About AAIM
Vision:AAIM envisions a respectful, caring and inclusive community where people of diverse cultures and religions are actively involved in enhancing the quality of life in the Austin area.
Mission:AAIM unites faith and cultural communities to foster respect, partnership and transformation in service of the common good.
We Value Faith:
Fairness: |
Civil institutions and democratic practices which foster human dignity. |
Action: |
Hands-on cooperation and advocacy for the common good. |
Integrity: |
Speech and action that honor the universal ethic of the golden rule: value others as you would like to be valued. |
Thanksgiving: |
Festive and joyous celebration of diverse religious and cultural expressions. |
Hope: |
Living in the present towards a future in which compassion and understanding replace indifference and hatred. |
History:AAIM began in 1941 as a gathering of twelve Christian clergy and congregations and is now the most comprehensive interreligious organization in Central Texas representing congregations from over 30 distinct faith traditions, including Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Muslim and Jewish communities, as well as individuals, non-profits and businesses. Throughout our 64-year history, we have served hundreds of thousands of people through our various events and programs. As the Austin Area Conference of Churches accomplishments throughout the 50's, 60s and 70's included: sponsoring CROP walk for hunger, coordinating ecumenical worship services, conducting a citywide religious census, advocating for adequate housing and desegregation.
In 1988, the Austin Area Conference of Churches merged with Metro Ministries of Austin to form a new non-profit called Austin Metropolitan Ministries (AMM). Under the leadership of Patrick Flood, AMM became an interfaith organization thanks to the active leadership of the Jewish Community. AMM's achievements include creating a Peace Grove in Zilker Park, working towards racial harmony in Austin and the initiating a weekly television broadcast called Austin Faith Dialogue which highlighted the contributions of the religious community. In addition, AMM established a community mentoring program for juvenile offenders, a housing repair program called Hands on Housing, and a refugee resettlement program.
In 2000, Susan Wills became the new Executive Director and the organization changed its name to the Austin Area Interreligious Ministries. This enabled the organization to make its commitment to interfaith partnership explicit. After September 11th, 2001, AAIM's role in helping support Muslims efforts to bring healing and understanding was increasingly important. This period of AAIM's history was a testament to it's continued importance to Austin's increasingly diverse religious community.
In 2005 Rev. Emilee Whitehurst came on board as AAIM's Executive Director. In cooperation with AAIM's Board, the organization established the following 3 year strategy:
- Building authentic relationships across religious, racial, economic and cultural lines.
- Promoting community wellbeing and the quality of life in Central Texas.
- Telling the AAIM story to promote interfaith respect and partnership.
- Ensuring organizational sustainability and efficacy.
Tom Spencer succeeded Rev. Whitehurst in January 2008, taking on the role of AAIM's Chief Executive Officer. Tom and the AAIM staff continue to build on the strategy developed under Rev. Whitehurst's tenure, with increased focus on bringing together diverse faiths to assist the vulnerable and voiceless in the Austin community.
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