WELCOME!

SAVE THIS LINK! It’s private access for folks like yourself who signed up + the way to get access to our online events. Please keep the information below confidential! Got friends or family who want to sign up? Direct them to our web form (centerdc.org/joinonline) + they, too, can get onboarded! It’s how we’re keeping our online space safe, iA.

ZOOM

This is the link we will use for everything unless otherwise noted!

Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/96372986850 /// Password: fasting

SLACK

Slack Onboarding: CLICK HERE

Once you’re in Slack, you’ll have access to all our event links, a resource channel, updates, virtual check-ins, dedicated discussion channels for book club, classes, convert support, etc. It’s a great way to stay connected without having to Zoom in to everything.

Questions? Email us at info@centerdc.org! See you on the web - With love, Team Center DC

We're SO excited to be together again, but recognize that we are still in a pandemic.

That means there's still inherent risk in meeting in person. It will take all of us working together to keep this community safe. While COVID is still a reality, we ask that everyone gathering together agrees to our "Pandemic Terms" below as an act of community care. If the transmission rate rises, or if hospital or public safety measures worsen, we may pause in-person gatherings. In the event that someone attends a Center DC event and then tests positive for COVID, we will notify all attendees that may have been a close contact.

Here’s what you’re agreeing to by signing up to attend an in-person Center DC gathering (updated 10.5.22):

(3) Term 1_ Think.png — 1. Think of Others

Before you attend, think about all of the ways you are caring for others in attendance. There may be someone present who is immunocompromised or unable to get vaccinated. It's on us to keep each other safe, and to stay home if we are unwell.
If you’ve traveled recently, are feeling sick, or have been in contact with someone who *may have been exposed* to COVID-19, please stay home. Staying home is an act of community care.

(5) Term 3 _ Check-In.png — 3. Check-In

Center DC is responsible for tracking attendance, in the event that contact tracing is required. Everyone needs to check-in when they arrive with our amazingly friendly welcoming team! If for some reason you're not feeling well or are experiencing symptoms, we will ask you to stay home and take care of yourself!

(6) Term 4_ Mask Up.png — 4. Mask Up

Simply put, masks help keep people safe. We’re committed to making mask available at check-in for those who need one. Although *we will no longer be asking to see proof of vaccination at gatherings*, we still encourage folks to wear masks as an extra safety precaution.

(7) Term 5_ Give Space.png — 5. Give Space

Indoors, we will be capping attendance to allow for social distancing and spacing chairs and breakout groups accordingly.
We know everyone will be so excited to see one another, but we ask that you make sure to ask for consent before hugs or other greetings that involve touch to be mindful of folks’ preferences.

(8) Term 6_ BYO blanket.png — 6. BYO Blanket

Most of our outdoor gatherings will involve sitting in the grass or on the ground. When it's time to pray, we'll be **spacing out** and lining up to pray together outdoors. Please bring what you need to feel comfortable praying and sitting outside!
Indoors, we encourage you to bring a travel prayer mat of your own.

May Allah keep our community safe and bless us with each other's presence again! We're excited and ready to welcome you back to Center DC.

Bismillah.

Still have questions about Center DC’s re-opening plan? Email our board.

Join Center DC Online

Fill out the Form

PLEASE FILL OUT THIS FORM BELOW

Greetings of Peace, Center DC Family! Since March, our team has been working hard to rolling out a multi-functional online platform to help our folks stay connected remotely. Interested in participating? Leave your info here in the form below to opt-in*. After you submit the form, the confirmation message will give you access to the necessary links needed to get connected via Slack AND access our Zoom sessions. *By filling out this form, you agree to be added to our online platform. As always, we don't share your contact information with 3rd parties. Period.

First Name

Last Name

Location

Tell us where you're joining from!

Phone

(to be used for any text-related communication)

(###)

###

####

Tell us a little about yourself!

We'd like to get to know you a bit! What brings you here to Center DC Online? What are you looking for out of virtual community?

Here's what you're agreeing to:

Here's what you're agreeing to: By clicking 'submit,' you're signing up for Center DC online community - to help maintain our community vibe virtually, we hold everyone who participates accountable to the following online user agreements: General Online Etiquette (or Adab) 1. Abide by the Center DC Community Agreements, which can be viewed in its entirety at www.joincenterdc.org/faq. 2. Be respectful of others. Please do not insult people or ideas you may not agree with, sell or market commercial or other services, or make public accusations. 3. Be authentic and represent yourself honestly with all members of the community. We value authenticity and openness at Center DC, so we ask that you do your best to embody that transparency and openness with other community members. 4. Treat everyone with compassion. When we disagree, we agree to critique ideas, not the person offering them. 5. Finally, we ask that you do your best to speak with “I-statements” and from your own understanding, rather than sharing what “Islam says…”. When quoting Islamic content, try to include the source when able so others can access the information on their own. Slack Adab Slack is intended to be a tool to foster connection and collaboration, providing community members with a platform to allow for discussion, feedback, and interactions. To help maintain the etiquette and values Center DC upholds, all community members are held accountable to the Center DC User Adab guidelines detailed above, as well as the following Slack Adab guidelines below: 1. Do not post or repost a message excessively, especially unsolicited advertisements, even if they are directly or indirectly related to the purpose of the topic. Resource advertisements should be directed to the appropriate channel (i.e. #random_resources). The #announcement channel is only for Center DC related or approved messaging. 2. Do not add or post any copyrighted material to Slack without written permission of the copyright owner. 3. Although you are allowed to share personal anecdotes, be mindful of your own privacy and boundaries. Carefully consider the audience before posting material that contains your Personal Identifiable Information (like your social security number, birth date, address, etc.). DO NOT post the Personal Identifiable Information of others. 4. Follow the channel structure and post in the appropriate place (when in doubt, ask!). You can reference the channel structure in the appendix below. Zoom Adab 1. For security reasons, please DO NOT share the Zoom links with others. If you know someone else who wants to join us, direct folks to the sign up form (bit.ly/joincenterdconline) - this is how we’re keeping track of who joins us online & how we're holding community members accountable to our agreements. 2. Be Present! Our programs — both online and in person — are designed for engagement. Our hope is that you avoid logging on and tuning out: Our Zoom events are not meant for passive observers. When possible, we want to hear you, see you, and/or get your real-time feedback in the Zoom chat so we know you are a real human being and not a Zoom Bomber. Inactive or non-responsive users may be removed by the host to maintain the safety of the space for all participants. 3. Full engagement is done most easily if you join via computer, rather than via phone or tablet. We often use an interactive powerpoint that can only be interacted with by those with computer access. 4. It’s okay to pass. Although your participation is what makes our space special, you aren’t required to respond to each and every invitation to share. Take care of yourself and feel free to say “pass” at any point, even when the invitation to share comes your way. Our goal is to make Center DC a community that does not shy away from difficult conversations, is as transparent as the situation allows, and holds community members and leadership accountable when harm occurs. If an interaction with another member makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe at any point in time, please reach out to us at saferspace@centerdc.org. You can view this policy in full at: www.centerdc.org/online-user-agreements

Yes! Sign me up!

Center DC Online User Agreements

The Center DC Online User Agreements (referred to in this document as “Online Adab,” or manners) apply to the access and use of Center DC’s online community Slack space and Zoom sessions. As a virtual community, these guidelines should inform community members of their responsibilities toward each other and help hold everyone accountable for the way we interact with each other. These agreements apply to everyone approved to use our online platforms — including members of the Center DC community, core team, and board. To gain access to our online platforms, you must fill out this form: https://bit.ly/joincenterdconline. Invitations will be sent via email and require members to “opt in.” by downloading the app and creating an account for each. By joining Center DC’s Slack space and Zoom events, you agree to abide by the following policies and the Center DC Community Agreements:

Center DC User Adab

To help maintain the etiquette and values Center DC upholds, all community members are held accountable to our 8 standard Community Agreements with your online presence. You are encouraged to share ideas and opinions as long as they align with the below policy:

Abide by the Center DC Community Agreements, which can be viewed in its entirety at www.centerdc.community/faq.
Be respectful of others. Please do not insult people or ideas you may not agree with, sell or market commercial or other services, or make public accusations.
Be authentic and represent yourself honestly with all members of the community. We value authenticity and openness at Center DC, so we ask that you do your best to embody that transparency and openness with other community members.
Treat everyone with compassion. When we disagree, we agree to critique ideas, not the person offering them.
Finally, we ask that you do your best to speak with “I-statements” and from your own understanding, rather than sharing what “Islam says…”. When quoting Islamic content, try to include the source when able so others can access the information on their own.

Slack Adab

Slack is intended to be a tool to foster connection and collaboration, providing community members with a platform to allow for discussion, feedback, and interactions. To help maintain the etiquette and values Center DC upholds, all community members are held accountable to the Center DC User Adab guidelines detailed above, as well as the following Slack Adab guidelines below:

Do not post or repost a message excessively, especially unsolicited advertisements, even if they are directly or indirectly related to the purpose of the topic. Resource advertisements should be directed to the appropriate channel (i.e. #random_resources). The #announcement channel is only for Center DC related or approved messaging.
Do not add or post any copyrighted material to Slack without written permission of the copyright owner.
Although you are allowed to share personal anecdotes, be mindful of your own privacy and boundaries. Carefully consider the audience before posting material that contains your Personal Identifiable Information (like your social security number, birth date, address, etc.). DO NOT post the Personal Identifiable Information of others.
Follow the channel structure and post in the appropriate place (when in doubt, ask!). You can reference the channel structure in the appendix below.

Zoom Adab

Zoom is the virtual event space we currently use. To help maintain the etiquette and values Center DC upholds, all community members are held accountable to the Center DC User Adab guidelines detailed above, as well as the following Zoom Adab guidelines below:

For security reasons, please DO NOT share the Zoom links with others. If you know someone else who wants to join us, direct folks to the sign up form (bit.ly/joincenterdconline) - this is how we’re keeping track of who joins us online & how we're holding community members accountable to our agreements.
Be Present! Our programs — both online and in person — are designed for engagement. Our hope is that you avoid logging on and tuning out: Our Zoom events are not meant for passive observers. When possible, we want to hear you, see you, and/or get your real-time feedback in the Zoom chat so we know you are a real human being and not a Zoom Bomber. Inactive or non-responsive users may be removed by the host to maintain the safety of the space for all participants.
Full engagement is done most easily if you join via computer, rather than via phone or tablet. We often use an interactive powerpoint that can only be interacted with by those with computer access.
It’s okay to pass. Although your participation is what makes our space special, you aren’t required to respond to each and every invitation to share. Take care of yourself and feel free to say “pass” at any point, even when the invitation to share comes your way.

Moderation Policy

Community members are subject to have their accounts frozen, suspended, or removed for behavior that goes against our community values. Such behavior that warrants moderator intervention includes — but is not limited to — the following:

Improper usage of channels
Spreading misinformation
Interpersonal conflict with another community member, either on the Slack platform or otherwise

The following behaviors will result in an immediate intervention and freeze on membership, pending a conversation and possible community accountability process with our Safe(r) Space team.

Aggression of any kind. This includes hate speech, such as:
- Anti-blackness/racist comments
- Anti-religious comments (i.e. anti-Shia comments, antisemitism, etc.)
- Sexist comments
Posting or transmitting any slanderous, defamatory, obscene, indecent, pornographic, profane, violent, abusive, insulting, threatening, offensive or harassing comments, and/or content/information of any kind.

Our goal is to make Center DC a community that does not shy away from difficult conversations, is as transparent as the situation allows, and holds community members and leadership accountable when harm occurs. If an interaction with another member makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe at any point in time, or if you experience any of the above behavior, please reach out to us at saferspace@centerdc.community. You can view our process for dealing with grievances at www.centerdc.community/saferspaceprocess.

APPENDIX:

Slack Channel Structure

Below is a guideline for what type of content to post in which Slack channel. Center DC Slack channels are subject to change in the future.

#events
• Center DC Event Promotion only
• Center DC Zoom Event Links
• Any organizational announcements including building details

#breakitdown
• General questions regarding unfamiliar words or phrases in Arabic
• General questions about unfamiliar Islamic terms and/or practices
• Collection/glossary of terms for everyone to reference

#general
• Community conversation
• Center DC surveys and polls

#resources
• Sharing resources that can be helpful to the community
• Local and online promotion to external communities and events

#spirituality
• Dua requests
• Islamic reminders
• Spiritual check-ins
• Quran/Hadith/Islamic resource sharing

#virtual_checkin
• Community well being check-in
• Engaging in specific community questions
• Getting to know each other

#convert_support
• A private channel for convert-specific support
• To request an add, DM an administrator!

[Virtual] Ramadan

Trust us. You’ve got plenty of options.

Join the DC Iftar League

Every year, we run this initiative to help make sure that no one in DC has to break fast alone during Ramadan. You sign up & you’ll automatically get invites to [virtually] meet up with folks for iftar every day. We’re also adding “Suhoor on Screen”: a virtual morning meet-up as well. Sign up for ‘em all and you’ll literally have an invitation every morning + every night during the holy month!

2. Navigate the ONLINE Scene

This Ramadan will be unlike any we’ve experienced before. We see this as both a challenge and an opportunity for growth. To help folks know their options, we’ve created a collaborative spreadsheet where you can see Ramadan classes, virtual taraweeh + live Quran recitation links, share recipes, and other online resources to make virtual Ramadan easier. #SharingIsCaring = add to it and get these blessings!

The Virtual Ramadan Resource

3. Make your eid plans

As Ramadan comes to a close, our team puts together a spreadsheet with the various Eid prayer times/locations, and Eid-related celebrations happening in the area. Stay tuned for more details as plans emerge! God-willing, there’ll be some creative opportunities to celebrate the holiday in community. Got ideas? Feel free to email info@centerdc.community!

COMING SOON, iA!