The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today announced that nationally recognized civil rights leader, community organizer and activist Linda Sarsour will serve as the keynote speaker for its 11th Annual D.C. Muslim Youth Leadership Symposium on Capitol Hill.
This year’s event is open to students ages 13 to 19. #MYLS2026 is themed “Understanding the Assignment: Faith, Freedom & Justice.”
In a time of rampant Islamophobia, attacks on civil rights and growing challenges facing young people across the country, #MYLS2026 aims to empower Muslim youth to show up with faith, confidence, civic power and a deeper understanding of their role in advancing justice.
Participants will take part in a full day of leadership development, advocacy training, networking with congressional staffers, and a tour of the U.S. Capitol. The program is designed to equip young Muslims with the tools, confidence and inspiration to become principled leaders in their schools, communities and beyond.
WHAT: Muslim Youth Leadership Symposium 2026 – #MYLS2026
WHO: Students ages 13–19
WHEN: Thursday, August 6, 2026, 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
COST: $15, lunch included
REGISTRATION:bit.ly/myls2026
Sarsour, an award-winning civil rights activist and longtime community organizer, is widely known for her work uplifting marginalized communities, defending civil liberties, challenging injustice and inspiring the next generation of advocates. Her keynote address will encourage students to lead with purpose, faith and courage at a time when Muslim youth are being called to understand the assignment, reclaim our faith from Islamophobes and help shape the future.
All past MYLS programs have reached capacity. Students and families are encouraged to register early to reserve a spot.
Organizations, mosques and groups interested in supporting or co-sponsoring this year’s event may email mdoutreach@cair.com for more details.
REGISTRATION:bit.ly/myls2026
QUESTIONS: smushana@cair.com, mdoutreach@cair.com
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