Community Leadership Strategy Meeting

On December 21, community leaders representing major Muslim organizations across New York convened for a Community Leadership Strategy Meeting focused on reflection, coordination, and forward planning. The gathering brought together experienced institutional leaders alongside emerging voices to assess the current state of the Muslim community and identify practical paths toward greater unity and impact.

The meeting centered on an open and candid SWOT analysis examining the community’s collective strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Participants highlighted the depth of organized and disciplined manpower, strong masjid infrastructure, growing youth engagement, and an expanding ecosystem of social, civic, and advocacy institutions as key strengths. At the same time, leaders acknowledged internal challenges, including gaps in coordination, limited long-term strategic planning, disconnects between institutions and youth, and the need for stronger political and media engagement.

Discussions also focused on the broader environment in which the Muslim community operates. Attendees noted significant opportunities to mobilize the community’s size and diversity toward civic influence, coalition-building, and policy advocacy, particularly in an open and diverse city like New York. The presence of energized youth leadership and reverts eager to contribute was seen as a major opportunity for growth and renewal.

At the same time, participants addressed serious external threats, including rising Islamophobia, community fragmentation, and the risk of missed civic and political opportunities if coordination remains weak. Leaders emphasized the urgency of developing unified responses, strengthening accountability, and building sustainable structures that protect and advance community interests.

Reflecting on the discussion, Dr. Jahangir Kabir, Secretary of the Board, emphasized the importance of moving from analysis to action. “This meeting was not about pointing fingers or repeating familiar concerns,” he said. “It was about honesty, responsibility, and recognizing that the strength of our community lies in our ability to work together with clarity and purpose. If we align our leadership, institutions, and grassroots energy, we can address our challenges in a meaningful and lasting way.”

The meeting concluded with a shared understanding that progress will require intentional collaboration, clearer direction, and a commitment to leveraging the community’s collective strengths. Participants expressed a desire to move beyond isolated efforts toward a coordinated roadmap that aligns institutions, leadership, and grassroots energy.

The Community Leadership Strategy Meeting marked an important step toward renewed dialogue and collective action. Organizers and attendees alike emphasized that this conversation is only the beginning, and that continued engagement, trust-building, and follow-through will be essential to turning reflection into meaningful impact for the broader community.