Facts About IMAN

The Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN) is a community-based nonprofit that works for social justice, delivers a range of social services, and cultivates the arts in urban communities. Formed in 1995 and incorporated in 1997 by Muslim students, community residents and leaders responding to the pervasive symptoms of inner-city poverty and abandonment, IMAN seeks to create a community organization driven by the spiritual ideals of community service, social justice and human compassion.

Tracks Within the IMAN Network:

Health Clinic
IMAN's Health Clinic provides no-cost primary healthcare to a diverse patient population on Chicago's South Side. IMAN's clinic provides screening for diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, treatment of non-emergency acute and chronic medical problems, as well as preventive services such as yearly physical exams, immunizations, and health education.

Arts & Culture
IMAN celebrates traditional Muslim art forms while actively engaging contemporary expressions of popular culture which has lead to national and internatinal media coverage. IMAN spearheads programs such as:
• The biennial "Takin in to the Streets" festival, which attracts thousands of participants and has grown as one of the unique outdoor gatherings of Muslims pro-actively engaging their society; it includes artistic performance, community forums, a bazaar, and sports tournaments.
• Community Café, a bi-monthly spoken word venue for artists, entertainers, and activists, serves to connect our network of artists more regularly with our constituents to provide a positive outlet for artistic expression.
Advocacy Work
While staying grounded in the community, IMAN has been able to affect statewide legislation through its organizing efforts and the formation of the Developing Justice Coalition, a statewide alliance of social service and religious organizations advocating for the reform of criminal justice. IMAN is also a founding member of the United Congress of Community and Religious Organizations, through which it seeks to create a multiracial and multicultural alliance for advocating human rights and social justice.