Counter-Islamist Grid (CIG) director Benjamin Baird at the Ohio Statehouse in September 2019. |
Philadelphia – October 13, 2021 – The Middle East Forum seeks researchers, writers and activists in North America to take the fight against Islamism to the local level.
The Counter-Islamist Grid (CIG) works to monitor, expose, and thwart non-violent Islamism locally across North America. We work to counter the Islamist organizations that too often dominate Muslim communities. “Radical Islam is the problem, moderate Islam is the solution” serves as our guiding principle,
Researchers, writers, and activists help CIG (i) gather information about Islamist clerics, activists, charities, and community groups; then (ii) use this information to write hard-hitting articles; and finally (iii) organize to impact the public and politicians.
1. Researchers
Grid researchers track local Islamist activities through online searches, social media monitoring, and attending events in person. We will teach you how to research Islamist activity in your area, how to uncover new information using open-source research techniques, and how to record your findings. This is a volunteer position with potential for paid assignments.
2. Writers
Grid writers publish original, carefully fact-checked, well-sourced information about local Islamism in newspapers and blogs across the country (see examples of published CIG articles here). When we accept an article, we help get it published, then promote it on our own website and via social media. Grid writers receive competitive remuneration for each article published.
3. Activists
Grid activists act on our findings, organizing campaigns to inform the public, media and government about Islamist networks, leading their own initiatives or assisting existing efforts. We will teach you how to lobby local and state lawmakers and train you on grassroots organizing strategies. Activists may be compensated at predetermined rates for each completed campaign.
If you are interested in getting involved with CIG, please email CIG director Benjamin Baird at Baird@MEForum.org.
The Middle East Forum promotes American interests in the region and protects Western civilization from Islamism. It does so through a combination of original ideas, focused activism, and the funding of allies.
For immediate release
For more information, contact:
Benjamin Baird
Director, Counter-Islamist Grid
Baird@MEForum.org
