Today, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, announced that registration has opened for its 11th annual Muslim Youth Leadership Symposium (#MYLS2026).
This year’s event will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2026 on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Open to students ages 13 to 19, #MYLS2026 is themed “Understanding the Assignment: Faith, Freedom & Justice.”
WHAT: Muslim Youth Leadership Symposium 2026 #MYLS2026
WHO: Students ages 13-19
WHEN: Thursday, August 6, 2026, 9:30am-4:30pm
WHERE: Rayburn House Office Building, 45 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, D.C. 20515
COST: $15
REGISTRATION LINK: bit.ly/myls2026
The event will bring together students ages 13 to 19 for a tour of the U.S. Capitol and a day of workshops, panels and advocacy training focused on amplifying their voices, building resilience, and inspiring change in their communities and beyond.
Participants will gain insights from experts and congressional staffers in the halls of Congress where lawmakers meet and hold hearings on important bills that have national and global impact. Lunch is included.
[NOTE: All past MYLS programs have reached capacity. Those interested in participating are encouraged to register early to reserve a spot. Organizations, mosques and groups interested in co-sponsoring this year’s event may email mdoutreach@cair.com for more details.]
CAIR’s MYLS programs are designed to train participants to develop strong leadership skills through raising self-awareness and participating in team-building exercises.
The core mission of MYLS is to encourage civic and political engagement among American Muslim youth, empower them to guide their communities from the margins to the mainstream of society and to help foster a well-integrated American Muslim identity that flourishes in a pluralistic society.
CAIR has been organizing youth leadership programs in states across the country for more than a decade. Participants of these programs have gone on to become respected community leaders, activists, community organizers, and youth leaders.
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, zchaudry@cair.com, 410-971-6062; CAIR Government Affairs Coordinator Shafiquil Mushana, smushana@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com