A'salaamu 'aleikom.
A very interesting question. I am not sure of the situation in other places, but here in Brisbane Australia, islam receives wide publicity through the activities of several organisations, for their charity work and their involvement in the general commuity.
Eidfest is an annual event that is open to all the community and advertised as such. At a recent fundraising dinner, $27,000 was raised for a special School for dissabled children. The Annual fetes and fairs held by the different islamic madrassah, receive great publicity.
This city has 16 Mosques, several prayer rooms and a faculty of Islam at the local University.
If one really wishes to make a difference then maybe one could just be seen to be Muslim. I mean those sisters who are hijabi are as witnesses for islam, and when they do community work, they are seen to be who and what they are. As for male Mulims, unless they are wearing Kobe and hat, I wouldn't know whether they are bearded hippies or what. And as for those without beard? They are just like anyone else out there.
Remember those words that you use every time you do salah?
Ash hadu an la Ilahah Illallah
Ash hadu anna Mohammadan Rasul-ullah
"I bear witness that non has the right to be worshipped but Allah, Subhanna wa ta'ala."
I bear Witness that Muhammad (sullulahu allehi wa salaam) is the messenger of Allah, (Subhanna wa ta'ala).
Ask yourselves. "How can I make a difference?"
W'salaam
Ibrahim