Rooted in Wisdom, Ready for the Present

INTRODUCING MIC'S NEW MISSION STATEMENT

By Sidharth Kaw (Board President) and Rabbi Elana Rosen-Brown (Board Member)

Over the past two years, the Marin Interfaith Council has been on a profound journey of listening, reflection, and renewal.

Transitions naturally invite us to look backward with gratitude and forward with vision. As Reverend Scott Quinn concluded his impactful tenure as Executive Director, and as Reverend Lynn Oldham Robinett stepped in to gracefully steer us forward as our Interim Executive Director, our Board recognized a unique moment of opportunity. We needed to ask ourselves: What is MIC’s core purpose today? Who do we serve, and how do we best operate in a changing world?

To answer that, we embarked on a rigorous, intentional two-year strategic process. Guided by the masterful facilitation of past Board member Jeff Bialik and the deep consultative insights of Rabbi Henry Shreibman, our Board examined every facet of our identity.

Today, we are thrilled to share the outcome of that collective labor—a newly refined mission statement that honors our history while sharpening our focus for the future:

“The Marin Interfaith Council serves as a trusted convener that cultivates meaningful dialogue among the world's diverse faith traditions, sharing their sacred wisdom while fostering a community grounded in mutual understanding, respectful collaboration, and a commitment to the common good.”

The Wisdom of Faith in Service of Community

This mission statement isn't just a collection of words; it is a declaration of what we do best. It reflects a powerful reality: MIC is uniquely positioned as a premier convener of Marin County’s dynamic and diverse community. But what makes us truly unique is how we convene. We gather people through the lens of wisdom provided by the world’s enduring faith traditions.

In a world that can often feel fragmented, MIC brings people together to anchor community life in deeper meaning, mutual respect, and collective action.

To help ground this mission in our day-to-day work, we have mapped out five core pillars that explain exactly how this purpose comes to life across Marin:

1. A Trusted Convener

At its core, MIC creates sacred and intentional spaces where relationships can take root and grow across lines of difference. Every MIC gathering—whether a public program, a small group, or a community event—prioritizes true connection. Clergy, lay leaders, and community members are invited not just to attend, but to genuinely encounter one another through conversation, storytelling, and shared experience. Furthermore, in moments of collective grief or critical need, faith leaders across Marin know they can turn to MIC to bring the community together via vigils, rallies, panels, and collaborative initiatives.

2. Cultivating Meaningful Dialogue

Dialogue is not incidental to MIC’s work—it is foundational. Through circles, cohorts, and facilitated conversations, we create spaces where participants can engage deeply across faith traditions on critical modern issues like identity, racial justice, and environmental stewardship. Every program is designed to move beyond surface-level interaction, fostering true listening and authentic exchange.

3. Sharing Wisdom of the World’s Traditions

MIC uplifts the depth and richness of global spiritual traditions by creating platforms for learning and inspiration. Our programs feature diverse, dynamic teachers and speakers who bring forward the insights of their lineages. Ongoing offerings—such as our Religious Leaders Gatherings, the Annual Prayer Breakfast, and our monthly interfaith meditation (each led by a different tradition)—create a beautiful rhythm of continuity in shared learning and spiritual practice.

4. Fostering Collaboration

MIC serves as a vital bridge-builder, strengthening partnerships across faith communities and with local civic organizations. By connecting leaders, we help catalyze initiatives that no single group could accomplish alone. Collaboration is woven into every aspect of our work, from co-created programs to coordinated rapid responses.

5. commitment to the Common Good

Grounded in our mission, MIC translates relationships and dialogue into tangible action that responds to the needs of the broader community.

• Love Lives in Marin: This flagship interfaith initiative confronts hate and builds belonging. Partnering with organizations like Not in Our Town, we facilitate dialogue and community education to counter prejudice.

• Immigrant Rights Rapid Response Network: Reflecting our commitment to stand with vulnerable neighbors, this network organizes faith-based support, expands sanctuary networks, and mobilizes volunteers for accompaniment.

• Community & Climate Resilience: From supporting the street chaplaincy to fostering climate resilience through Project Adapt, we continuously turn our shared values into environmental and social responsibility.

Looking Forward

This two-year process has given MIC an incredible gift: ultimate clarity. By aligning on our core purpose, we are freeing our organization to focus intensely on what we do best.

We want to extend our deepest thanks to our staff, our interim leadership, our facilitators, and all of you—our vibrant Marin community—for walking this path with us. We invite you to join us in this next chapter as we continue to share sacred wisdom, cultivate deep dialogue, and build a stronger, more connected Marin County.