CAIR is
America's largest Islamic civil liberties group, with
regional offices nationwide and in Canada. The national
headquarters is located on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C.
Since its establishment in 1994, CAIR has worked to promote
a positive image of Islam and Muslims in America. Through
media relations, lobbying, education and advocacy, CAIR puts
forth an Islamic perspective to ensure the Muslim voice is
represented. In offering this perspective, CAIR seeks to
empower the American Muslim community and encourage their
participation in political and social activism.
Civil Rights Work
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CAIR's Civil Rights Department
counsels, mediates and advocates on behalf of Muslims
and others who have experienced religious
discrimination, defamation or hate crimes. The
department works to protect and defend the
constitutional rights of American Muslims, thereby
supporting the rights of all Americans.
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Government Affairs
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CAIR's Governmental Affairs
Department conducts and organizes lobbying efforts on
issues related to Islam and Muslims. The department is
active in monitoring legislation and government
activities and then, responding on behalf of the
American Muslim community. CAIR representatives have
testified before Congress and have sponsored a number of
activities designed to bring Muslim concerns to Capitol
Hill.
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Media Relations
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CAIR's Communications Department
works in conjunction with local and national media to
ensure an accurate portrayal of Islam and Muslims is
presented to the American public. CAIR monitors local,
national and international media in part, to challenge
negative stereotypes, but also to applaud and encourage
positive representations of Islam and Muslims. Over the
years, CAIR has become a respected and credible source
for journalists and other media professionals.
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Action Alerts and CAIR-NET
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In an effort to empower the
American Muslim community, CAIR issues "Action Alerts"
as a means of generating a grassroots response to
critical political, social and media-related issues.
These alerts have produced overwhelming results and have
made a significant impact in bringing about change. CAIR
also offers an email list designed to be a source of
information and news for the American Muslim community.
Subscribers to the CAIRNET list receive news releases
and other materials dealing with American Muslim
positions on issues of importance. To subscribe to
CAIR-NET, go to:
http://www.cair-net.org/default.asp?Page=cairNetSubscription
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Research
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CAIR's Research Department
conducts empirical research studies on subjects relevant
to the American Muslim community, including gathering
and analyzing data for the annual civil rights report.
The North American Muslim Resource Guide: Muslim
Community Life in the United States and Canada
(Routledge) is a product of the research department.
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Internships
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CAIR offers internships to
students or other interested individuals who wish to
gain experience in media relations, political activism
or civil rights work.
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CAIR Publications
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CAIR offers a variety of
publications that address the needs and rights of
American Muslims. These publications include guides for
employers, educators, healthcare providers, and law
enforcement. CAIR also produces practical handbooks and
resource materials for the Muslim community. CAIR's
Research Department publishes an annual report on the
status of American Muslim civil rights, which serves to
document hate crimes and discrimination cases reported
to CAIR’s Civil Rights Department.
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Education: Conferences, Seminars and Workshops
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CAIR organizes regular conferences
and training seminars for government and law enforcement
agencies, media professionals and the academic
community. These events are designed to present easily
accessible and accurate information about Islam and
Muslims. CAIR’s TeamWorks sensitivity and diversity
training workshop is offered to employers, educators and
organizations as a proactive approach that highlights
relevant Islamic practices and offers suggestions for
religious accommodation. CAIR also provides training for
the Muslim Community and activists in areas such as
media relations, public speaking, lobbying, and civil
rights.
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Voter Registration
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In order to increase Muslim
participation in the political arena, CAIR and its
chapters regularly sponsor voter registration drives
across the country. To register to vote, visit our
website.
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Outreach and Interfaith Relations
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Each year, groups representing
people of all faiths visit CAIR offices to learn more
about Islam and Muslims in America. Through these
visits, as well as other interfaith initiatives, CAIR
strives to educate others about Islam while building
strong relationships with other faith communities.
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