Salaam John,
As the year comes to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on the immense challenges we have faced as a community and the opportunities for growth and resilience that have emerged through them. As we witness devastating crises in Palestine, Lebanon, Sudan, and beyond, we are also confronting injustices here at home, such as protecting free speech on college campuses, strengthening hate crimes reporting, and upholding legislation which centers human rights. These interconnected challenges remind us that the fight for justice knows no borders, and the opportunities for change are both global and local.
This Giving Tuesday, let us strive together for justice for all–our brothers and sisters at home and abroad.
Reflecting on what my team of dedicated community organizers and policy researchers accomplished in 2024, I am thankful to report a productive and notable year for our civic education and engagement programming. Here are some highlights: |
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Ahead of the 2024 general election, our organizing team knocked on over 115,000 doors, made over half a million phone calls, and sent over 2 million text messages to ensure our community knew the power of their vote.
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Our flagship programs, the Muslim Civic Table and Emerging Leaders, held several convenings around the country. These serve as strategy sessions for community members to address local issues and give aspiring youth the tools to be future civic leaders.
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Alongside Muslim organizational partners, we co-hosted the first ever National American Muslim Policy Conference in Washington D.C., which brought together elected officials, Muslim organizations, experts, community members, and leaders from across the nation to discuss our community’s policy priorities and needs.
- Hosted multiple town halls and candidate forums both in-person and virtually to allow the community to voice their concerns and ask questions.
- Facilitated Congressional educational outreach and coordinated with partner organizations to host an informational forum on Sudan to Congressional Staff.
- Held several civic engagement workshops across our state chapters to educate the community on voting rights and other avenues to be civically engaged.
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We are looking to 2025 with renewed hope and determination to continue the work we have done. We are preparing to expand our efforts to mobilize, educate, and advocate on the issues that matter most to the Muslim community. A sneak peak of our priorities include: |
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Supporting Principled and Just Foreign Policy: Advocating for an immediate and lasting ceasefire to end the violence in Gaza, Lebanon, Sudan and beyond, prioritizing peace and humanitarian relief.
- Expanding Muslim Voter Mobilization: Increasing voter turnout and education at all levels of government to amplify Muslim voices in the democratic process.
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Defending Free Speech: Protecting our constitutional right to free expression, particularly in the face of growing challenges.
- Protecting Civil Rights and Religious Freedoms: Combating harmful policies targeting Muslim Americans and other vulnerable groups.
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Building Grassroots Power: Ensuring that Muslim communities shape policy decisions locally, statewide, and nationally through direct engagement and leadership.
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I find strength in the Quran’s reminder: “Hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided (3:103).” This guiding principle calls us to unity, resilience, and purposeful action as we continue our fight for peace, justice, and safety for Muslims everywhere.
Moving forward, we must prioritize collaboration, trust, and meaningful dialogue by supporting one another in our shared efforts. By coming together, we can form a unified front to advance our values of justice, dignity, equality, and peace. I believe that it is unity—not uniformity—that is an essential ingredient for success. But unity does not come about by chance. It requires deliberate collaboration, open communication, and a shared understanding that the fight for justice is bigger than any single group or strategy.
At Emgage, we deeply believe in the transformative power of civic and political participation to drive meaningful change. This journey would not have been possible without your support, and your continued commitment is essential as we work to create a future rooted in these shared values. Will you become a monthly donor of $5, $10, or $25 for a year today, which will provide us the community support we need to continue our mission? |
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| With gratitude,
Wa'el Alzayat CEO, Emgage |
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