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Who we are and our history
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Founded in 2010, the IRF Roundtable is an informal group of individuals from all faiths and none, including governments, who gather regularly to discuss IRF issues on an off-the-record basis. The IRF Roundtable has and will continue to advocate, and advise on policies regarding international religious freedom around the world and even in the United States. These advocacy efforts may look like Multi-Faith Letters, Multi-Faith events, working with foreign governments, or advising on legislation in the United States. Even though the IRF Roundtable operates on an opt-in basis, it works to engage the U.S. government and urge its leaders to make religious freedom a higher priority in foreign policy and national security; and to directly engage authoritarian governments that are restricting religion, and urge them to improve their laws in order to secure the rights of all. When they do this, each of the faiths is standing up for each other—they often opt-into joint advocacy actions to address restrictions on others in countries in which their own communities are not being persecuted.
Our History.
Where we are today.
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic we currently meet virtually every Tuesday from 11 am - 12 pm EDT via Zoom. To highlight our diverse group of participants (over 800 organizations) from around the world we have broken the IRF Roundtable (IRF RT) down to four categories every month. It is important we continue to meet because the IRF RT is a proven platform for bringing people together—across deep political and theological differences—and building mutual understanding, respect, trust, and reliance among citizens, communities, and governments.
Tuesday of the month.
Civil Society.
This week we highlight the work members of Civil Society are doing around the globe to helped those persecuted due to their religious beliefs. We have over 800 organizations in the IRF RT and it is extremely important we stayed connected and up-to-date on what everyone in the movement is doing.
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Tuesday of the month.
Working Groups.
We have 15 Working Groups a part of the IRF RT where they discuss and act on a variety of topics and locations in the IRF Movement. On the second Tuesday of the month we give the Working Groups a chance to highlight the work they've done and how other IRF RT members can help out.
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Tuesday of the month.
Global Network.
For our partners across the globe, whether they are from government, civil society, or an IRF RT this is their week to highlight what is going on in their region and how other members in the network can help out. During this week we hear from partners such as IPPFoRB, APPG and have highlighted issues such as Myanmar, Nigeria, and India.
Tuesday of the month.
Government.
On the final Tuesday of the month we hear from our government partners about what they are doing to help the IRF movement and learn about what they need from Civil Society. We hear from officials at the US State Department, USCIRF, and USAID. We also hear from time to time members of Congress and the legislation they are working on.
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Our Chairs.
GREG MITCHELL
Co-Chair of the IRF Roundtable
Founder, The Mitchell Firm & IRF Secretariat
CHRIS SEIPLE
Co-Chair of the IRF Roundtable
President Emeritus Institute for Global Engagement
Our Hosts.
Jon Doe
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Jane Doe
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James Doe
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James Doe
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The convener of the IRF Roundtable