View source for The Institute for Social Policy and Understanding

The Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) is a non-profit research organization founded in 2002, focusing on providing objective research and education about American Muslims.
 
==Overview of ISPU==
'''Mission:''' ISPU aims to support well-informed dialogue and decision-making by producing rigorous research on American Muslim communities<ref>Institute for social policy and understanding (Ispu) | roper center. (n.d.). Retrieved February 9, 2025, from https://ropercenter.cornell.edu/institute-social-policy-and-understanding-ispu</ref> <ref>Byislamicseminary. (n.d.). American muslim poll 2022 – ispu report – the islamic seminary of america. Retrieved February 9, 2025, from https://islamicseminary.us/american-muslim-poll-2022-ispu-report/</ref>.

'''Activities:'''
* Research Areas: Focuses on community development, building understanding of pluralism, thought leadership<ref>American Muslim Poll 2022: A Politics and Pandemic Status Report, https://21702012.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21702012/Research/AMP_2022_Key_Findings.pdf</ref>.
* American Muslim Poll: Conducts biennial polls capturing trends among American Muslims<ref>Byislamicseminary. (n.d.). American muslim poll 2022 – ispu report – the islamic seminary of america. Retrieved February 9, 2025, from https://islamicseminary.us/american-muslim-poll-2022-ispu-report/</ref>.
* Outreach: Engages with policymakers, media professionals, educators, faith leaders<ref>‘American muslim poll 2022’ shows islamophobia is alive & well. (n.d.). Bridge Initiative. Retrieved February 9, 2025, from https://bridge.georgetown.edu/research/american-muslim-poll-2022-shows-islamophobia-is-alive-well/</ref>.

==Engagement with Islam==
ISPU is deeply involved in understanding the experiences of American Muslims. It conducts extensive research on topics such as marriage and divorce among Muslims in the U.S., challenges faced by Muslim youth, Islamophobia in media coverage<ref>American Muslim Poll 2022: A Politics and Pandemic Status Report, https://21702012.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21702012/Research/AMP_2022_Key_Findings.pdf</ref>. While not directly focused on Islamic theology or global Islamic issues beyond America's context:
* Impact on Public Perception: Helps shape public discourse about Islam through its publications and educational initiatives.
* Community Engagement: Provides toolkits for countering opposition to mosque construction and increasing Muslim voter turnout<ref>‘American muslim poll 2022’ shows islamophobia is alive & well. (n.d.). Bridge Initiative. Retrieved February 9, 2025, from https://bridge.georgetown.edu/research/american-muslim-poll-2022-shows-islamophobia-is-alive-well/</ref>.

==Engagement with Islamic Countries==
While ISPU primarily focuses on American Muslims rather than international Islamic communities:
* Global Contextualization: Its work indirectly contributes to broader discussions about Muslim minorities worldwide by highlighting common challenges faced across different contexts.
However, there are no specific projects or collaborations mentioned that directly involve other Islamic countries.

==Conclusion==
ISPU plays a crucial role in promoting understanding of American Muslim communities but does not have direct ties with either global Islamic issues beyond America or specific Iranian affairs. Its contributions remain significant for shaping public discourse about Islam within the United States. 

==References==