The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today announced that registration is now open for its 9th annual Muslim Youth Leadership Symposium (#MYLS2024).
This year’s event will be held on Wednesday, August 14 on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Open to students ages 13 to 19, #MYLS2024 is themed “Amplifying Your Impact: Media as a Catalyst for Justice.”
WHAT: Muslim Youth Leadership Symposium 2024 #MYLS2024
WHO: Students ages 13-19
WHEN: Wednesday, August 14, 2024, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
WHERE: Rayburn House Office Building, 45 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, D.C. 20515
COST: $15
REGISTRATION LINK: https://bit.ly/2024myls
[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.]
Media has a profound role in influencing policies and shaping public opinion. It serves as a critical tool to raise awareness, mobilize the masses and drive political and social change in the global fight for equality and human rights.
#MYLS2024 participants will gain insights from media experts and congressional staffers and tour the U.S. Capitol where members of Congress meet and hold hearings on important bills. All meals are included.
This year’s youth leadership symposium will focus on developing media literacy skills, unpacking and addressing media bias and exploring ways to leverage media to fight oppression and advocate for justice – all in the heart of the nation’s capital where policy makers make decisions every day that stand to impact millions of lives.
“Empowering young leaders isn’t just about representation, it’s about shaping a future in which their voices and perspectives help shape issues that impact and interest us,” said CAIR’s Maryland Outreach Coordinator Kimberly Syuardi. “MYLS is a unique and amazing opportunity for Muslim students to network and learn more about their potential to make a positive difference.”
“Our voices can be powerful tools against media biases and disinformation that distort our narratives,” said CAIR’s Government Affairs Coordinator Shafiquil Mushana. “Participating in this year’s MYLS will help young leaders better recognize and address these challenges, all while learning more about how our government works.”
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 Maryland Outreach Coordinator Kim Syuardi, ksyuardi@cair.com, 202-850-9293; 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