Religion News Service (RNS) is carrying out a crowdfunding drive through GlobalGiving.org to finance a 10-story, in-depth series on efforts to combat religious hatred in the U.S.
RNS states they were motivated to do this because religious minorities in America, including Muslims and Jews, are facing a surge of attacks and discrimination on the basis of their beliefs and identities. In the first half of 2017 these have included bomb threats, vandalism, intimidation, murder, and other hate crimes.
Through its series, RNS plans to "highlight positive community-led initiatives to combat hatred and religious intolerance."
"By systematically reporting on community efforts to combat Islamophobia and anti-Semitism, we will contextualize attacks and highlight scalable solutions that benefit targeted communities,” RNS states. “Our news reporting will inform readers about how religious minorities are being vilified and assaulted, providing information that will help to catalyze collaboration and collective action, and building coalitions and inclusive partnerships that strengthen civil society."
RNS is an independent, nonprofit and award-winning source of global news on religion, spirituality, culture, and ethics, reported by a staff of professional journalists. Founded in 1934, RNS seeks to inform readers with objective reporting and insightful commentary, and is relied upon by secular and faith-based news organizations in a number of countries. RNS is affiliated with the Missouri School of Journalism at the University of Missouri.
GlobalGiving is a global crowdfunding community connecting nonprofits, donors, and companies in nearly every country. It helps "nonprofits access the tools, training, and support they need to be more effective and make our world a better place."
