Muslim Americans Prepare for Milestone 10th Annual Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill.
Muslim Americans Prepare for Milestone 10th Annual Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill.
The U.S. Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO) is set to host its 10th Annual National Muslim Advocacy Day on April 28-29, 2025, in Washington, D.C. This landmark event will bring together hundreds of Muslim leaders, activists, and constituents from across the country to engage directly with members of Congress on policies impacting their communities. With the theme "Defending Rights, Shaping Policy," participants will address pressing issues such as civil rights, foreign policy, and social justice in the face of escalating global crises and domestic challenges.
A Decade of Increasing Influence
Since its inception in 2015, National Muslim Advocacy Day has become a crucial platform for political engagement within the Muslim American community. The event has experienced significant growth, reflecting the rising political mobilization among American Muslims. In 2024, the event set a record with 700 delegates from 25 states meeting with over 200 congressional offices, according to USCMO.
Oussama Jammal, Secretary General of USCMO, emphasized the significance of this annual gathering: "Mobilizing Muslims to engage with their members of Congress is a time-honored tradition. National Muslim Advocacy Day underscores our community's commitment to civic engagement, ensuring our voices are heard on issues that directly impact our communities, especially before a national election".
Key Issues on the Agenda
This year's advocacy day comes at a critical juncture for Muslim Americans, with several pressing issues at the forefront:
Civil Rights: Advocates are pushing for stronger protections against Islamophobia and discrimination, a concern heightened by recent global events.
Foreign Policy: Discussions will center on promoting peace and justice in regions such as Gaza and Sudan and addressing the persecution of Uyghur Muslims in China.
Domestic Policy: Participants will address issues related to immigration reform, social justice, and the protection of civil liberties.
The urgency of these issues is underscored by recent data from the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), which reported a significant increase in anti-Muslim incidents. CAIR's 2024 civil rights report documented 8,061 complaints in 2023, marking a 56% increase from the previous year.
Rising Tensions and Shifting Political Landscape
The 2025 National Muslim Advocacy Day takes place against a backdrop of heightened tensions and political shifts within the Muslim American community. The ongoing conflict in Gaza and the U.S. government's stance on the issue have led to growing frustration among many Muslim Americans.
Robert S. McCaw, Chair of USCMO's National Muslim Advocacy Day Steering Committee and CAIR's Director of the Government Affairs Department, highlighted the impact of recent events: "Our voices, alongside those of student protesters and countless others, echo the urgent call for justice, accountability, and an end to this cycle of viole”
Growing Political Engagement
The increasing participation in National Muslim Advocacy Day reflects a broader trend of political engagement among Muslim Americans. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, Muslim voter participation in the 2020 presidential election surpassed the national average, with 71% of eligible Muslim voters registering to vote, compared to the national average of 66.8%.
Arshia Ali-Khan, chair of the USCMO National Board and chief executive officer of the Muslim Legal Fund of America, emphasized the importance of this engagement: "Standing up for our rights and concerns is not just a Muslim duty but an embodiment of American principles, reflecting American Muslims' dedication to the values of justice, equality, and freedom for all individuals."
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the growing political engagement, Muslim Americans continue to face significant challenges. A 2021 Associated Press/NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll found that only 42% of Americans have a favorable opinion of Islam, highlighting the persistent issue of Islamophobia in the United States.
However, events like National Muslim Advocacy Day provide an opportunity to challenge stereotypes and foster understanding. Organizations such as the Muslim Political Affairs Council (MPAC) and Jetpac have been working to increase the influence and engagement of America's Muslim community in the political sphere.
Impact of Previous Advocacy Days
The success of past National Muslim Advocacy Days has set a high bar for the upcoming 10th anniversary event. In 2024, the event saw record-breaking participation, with 700 American Muslim delegates from 25 states meeting with more than 200 congressional offices. This level of engagement demonstrates the growing influence and organization of the Muslim-American community in political advocacy.
During the 2024 event, participants focused on several key issues, including:
Supporting the free speech rights of student protesters
Advocating for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza
Calling for the free flow of humanitarian aid to Palestinians, including the resumption of U.S. support for UNRWA
These efforts highlight the community's commitment to addressing domestic and international concerns impacting Muslim Americans and their allies.
Preparing for the 10th Anniversary
As the Muslim American community gears up for the 10th Annual National Muslim Advocacy Day, organizers stress the importance of early registration and preparation. USCMO has encouraged all interested participants to register at least one month in advance, with a March 28, 2025 deadline.
To equip participants with effective advocacy techniques and knowledge, the USCMO offers a series of online training seminars prior to the event, focusing on advocacy issues. These sessions promote productive conversations with their elected representatives.
Future Perspective
As the 10th Annual National Muslim Advocacy Day draws near, organizers expect the event will continue to grow in size and influence, reflecting the Muslim community's expanding role in American politics. The event aims to build on the successes of previous years, where participants have engaged in workshops, training sessions, and meetings with lawmakers to tackle pressing issues.
Oussama Jammal reflected on the significance of this milestone event: "This is more than just an advocacy day—it's a movement that empowers our community to take ownership of their role in shaping America's future".
With its focus on unity, justice, and civic engagement, National Muslim Advocacy Day continues to inspire hope for a more inclusive society where all voices are heard. As April approaches, participants are gearing up to make their mark on Capitol Hill once again—advocating not just for their communities but for principles that benefit all Americans.
In conclusion, the upcoming 10th Annual National Muslim Advocacy Day stands as a testament to the growing political engagement of Muslim Americans and their commitment to addressing critical issues facing their community and the nation. As the event approaches, it promises to be a significant moment for Muslim Americans to assert their presence in the political landscape and work towards creating lasting change in pursuit of a more inclusive and just society.