April 29, 2010

MPAC recently co-sponsored a hospitality suite with a host of other Muslim advocacy groups at the California Democratic Convention in Los Angeles. The event gave voters the opportunity to meet with State Party delegates, community leaders, elected officials and candidates.  Over 300 people came through the suite. This unprecedented event among Muslim organizations at a State convention was an essential step in building presence in political spheres of influence in California.  By playing an active role in the political process as one body, we are able to create one larger wave.

Those who attended enjoyed Mediterranean style hors d'oeuvre s as they networked around the room. Speakers included Congressman Mike Honda; Senator Carol Liu's District or Tahara Goraya; the Executive Directors of the Council on American Islamic Relations, Hussam Ayloush, Los Angeles, and Bassim Elkarra, Sacramento; among others, including myself as the Director of Southern California Government Relations for MPAC.

MPAC's contribution to the program focused on the larger picture of galvanizing Muslim voters through the launch of the "I Am Change: Civic Leadership Program." The national campaign is broken down into a series of workshops in different cities around the country to demystify the different realms of government and mobilize communities into action.

Other groups sponsoring the event included: American Muslim Alliance-CA; American Muslims & Friends Democratic Club; Arab American Caucus; and CAIR-CA PAC.

- Aziza Hasan (aziza@mpac.org)
Southern California Government Relations Director