CAIR-LA Launches Muslim Gamechangers Network for High School Students

Program offers four months of social justice training at local mosques

ANAHEIM, Calif., Jan. 9, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today announced the launch of the Muslim Gamechangers Network (MGN), a comprehensive four-month social justice training program for Muslim high school students.

MGN is designed to empower and equip students with the tools necessary to effectively promote justice and to build legacies of positive change in their communities and in the larger society.

The program consists of weekly interactive sessions and field trips centered on themes of identity, history, social responsibility, and activism. Students will also receive hands-on training in the areas of civic engagement, media advocacy and community organizing.

"Many of the youth I've interacted with struggle with identity issues, a lack of confidence and a fear of being active and standing out," said CAIR-LA's Youth Development Coordinator Zienab Abdelgany. "The idea behind MGN is to understand how our narratives and struggles as Muslims growing up in America connect to broader world issues. By elevating our social consciousness—within an Islamic framework—and acquiring practical organizing tools, we are more equipped to actualize social justice in our communities."

The first program will be held at the Islamic Center of Irvine (ICOI) and is organized in partnership between CAIR-LA, the Greater LA area chapter of the Muslim American Society, and ICOI. After its first run, the program will subsequently rotate at different mosques across Southern California.

The deadline to register is Thursday, January 23. The program begins January 26.

TO REGISTER, GO TO:
http://www.muslimgamechangers.com/register/   

For details, visit http://www.muslimgamechangers.com , email CAIR-LA Youth Development Coordinator Zienab Abdelgany at [email protected] or call the CAIR-LA office at 714-776-1847.

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

CONTACT: CAIR-LA Communications Coordinator Yasmin Nouh, 714-776-1847, E-Mail: [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, E-Mail: [email protected]; CAIR Communications Manager Amina Rubin, 202-341-4171, E-Mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations