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Education Committee Member Highlight
Dr. Paula Drewek
September 17, 2024
Joining the Education Committee for the Interfaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan Detroit (IFLC) was a natural next step for me as an educator in the field of world religions. After a career dedicated to teaching about the diverse beliefs and practices of world faiths, I was motivated by the power of education to bridge divides and promote understanding. When COVID-19 disrupted my primary interfaith organization, I saw an opportunity to be involved with IFLC. I feel that educating people about world religions is vital for reducing fears and prejudices, and working with the Education Committee was a way for me to continue to share my skills and passion. Often harboring fear, stereotypes and prejudices prevent us from recognizing our shared humanity and accepting the rich diversity that exists among us. As a lifelong member of the Baha’i Faith, the pursuit of unity—whether it be the unity of God, religion, or humankind—has always been at the core of my work. What better way to serve than through educating others about the wonderful richness of religious diversity?
My involvement with the IFLC’s Education Committee supports the organization’s mission of providing opportunities for individuals in the diverse communities of the Metro Detroit area to learn from each other and be changed together. This is best accomplished by providing immersive experiences that can engage all the senses. When introducing new religious traditions, it is helpful to draw upon various modes of learning—sight, touch, smell, and even tasting when possible. More than just learning about facts, this allows people to truly understand and appreciate the differences they encounter. During these experiences, forming friendships with individuals from other faith traditions becomes the “jewel in the crown” of interfaith engagement, allowing people to see the human face behind different beliefs.
Educational programming lies at the heart of the IFLC’s mission of providing opportunities for individuals to learn from each other and be changed together. Beyond simply teaching about religious differences, the IFLC is committed to building and strengthening relationships with those in Metro Detroit’s diverse communities. Focusing on these relationships is important, as it ensures that education isn’t a one-time event but a continuous journey of community belonging and collaboration.
Through my work on the Education Committee, I hope to achieve several meaningful outcomes. First, I aim to find new friendships. Additionally, I find great satisfaction in the opportunity to serve—whether by planning events or fostering dialogue. Ultimately, I hope my efforts will lead to a progressively more unified and peaceful society, where individuals of all faiths can live together in mutual respect.
