July 14, 2008

Last week, the Muslim Public Affairs Council held its 2nd Annual National Muslim American Youth Summit, bringing young leaders from across the nation to discuss pressing policy issues with government agencies and members of Congress.

The four-day Summit brought 25 young Muslim leaders from across the nation together, allowing them to engage policy makers and one another on the most pressing issues of the day. Delegates met with the representatives from the Brookings Institute, the Gallup Organization, the Interfaith Alliance, members of Congress and the Departments of Justice, State, Treasury, and Homeland Security. During these meetings, delegates addressed issues ranged from U.S. environmental policy to homeland security concerns. The delegates also had the rare opportunity to hear Congressman Keith Ellison (D-MN) speak on the importance of Muslim American involvement in the civic arena.

SEE: "Young Muslims Dream of a Diverse Congress" (Medill News Service)

"This conference encouraged me to speak up -- both literally and figuratively. I always wanted to make a difference -- meeting with members of Congress opened up a door to me that I never realized I could open," said Nabil Alshurafa, an MPAC Youth Summit Delegate from Camarillo, California.

The student leaders, who traveled from 11 states to attend the Summit, had what they described as an unprecedented opportunity to interact with like-minded colleagues, those that also are interested in enhancing civic and political participation within their local communities.

In meetings with government officials and during informal discussions, delegates discussed the barriers which exist within their communities and the need to get involved in public service as an expression of the values they hold as Muslims. All left with a renewed sense of energy and commitment toward applying the lessons they had learned to advocacy work in their local communities. The delegates will be participating in a series of follow-up events to raise the level of civic engagement within their local communities.

MPAC is dedicated to developing and supporting young leaders in order to help address the challenges facing America and its diverse Muslim communities. As such, the National Muslim American Young Leaders Summit is a crucial means by which young Muslim Americans are exposed to the inner workings of Congress, U.S. government agencies, think tanks and interfaith groups. Simultaneously, the Summit provides government officials and Congressional leaders with the opportunity to learn what is on the minds of young Muslim Americans.

Founded in 1988, the Muslim Public Affairs Council is an American institution which informs and shapes public opinion and policy by serving as a trusted resource to decision makers in government, media and policy institutions. MPAC is also committed to developing leaders with the purpose of enhancing the political and civic participation of Muslim Americans.