(PHILADELPHIA, PA, 7/31/2018) — CAIR is urging American Muslims to take advantage of the upcoming August recess — during which members of Congress return home to spend time with their constituents — by requesting meetings to advocate on state and national issues of importance, including: dismantling President Trump’s “Muslim Ban” executive order; opposing limits on campus free speech and boycotts; protecting immigrant communities by supporting Dreamers, TPS holders and opposing new restrictions; and, recognizing the accomplishments of U.S. Muslims.
Each year, Congress goes into recess for the month of August. Members of the U.S. House of Representatives are expected to begin their summer recess today until September 3 (Labor Day). Member of the U.S. Senate will start their recess on August 6 until September 14.
While members of Congress are in their home districts for the annual summer break, it is important for American Muslims to schedule in-district office meetings or attend town halls to build greater momentum on issues already being supported by Muslim organizations, activists and communities nationwide.
[NOTE: On May 7 and 8, more than 400 delegates attended meetings with some 250 elected officials and congressional staffers during the fourth annual National Muslim Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., in support of U.S. Muslim rights.]
CAIR is encouraging Muslim community members to print out downloadable copies of legislative fact sheets it has prepared for distribution to members of Congress and their staff at town halls and to leave behind during one-on-one meetings. CAIR leave behind documents prepared for the August recess include:
CAIR Legislative Fact Sheet: Support H.Res. 869: Recognizing the Accomplishments of U.S. Muslims
The August recess is a great opportunity to meet with your members of Congress, face-to-face, in your own political backyard. CAIR’s Civic Participation Handbook has concise and easy-to-follow instructions to guide individuals through the process.
SEE: CAIR Civic Participation Handbook
Step-by-step advice includes “Setting Up a Meeting with a Member of Congress,” “Ensuring an Effective Meeting with a Member of Congress,” “Elected Official Meeting Planning Sheet,” “Tips for Calling a Congressional Office,” and “Elected Official Meeting Report.”
Community leaders are also encouraged to hold candidate forums for those running for public office at which Muslim voters may ask questions of those seeking public office.
Consider hosting one of CAIR’s government relations experts to conduct a civic participation training in your community.
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-Philadelphia Outreach and Education Director Ahmet Selim Tekelioglu, 267.515.6710 / 617.401.5397, atekelioglu@cair.com; CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director Jacob Bender, 267-515-6710, jbender@cair.com
