MECCA Institute is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to expand progressive Islamic theology through online education and research. Focusing our scholarly work on women, LGBT, and the youth, our regional research departments study Islam's diversity globally, creating an alternative Islamic perspective that supports inclusive Muslims in communities that have been inundated with extremism and discontent. That helps us to empower everyday Muslims, and by partnering with the Association of Inclusive Mosques, AIM, we are able to place educated young people as spiritual leaders of Muslim communities across the United States and the world. With our faith partners we will be able to show a softer, kinder Islam, and help dispel Islamophobia and reveal how global the Islamic faith really is.