Dear John,
As our community deals with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, we want to update you on everything that we are doing to advocate for you and your needs. We also want to ensure that we are continuing to cover the on-going legislative and advocacy work which your support allows us to do. Here are some updates on our work in policy, government and community:
Policy & Government Updates
Election Updates
We are urging Congress and state election officials to respond to the threat presented by the COVID-19 crisis. Joining 200+ other civil rights organizations, we are calling for critical policy changes to the registration and voting process that will ensure the safety of the public. These policies will ensure that our election system not only operates efficiently but is accessible and safe for all.
Learn more →
Emergency Bill updates
Last week, we asked you to urge your Senators to push through the GOP’s block on coronavirus legislation. Thanks to your prompt action, the Senate voted in favor of passing the Families First Coronavirus Response Act! The legislation isn’t perfect, but we’ll continue to work to ensure that comprehensive legislation is passed to assist those who need it the most.
Learn more →
Congress Defers FISA Reauthorization
Congress was slated this week to vote to reauthorize and revise key provisions of the Foreign Intelligence and Surveillance Act (FISA), which affords government agencies significant surveillance capacity. However, earlier this week, the Senate voted to defer a vote on reauthorization for 77 days. The decision is being regarded as a victory by privacy and civil rights advocates. We will continue to update you on any legislative efforts pertaining to your privacy and civil rights.
Community Updates
National Coalition of American Muslims
To counter the severe outcomes of the coronavirus pandemic, we’ve joined a coalition of American Muslim organizations across the United States to participate in a National Muslim Task Force on COVID-19. We just released a joint statement from this task force to provide recommendations to our community members for how to maneuver through these trying times and best protect ourselves and one another from harm.
Learn more →
Webinar w/ Doctor El-Sayed
Join us to hear from someone who has been on the frontlines of dealing with the Coronavirus in the US. Dr. Abdul El-Sayed is an expert in infectious diseases and will be discussing steps that we should be taking as a community and as Muslims in this pandemic.
RSVP Here →
Community Resources
- If you or anyone you know is experiencing financial hardship at this time, Penny Appeal USA is providing Financial Hardship Grants to use towards food, bills and any uncovered living expenses as a result of quarantine and/or work and school closures. Learn More →
- If you are able to give at this time, we encourage supporting the Muslims United for Coronavirus Relief fundraising campaign that will directly be applied to these grants. Donate here →
- This is a time for our community to rally together, here are some additional resources that you may find useful. Learn More →
As always, thank you for your support as our staff continues this critical work. We understand that this is a difficult time for you and your loved ones. If there is anything more that you think we could be doing, please reach out to us at [email protected].
In service,
Salam Al-Marayati
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