On Saturday, November 1, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Minnesota (CAIR-MN), in partnership with the Abubakar As-Sidique Islamic Center, will host a Voter Education Forum featuring Minnesota Muslim civic leaders.
The event seeks to prepare community members for Election Day. It will include a training on government offices and positions, same-day voter registration, and voter rights; translated voter guides; and a Minnesota Muslim civic leaders panel discussion featuring Congressman Keith Ellison.
Ellison and other panelists will share some of their personal experiences of how they first became involved in the political process and why it's important for Minnesota Muslims to get involved.
CAIR-MN Civic Engagement Project Coordinator Amber Michel explains, "The goal is to help our community members see government as something that belongs to them, a place where they are welcome and a system that is better for their participation in it."
Saturday's event is the first in a series of civic engagement projects aimed at inspiring Minnesota Muslims to not only vote, but join committees, become election judges, or run for office.
"Muslims in Minneapolis represent a rich diversity of experience, education and expertise. When Minnesotans work together, all of our communities benefit," says Amber Michel.
Saturday's Voter Education Forum is funded by a grant awarded to CAIR-MN by the One Minneapolis Fund. Per the City of Minneapolis website, "The One Minneapolis Fund is designed to support the development of diverse leadership development and community engagement in the City of Minneapolis."
CAIR-MN's year-long civic engagement program, funded by The One Minneapolis Fund, includes the 2015 Day at the Capitol, 'Great Minds Get-Together' on Civic Engagement, Muslim Civic Engagement Summit at the Capitol, Muslim Advocacy Days, and the Muslim Youth Leadership Symposium.
When asked what she would say to someone who might not see a place for themselves in the political process, Michel explained, "I would say come on Saturday and get a glimpse of the many opportunities available for anyone who wants to make a positive change in their community."
WHAT: Voter Education Forum Featuring Muslim Civic Leaders
WHEN: Saturday, November 1, 2014, 1:00-3:00pm
WHERE: Abubakar As-Sidique Islamic Center, 2824 13th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55407
RSVP Online: http://voter-education-forum.eventbrite.com
For more information, contact CAIR-MN: 612.206.3360, info@mn.cair.com