophobia in Schools, Universities, Workplaces and Government
>to respond/speak out on proposed Legislation affecting Education, Security, Social Welfare, NGOs, and Health
>to educate the public and encourage participation in public discourse,
and other activities, to make a difference.

Change does not happen by Accident
We have achieved success, just not on the scale needed, and not always publicly.

It’s a collective and cumulative effort across society.
That South Africa led on the ICJ Genocide case is not an accident, but the efforts of various individuals and organizations concientising and influencing the broader Public, Media and Politics, over many decades.
It takes many, many raindrops to build a flood.

If we want to change the world, we need to supplement what we give to Relief with a little bit towards changing how it works.

1%+ Towards Influence
There are organizations across the world working tirelessly towards changing the socio-political direction for the better.

They need skilled individuals, resources, specialists and tools. They need an equal investment to Aid.

Calculate 1%+ of what you are giving in charity/aid and make a contribution to these organizations, be it annually or monthly.
For every:
$€R1000 – give $€R10
$€R10,000 – give $€R100
$€R100,000 – give $€R1,000
$€R1million, – give $€R10,000

We cannot keep rebuilding lives. Let’s work to stop them being broken!

This message is Shared by the South African Muslim Network (SAMNET) in support all organizations globally working towards influencing the socio-political system for better Human Rights, Safety, Peace, Governance and Living Conditions.

To contribute to SAMNET’s Projects and Operations
Account: SAMNET Operations Acc
Bank: Albaraka Bank
Account Number: 78600041926
Branch Code: 800000
Ref: MobileNumber- Name
email Proof of Payment: info@samnet.co.za

Media, Political Science, Communications Student Bursary Fund (Zakaat/Lillah)
Account: SAMNET Bursary Acc
Bank: Albaraka Bank
Account Number: 7860098088
Branch Code: 800000
Ref: MobileNum- Zak/Lil- Name
email Proof of Payment: info@samnet.co.za

For International Contributions email info@samnet.co.za for SWIFT codes.

Dr Faisal Suliman
South African Muslim Network (SAMNET)