Stay Connected! Join our mailing list to receive the latest news, updates, and events related to our communities.
Our newsletter, delivered once a month, is the interfaith bridge connecting you to many communities.
On occasion, we may reach out with with an additional announcement or event of high importance.
Educational Programs
Building Bridges: The Experience of Religious Diversity Journeys
January 20, 2025
RDJ holds a special place in my heart. It is my favorite InterFaith Leadership Council program because of the incredible connections I am able to make with the students. They are open and inquisitive in a way not usually found in adults. Unlike the biases and discrimination we sometimes see in older individuals, the children come into the program with a true willingness to explore, learn, and connect. Over the course of the eight months we spend with them, I often see a remarkable transformation. They begin the program somewhat tentative and unsure, but as they progress, they gain confidence, ask thoughtful questions, make connections, and show noticeable personal growth.
I am fortunate to contribute to all aspects of this program, from coordinating with schools and community partners as the program Executive Director, to serving as a host when the Journeys visit my Gurdwara, Mata Tripta Ji. Each role allows me to see different sides of the program and participants. I am honored to have made so many valuable connections with our partner schools, teachers, and institutional partners over the years, and am always overwhelmed by their willingness, warmth and commitment to our program and the students. For 15 years, our Gurdwara has also welcomed RDJ students, and it remains one of the most fulfilling outreach efforts we undertake each year. It is a true community effort, involving veteran teachers as well as younger members of our congregation. High school and college students have also begun stepping into leadership roles, guiding learning sessions and sharing their experiences with participants.
I am thrilled that the Religious Diversity Journeys (RDJ) program has seen remarkable growth and positive momentum this year, demonstrating its expanding impact on students, schools, and the broader community. This year, we welcomed five student cohorts, an increase of one from the previous year. These cohorts include 480 participants, a notable increase of 80 students compared to last year. In terms of school engagement, we work with 24 schools, continuing our partnerships with educational institutions across the metro Detroit area. Our community partnerships have also expanded, with 28 faith partners (an increase of eight) and five cultural institution partners collaborating to create enriching and immersive experiences for our participants.
Key cultural community partners, such as the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, The Zekelman Holocaust Center, The Arab American National Museum, and the Detroit Institute of Arts, have continued to play a vital role in our program. Their involvement allows the students to synthesize what they have learned during their faith Journeys and make valuable connections between the people they have encountered and their histories in the metro Detroit area.
By the end of December, we are on track to complete half of our scheduled Journeys for the year, with 18 out of 36 already successfully accomplished. These completed Journeys include five Sikh Journeys, two Christian Journeys, two Jewish Journeys, four Hindu Journeys, and five Muslim Journeys. Each of these visits offers students a unique opportunity to experience and learn about different faith traditions in an authentic, immersive, and engaging way.
RDJ is more than a religious education program; it is a bridge that connects students to a wider world of understanding and empathy. Through it, I am reminded of the power of education to shape the next generation, fostering communities rooted in respect and belonging.
