Project Interfaith
Project Interfaith, based in Omaha, Nebraska, is a nonprofit organization [501(c)(3)]. Founded in 2004 by Executive Director Beth Katz, Project Interfaith aims to create a sustainable interfaith program. Through donor support, Project Interfaith was formally launched in December 2005. Project Interfaith has since formally incorporated and received tax-exempt status. Project Interfaith started a multimedia video website, RavelUnravel on May 17, 2012 which explores spiritual and religious identities that make up the world.
Mission
Project Interfaith grows understanding, respect and relationships among people of all faiths, beliefs and cultures in order to dispel tension and conflict arising from cultural and religious ignorance, stereotyping, and marginalization. The organization strives to fulfill its mission by creating spaces in communities and online where people can share their personal experiences and connect with others of diverse beliefs and cultures.
Vision
Project Interfaith strives to create a community and world where people of all faiths, beliefs and cultures are valued, included and protected. Project Interfaith seeks to serve as a leader and resource on interfaith relations and religious & cultural diversity.
RavelUnravel
RavelUnravel is a multimedia exploration of the tapestry of spiritual and religious identities that make up our communities and world, with over 930 video interviews uploaded. Through this and our many other efforts at Project Interfaith, we are hoping to ignite a movement for people to openly and respectfully learn, talk and share about topics which are typically taboo but often define our interactions and experiences as humans: identity, religion, spirituality and culture. At RavelUnravel.com, users can watch videos, comment on videos and utilize discussion guides and educational resources.
Questions
What is your religious or spiritual identity and why do you identify as such? What is a stereotype that impacts you based on your religious or spiritual identity? How welcoming do you find our community to be to follow your religious or spiritual path? Is there anything else you would like us to know about you and your religion or belief system?
Programming
Project Interfaith engages people of all faiths, beliefs, and cultures through online interactive spaces as well as local, face-to-face programming. Various media, particularly social media tools, have expanded the mission and work of the organization to regional, national, and international levels, enabling Project Interfaith to reach people from across the globe in its mission and work. In addition to online and local programming, the organization offers resources for understanding to all and specialized information for educators and healthcare providers.
Interfaith Arts Programs
Project Interfaith Arts Programs use the arts to teach about and explore religious and cultural diversity. Examples include Interfaith Architecture Tour, Interfaith Storytelling Festival, and Images of Faith Interfaith Exhibit.
Community Conversations
Project Interfaith's Community Conversations Annual Speaker Series bring nationally renowned speakers to Omaha to educate and engage audiences on issues of faith, religion, identity, interfaith relations, and religious and cultural diversity. Examples include NPR Speaking of Faith host Krista Tippett, CBS Mideast Analyst and bestselling author Reza Aslan, New Testament Scholar Dr. Amy-Jill Levine, First Amendment scholar Dr. Charles C. Haynes, and Islam expert Dr. John Esposito.
Topical Community Programs
Project Interfaith addresses a wide variety of timely topics of interest to the community. Examples include the Jewish-Christian-Muslim Study Circle, Interfaith Youth Service Project, and Community Mosaic Video Project, which is now known as RavelUnravel.
Religious and Cultural Diversity Resources
Project Interfaith offers resources for Professionals that provide trainings, workshops, and resources to prepare and support professionals in serving religiously and culturally diverse populations. Project Interfaith currently targets the following professions: Professional Care Givers, Health Care Providers, Educators, Social Workers, and Social Service Providers.
Closed in 2015
“Project Interfaith closed its doors in February 2015. The website, RavelUnravel.com is not currently active. Other Project Interfaith resources are now hosted by WorldFaith.org.”[1]
External links
Hungry to Talk about Faith in a Diverse World The Omaha World-Herald, May 5, 2013
Editor's Letter Omaha Magazine, January/February 2013
Under-Representation of Female Religious Leaders Sparks Concern KPTM Fox 42 Omaha News, November 4, 2012
Project Interfaith: Sharing Stories for Mutual Respect Elan Magazine, September 2012
Project Interfaith Extends Reach with Interactive Multimedia Website Silicon Prairie News, August 2, 2012
Reimagining Interfaith Conversation: Engaging Your Community Through Multimedia Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions, August 1, 2012
720 New Ways to See U.S. Religious Identity Common Ground News Service, June 26, 2012
Common Ground - Project Interfaith: Diversity in Dialogue Metro Magazine, September 2011
Project Interfaith Exceeds Goal to Collect Video Diaries From People of All Faiths The Daily Record, January 20, 2011
Breaking down barriers: People of various religions find common ground in a broad interview project The Omaha World-Herald, January 4, 2011
Midlands Voices: Many resources in Omaha bolster religious diversity The Omaha World-Herald, October 18, 2010
Ramadan 101: Lessons in Islam Beth Katz for Omaha.net, August 11, 2010
Interfaith Intersections: Communicating Your Child's Religious Needs at School Beth Katz for Metro Neighborhood News, August 4, 2010
A Christmas Tree in My House? Over My Dead Body: The Joys and Challenges of an Interfaith Relationship Beth Katz for Omaha.net, July 13, 2010
What Interfaith Means To Me Beth Katz for Metro Neighborhood News, June 28, 2010
Interfaith Relations: 5 Important Events of the Last 50 Years Beth Katz for Omaha.net, May 14, 2010
David Williams: Building Interfaith Understanding Metro Neighborhood News, May 4, 2010
Bridging Babel: New Social Media and Interreligious and Intercultural Understanding Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs, Georgetown University, May 3, 2010
Introducing Interfaith: Interfaith Work and Three Common Misconceptions Beth Katz for Omaha.net, March 9, 2010
David Williams: The Future of Islam The Reader, February 18, 2010
Jonathan Hayden: What defines America? Inclusiveness, Compassion The Omaha World-Herald, July 1, 2009
Omahan, Obama on U.N. Forum's Agenda The Omaha World-Herald April 3, 2009
Project Interfaith: The Benefits of Dialogue The Omaha World-Herald Editorial Page February 17, 2009
Why Evangelicals and the Interfaith Movement Need Each Other Neue Quarterly Fall 2008 Issues Vol. 1
Building and Interfaith World Creighton Magazine Summer 2007 Issue