OUR MISSION
CAIR-MI’s 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 through education, mediation, media and the law.
CAIR-MI has been serving the entire state of Michigan since 2000 with an emphasis on Metro Detroit, Flint/Saginaw, Ann Arbor/Jackson, Lansing, Kalamazoo/Battle Creek, and Grand Rapids/Muskegon.
HOW CAIR-MI WORKS
The Council on American-Islamic Relations Michigan Chapter (CAIR-MI) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) grassroots civil rights and advocacy group. The organization is affiliated with America's largest Islamic civil liberties group, CAIR, whose headquarters is located in Washington D.C.
Through media and government relations, education and advocacy, CAIR-MI puts forth an Islamic perspective to ensure the Muslim voice is represented. In offering this perspective, CAIR seeks to empower the American Muslim community and encourage their participation in political and social activism.
Civil Rights Work
CAIR-MI works intently on civil rights issues whereby it mediates and advocates on behalf of Muslims and others who have experienced religious discrimination, defamation or hate crimes. CAIR-MI works to protect and defend the constitutional rights of American Muslims, thereby supporting the rights of all Americans.
Media Relations
CAIR-MI’s Media Outreach Team works in conjunction with statewide and national media to ensure an accurate portrayal of Islam and Muslims to the American public. The team monitors local and national media to challenge negative stereotypes in addition to shedding light on positive representations of Islam and Muslims.
Action Alerts
In an effort to empower the American Muslim community, CAIR-MI issues “Action Alerts” in an effort to generate a grassroots response to critical political, social and media-related issues. These alerts have produced overwhelming results and have made a significant impact in bringing about change. CAIR-MI also offers an email list designed to be a source of information and news for the American Muslim community. Subscribers to the CAIR-MI e-mail lists receive news releases and other materials dealing with American Muslim positions on issues of importance.
Internships
CAIR offers internships to students or other interested individuals who wish to gain experience in media relations, political activism or civil rights work.
Education: Conferences, Seminars and Workshops
CAIR-MI organizes regular conferences and training seminars for government and law enforcement agencies, media professionals and the academic community. These events are designed to present easily accessible and accurate information about Islam and Muslims. Diversity training is offered to employers, educators and organizations as a proactive approach that highlights relevant Islamic practices and offers suggestions for religious accommodation. CAIR-MI also provides training for the Muslim Community and activists in areas such as media relations, public speaking and civil rights through the training program PITFA, “Presenting Islam to Fellow Americans.”