Interview with Arizona Interfaith Movement from Phoenix, AZ
Lately, we from the Arizona Roofing Systems, a professional roofing company from Mesa, AZ, have been taking short interviews with local non-profit and non-governmental organizations to give us all an opportunity to get familiar with their existence and work. Every day, many local non-profits have been helping our community to grow and struggle with different kind of problems.
Today we spoke to Arizona Interfaith Movement, who says that their mission is to try to bring civility in dialogue among people of faith. So, keep reading and listen to their story!
Introduction
To begin with, we would like you to briefly tell us about your organization
We are a group of over 20 faith communities who have united under the common theme of the Golden Rule. This principle is found in most all our sacred writings and philosophies. Our mission is to build bridges of understanding, respect and support among diverse people of faith through education, dialogue and the implementation of the Golden Rule.
- What do you do exactly?
And what was the reason that encouraged you to start this organization?
Try to bring civility in dialogue among people of faith. We do this by providing an annual “Experience Interfaith” event which provides opportunity for all faiths to join in a civil discussion about what they believe. In addition we provide our local schools with the AGREE Program which teaches children the Golden Rule and gives illustrations of local Arizona people and other famous people who have exampled the Golden Rule in their lives. We also have a Golden Rule Banquet in April which honors people locally who demonstrate the Golden Rule in their lives.
We help cities to become Golden Rule Cities which influences how they treat their local citizens, employees and charts a course for them to be integrous in all their financial and judicial systems.
- What motivates you? Describe your mission passion
The great need for civility today in the political system, a right understanding of religious beliefs and the appalling incidents of hatred and violence against religious communities. We have discovered that much of the hatred and violence against religions today is due to a lack of a proper understanding of what each faith believes.
- Tell us about your goals
Our goal is to have a State wide Golden Rule Day where everyone is cognizant of trying to live by the Golden Rule on that day in order to bring awareness of how important it is to treat others with respect and dignity. We also wish to bring international guests to our Valley who have important messages for all of us regarding the needed respect for one another.
- What was the hardest/toughest moment you had to deal with?
Obstacles you faced when dealing with bureaucracy, permits, funding, etc. Something you would like to point out to anyone who might be starting their own organization.
Trying to get our State to pass unanimously to become a Golden Rule State. It did pass and we now have a Golden Rule license plate that reads, “Live the Golden Rule.” This helps us fund our AGREE program in the schools.
- What was the most fulfilling moment that happened to you?
Getting our license plate approved in 2005. This took a lot of effort and money. In order to have a license plate your organization has to put up $32,000. We didn’t have that kind of money in the early days but through the help of individuals, businesses who believed in us we were able to raise it and today we have over 15,000 plates distributed throughout the State.
- What separates you from the rest? Why you?
We are the largest Interfaith Organization in the United Sates and perhaps the world. At the Parliament of Religions in 2015 we made 7 presentations to the body of over 10,000 people from around the world.
- Do you have any upcoming events in the forthcoming months?
Our annual Golden rule Banquet is coming up on April 12, 2018 at the Mesa Convention Center.
- What is it that you love most about what you do?
Watching people catch the spirit of respect and support for people of different religious beliefs, ethnic background, education and economic status.
- What is the biggest challenge you’re faced with today?
Fund raising is always the biggest challenge for most non-profit organizations.
- Anything else you would like to add?
Thank you so much for the opportunity to be heard and recognized.
Contact: How can people reach out to you?
Your organization’s name, phone, address, e-mail and links to your website and social media
Rev. Larry Fultz
2406 S. 24th St. Suite E-214
Phoenix, AZ 85034
602-734-5666
[email protected]
Thank you for separating your time from the top local roofer in Mesa, Arizona, Arizona Roofing Systems and keep in touch if you ever need a professional roofing help.