Affinity Intercultural Foundation was formed by a group of young Australian Muslims in 2000 and incorporated in 2001, to meet the needs of the Muslim community in interacting with the greater society along with the needs of the general public to increase its awareness of the Muslim community, its religion and culture.
The evolution of the Muslim community in Australia was at a stage where it was ready to integrate with the wider society having established itself at the core level.
Coinciding with this readiness, Australian public's curiosity and willingness to closely understand Muslims and their religion and culture were triggered by significant local and world events. The third reason for Affinity Intercultural Foundation's existence is the need to develop a constructive response to negative events and to promote education in the face of misinformation and misunderstanding.
Affinity Intercultural Foundation has positioned itself at this historic crossroads of cultural and religious encounters. It is one of the few organisations established to specifically focus on relationship building between cultures and faiths. Its timely entry provided a great impetus to the positive dialogue initiatives and resulted in its fast growth in repute and membership.
Affinity Intercultural Foundation is here for the long haul and is making its contribution to remove bigotry and establish peace and harmony in Australia together with its partner organisations. We believe that this interaction will result in Australian Muslims developing their unique Australian identity and culture. We also believe that Australian Muslims have a lot to offer to the positive development of the cultural and religious landscape of Australia. Affinity Intercultural Foundation facilitates this development by channelling the energy of young Australian Muslims towards these goals.
Mission not Impossible
We at Affinity Intercultural Foundation believe that the human touch makes all the difference. When people know and try to understand each other in the other's frame of reference, a natural affinity emerges between them. It is this affinity that shatters stereotypes, false assumptions and negative perceptions. It all starts with the individual and through building synergy influence masses. Only individuals equipped with personal leadership can achieve such desired outcomes. With this awareness in mind we have defined the following mission for ourselves:
" To create and sustain enduring affinity and relationships with people through inter-cultural and inter-faith dialogue and understanding and acceptance."
We fulfill this mission by representing these ideals in our own character.
Core Principles
Our core principles direct our decision making as well as individual and organisational behaviour.
- Sincerity - in intention and action
- Service - to God and humanity
- Consultation - with the right people
- Integrity - in self and team
- Interdependence - with team and partners
- Positive Action - in every situation
- Balance - in self and organisation
