Muslim Writers' Resistance Lab Application

What is the Muslim Writers Resistance Lab

As we approach the 25th anniversary of September 11th, 2001 and the subsequent launch of the War on Terror, we know that the same tired narratives will be used to entrench and justify a national security apparatus that has resulted in catastrophic violence against Muslim and other marginalized communities. But who will speak about the impact of the War on Terror on Muslims? Who will continue to tell our stories and define our history?

MWRL is a three month writing and publishing op-eds program providing Muslim writers the tools, support and resources to drive systemic change that centers the humanity and dignity of Muslims. It is a program rooted in our belief in the power of writing as a means of preserving truth and historical memory, especially at a time when our voices are censored, erased and manipulated.

MWRL is for emerging and intermediate writers who want to make a deeper connection in their storytelling and provide a counter-narrative to the current discourse about Muslims post-9/11. MWRL will provide monthly workshops aimed at helping participants produce op-eds that speak to their lived experiences in addition to how the War on Terror has more broadly impacted the Muslim community. The goal is to produce pieces for publication in September, 2026 as an intervention to the entrenched narratives that have dominated policy and the public sphere.

MWRL is led by Dr. Maha Hilal, who is the founding Executive Director of Muslim Counterpublics Lab, the author of the book Innocent Until Proven Muslim: Islamophobia, the War on Terror and the Muslim Experience Since 9/11 and has written over 70 op-eds that have been published in Truthout, Middle East Eye, The Daily Beast, and others. MWRL will also be supported by Maceo Nafisah Cabrera Estévez, Co-Founder of the Muslim Writer's Salon. During the lab, participants will go from idea formation to guided supported and editorial feedback before the pitch.

Muslim Counterpublics Lab (MCL) is an organization whose mission is to disrupt and subvert dehumanizing narratives that are designed and deployed to justify state violence against Muslims.

Eligibility for the Muslim Writers Resistance Lab:

Applicants must be 18 and above and identify as Muslim.
Applicants should be emerging and mid-career writers, journalists, storytellers, community organizers, and activists
Applicants must be passionate about writing and have writing experience, including published and/or unpublished works
Applicants must be politically aligned with Muslim Counterpublics Lab
Applicants must be committed to creating and dreaming of a collective strategy to build Muslim narrative power.
Applicants must be able to commit to attend all of the trainings whose dates are listed below.

In order to honor the diversity of Muslim experiences, we especially encourage BIPOC, LGBTQIA and all genders of Muslims to apply in addition to Muslims who have been directly targeted and impacted by state violence.

Lab Dates:

Session # 1	Sunday, May 31st	12 PM - 3 PM Eastern
Session # 2	Sunday, June 28th	12 PM - 3 PM Eastern
Session #3	Sunday, July 26th	12 PM - 3 PM Eastern

We will also have monthly office hours for lab participants to receive additional support for their writing, but these will be scheduled closer to the beginning of the program.

*All trainings are online

Applications are due on Monday, May 4th by 11:59M EDT.

Name

First NameLast Name

Email

example@example.com

Organizational Affiliation if any

Address (Note: This fellowship is restricted to people based in the US)

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Phone Number

Format: (000) 000-0000.

Do you identify as Muslim? (Please note that this fellowship is restricted to Muslims)

What race/ethnicity best describes you?

Are there any other identities that you want to share?

What are your pronouns?

Why are you interested in this writing lab? What would you like to get out of it and what would you like to contribute? Please limit your response to 250 words and feel free to use bullet points.

Why do you think is it important/why do you want to write a piece for the 25 year anniversary of 9/11 and the subsequent launch of the War on Terror? Please limit your response to 250 words and feel free to use bullet points.

What specific topic would you be interested in writing about within the purview of marking the 25 year anniversary of 9/11 and the War on Terror? Please include why it is important to you.

Please upload 2 writing samples such as op-eds, articles, book chapters, (or other samples of narrative/ storytelling):

If you are unable to upload 1 or both files, please list 1-2 links where we can view your writing samples:

Please provide a link to your blog, personal website and/or any social media handles that you feel comfortable sharing:

I understand that by participating in this writing lab, I will commit at least 10 hours per month to participating in workshops, writing and editing, and additional trainings on thematic topics.

I can commit to all dates of the writing lab:

Other

Please list two professional references, including their name, relationship to you, and contact information.

I would like to opt-in to receiving emails from Muslim Counterpublics Lab

Muslim Writers Resistance Lab Application 2026