AhlulBayt News Agency: The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) and partner organizations will head to the New Jersey State Capitol on Monday as part of their 3rd annual Muslim Day of Advocacy.
CAIR-NJ and participating organizations will advocate for the Defining Islamophobia Bill (A465/S2368), Maintaining the Religion of Foster Children Bill (A1050), and Establishing Same-Day Voter Registration (A1966/S247).
They will also introduce a policy issue calling for Muslim Appreciation Month and address the student debt crisis.
In a statement, CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut said:
“The purpose of Muslim Day of Advocacy is to open up different avenues of political engagement and awareness within the New Jersey Muslim community, especially at the local level. While voting is important, it is not the only means of advocacy, nor is it accessible or provided to everyone.
“In preparation for Advocacy Day, we surveyed local communities to gauge their interest in policy issues, held orientations and training sessions, and worked with local mosques to provide free transportation to anyone who requires it.”
“This year we’re projected to have over one hundred Muslims from across New Jersey attend the advocacy day in Trenton.
In a statement, Deputy Director of ICNA Council for Social Justice, NJ Jim Sues said:
“Participation in the Muslim Day of Advocacy gives community members the opportunity to experience civic engagement in a real, tangible environment.
“Face to face dialogue with our state representatives on issues of importance to the community enhances our understanding of how policy decisions are made in the halls of power.”
In a statement, a representative for New Jersey Muslim Voice for Progress Ayaz Aslam said:
“Through Advocacy day, we have been able to educate and connect hard to reach communities that were once disengaged and disconnected due to various incidents that had deeply impacted the community.
“With this effort, we have been able to break those barriers and bring this all in full circle. It has helped increase engagement through communication, representation and advocating for issues critical for our community’s wellbeing and success, which in turn has had a positive impact on increased voter turnout.”
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CAIR-NJ and participating organizations will advocate for the Defining Islamophobia Bill (A465/S2368), Maintaining the Religion of Foster Children Bill (A1050), and Establishing Same-Day Voter Registration (A1966/S247).
They will also introduce a policy issue calling for Muslim Appreciation Month and address the student debt crisis.
In a statement, CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut said:
“The purpose of Muslim Day of Advocacy is to open up different avenues of political engagement and awareness within the New Jersey Muslim community, especially at the local level. While voting is important, it is not the only means of advocacy, nor is it accessible or provided to everyone.
“In preparation for Advocacy Day, we surveyed local communities to gauge their interest in policy issues, held orientations and training sessions, and worked with local mosques to provide free transportation to anyone who requires it.”
“This year we’re projected to have over one hundred Muslims from across New Jersey attend the advocacy day in Trenton.
In a statement, Deputy Director of ICNA Council for Social Justice, NJ Jim Sues said:
“Participation in the Muslim Day of Advocacy gives community members the opportunity to experience civic engagement in a real, tangible environment.
“Face to face dialogue with our state representatives on issues of importance to the community enhances our understanding of how policy decisions are made in the halls of power.”
In a statement, a representative for New Jersey Muslim Voice for Progress Ayaz Aslam said:
“Through Advocacy day, we have been able to educate and connect hard to reach communities that were once disengaged and disconnected due to various incidents that had deeply impacted the community.
“With this effort, we have been able to break those barriers and bring this all in full circle. It has helped increase engagement through communication, representation and advocating for issues critical for our community’s wellbeing and success, which in turn has had a positive impact on increased voter turnout.”
/129