The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today announced the successful conclusion of its annual Muslim Youth Day at the Capitol (MYDAC) 2026, a statewide civic engagement initiative that aims to empower young Muslim leaders.
Held at the Maryland House of Delegates, the free, day-long program brought together youth ages 11–19 from across the state for an immersive experience focused on civic education, leadership development, and advocacy.
Building on the program’s mission to equip young participants with the tools to understand government and engage with lawmakers, #MYDAC2026 provided firsthand exposure to the legislative process and opportunities to connect directly with elected officials.
This year’s theme, “Built Different: Purpose & Power Over Pressure,” guided the day’s programming, encouraging participants to strengthen their identity, build resilience, and lead with purpose in the face of social and political challenges.
Participants toured the State House and heard from keynote speaker Imam Mustafa Brent of Masjid Ul Haqq, alongside CAIR and community leaders and public officials. The program also featured interactive sessions focused on civic engagement, leadership skills, and effective advocacy.
In a statement, CAIR Maryland said:
“MYDAC continues to demonstrate the power and promise of our young people. This program was not only about learning how government works, but about empowering youth to see themselves as leaders, advocates, and change-makers in their communities. We are committed to investing in a generation that is informed, confident, and committed to shaping a more just future.”
CAIR noted that MYDAC is part of its broader commitment to developing civic leadership among the Muslim community by fostering meaningful engagement within the democratic process. The organization thanked the Greater Baltimore Muslim Council, volunteers, speakers, community partners, and families whose support contributed to the program’s continued success.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, 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 National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com