Graduation is a season of celebration and reflection — a time to recognize all you’ve accomplished and look ahead to what’s next.
As an interfaith leader, it might seem daunting to move on from a campus community that offers resources, support, and opportunities for dialogue across difference, but there are countless ways to stay involved in interfaith and bridgebuilding efforts post-grad.
See a collection of five actions you can take to advance pluralism after graduation:
Host a Potluck
2026 is a consequential year to graduate. It coincides with the 250th anniversary of the signing of the declaration of independence — an opportunity to strengthen American democracy.
As IA president and founder Eboo Patel advised graduates of the University of Utah in 2024, “hosting a potluck is making democracy happen in your home. It is one way to put the ideals into action.”
On July 5, Americans will mark this occasion by gathering for potlucks across the country. To learn how you can get involved and find a step-by-step guide for hosting a gathering, read IA’s Potluck Toolkit.
Advocate for Interfaith Cooperation in Your Workplace
As IA’s Director of Workplace Strategy Dr. Zahra Jamal writes, according to a Public Religion Research Institute survey, “Americans encounter more religious diversity at work than anywhere else.” Respectfully engaging these differences is essential for workplace success.
As you prepare to enter the workforce after graduation, consider getting involved in an interfaith employee resource group (ERG) or joining an Interfaith at Work cohort to build relationships with other professionals interested in promoting interfaith cooperation in your field.
Keep Learning
Learning is a lifelong endeavor that continues long after you’ve collected your diploma.
Explore Interfaith America’s Learning & Action Bridge for curated recommendations and resources to help you meet your interfaith and bridgebuilding goals.
Join the Emerging Leaders Network
Interfaith America’s Emerging Leaders Network is specifically designed for recent graduates. This community of interfaith leaders is comprised of more than two thousand young professionals engaging religious diversity in their professional lives and communities. The network offers mentorship, local and national convenings, and exclusive grant opportunities.
Join the network by completing an online training, INTF 1101 Interfaith Foundations for Emerging Leaders and registering.
