The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today thanked congressional sponsor Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), organizational cosponsors Diyanet Center of America, IMAAM Center, Dar Al Taqwa, Islamic Society of Frederick, Masjid An Nur, Muslim American Society DC and the Muslim Community Center, and all those who helped make its 9th annual Muslim Youth Leadership Symposium (MYLS) a sold-out success.
The event, open to Muslim youth between the ages of 13-19 based in Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia, was held at the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill.
This year’s program was themed “Amplifying Your Impact: Media as a Catalyst for Justice.” Media has a profound role in impacting policies and shaping opinions. It serves as an important mechanism to raise awareness, mobilize communities and drive political and social change in the national and global fight for equality and human rights. #MYLS2024 focused on training student leaders to develop media literacy skills, identify and address media bias and explore ways to leverage media to fight oppression and advocate for justice.
Students heard from experts including keynote speaker Ameer Al-Khatahtbeh, founder of the online media publication ‘Muslim’ which today has over 6.3 million followers on Instagram. Al-Khatahtbeh’s talk focused on media’s influence in shaping public perceptions about Islam and Muslims, consuming news critically, using it to drive positive outcomes, and the benefit of developing platforms that amplify Muslim narratives.
Muslim congressional staffers joined a fireside chat to share their experiences and journey to congress and give advice to students interested in political advocacy. Students toured the U.S. Capitol and visited the CAIR National Headquarters located two blocks away.
CAIR presented an award honoring Congresswoman Pressley for her support in investing in youth leadership in the American Muslim community.
“Equipping students with the right resources and tools will help them navigate today’s complex and often confusing information landscape,” said CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry. “Media have the power to inspire the masses and influence their attitudes. Used effectively, it can help fight Islamophobia and ensure that the voices of our youth are not only heard but resonate with courage, wisdom and integrity. We thank Congresswoman Pressley and all of our sponsors for their support.”
“This year’s Muslim Youth Leadership Symposium was a powerful opportunity for students to enhance their media and civic engagement skills,” said CAIR’s Maryland Outreach Coordinator Kimberly Syuardi. “It gave students a safe space to discuss important issues such as bias and representation. I was so proud to see this group engaged and networking on the Hill. MYLS is a vital resource to build our pipeline of Muslim American leaders.”
The Washington-based civil rights organization has been organizing Muslim youth leadership programs in states across the country for more than a decade. Participants have gone on to become respected community leaders, public servants, activists, community organizers, and youth leaders.
MYLS is designed to encourage civic and political engagement by American Muslim youth, empower them to guide their communities from the margins to the mainstream of society and to provide resources to foster a well-integrated American Muslim identity that flourishes in a pluralistic America.
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 Maryland Outreach Coordinator Kim Syuardi, ksyuardi@cair.com, 202-850-9293; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com