I want to share critical updates from the last couple of months.

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Watch highlights from our 2019 Convention.
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** Combating Online Hate Speech
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Online bigotry and radicalization is a growing threat to vulnerable communities. Inclusive representation is critical in tech, policy, and government to eliminate this threat. Our DC Office Director, Hoda Hawa, recently spoke about human rights in tech at a conference hosted by Youtube in New Zealand. MPAC was the only American NGO in a room full of representatives from government, tech, and civil society from around the world. She was also the only Muslim in the room. We’re taking steps toward Muslim inclusion in these critical conversations and creating avenues for others to do the same.


** Sharing the Diversity of American Muslims with Capitol Hill
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On October 24th, we held our Congressional briefing titled, “We Are America: The Diversity of the American Muslim Experience.” We partnered with 5 Congressional Caucuses and had a full house with Congresswoman Judy Chu and legislative staff from across the aisle. Attendees left the room understanding how American Muslims are a richly diverse community and incredible contributors to our nation's progress.


** Training Muslim Writers with Hollywood Titans
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Our next Screenwriting Lab ([link removed]) will focus on Children’s Media and will be held in partnership with Practice Wonder! Through this lab, Muslim screenwriters will have an opportunity to hone their craft in a day-long intensive with leading creatives from Children’s television. Selected participants will have their scripts workshopped, perfect their pitch, and liaise with a network of industry professionals to guide them in their writing careers. These labs are designed to advance Muslim screenwriters in their careers and advance authentic narratives about American Muslims in television and film.


** Protecting Houses of Worship
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As part of our work to protect the rights and liberties of American Muslim communities, we are expanding our work to safeguard our houses of worship, schools, and organizations from those who seek to harm us. Other faith communities have leveraged federal resources to protect their houses of worship. Through community events, national conference calls, and in-person leadership meetings, we are ensuring Muslim communities are taking advantage of these same resources (paid for by our tax dollars). We are teaching leaders about grants, security trainings, and other resources available to protect their organizations and communities.


** We Are the Change We Seek
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"God does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” (Quran, 13:11)

Dr. Yusef Salaam and Salam Al-Marayati both reflected on this verse during our annual Convention last month; it is our responsibility as American Muslims to take proactive steps for social change. This message was echoed by Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib and Jose Antonio Vargas, our other keynote speakers. Representing myriad vulnerable communities, the Convention underscored the importance of the intersectionality of our common causes.
We work to ensure a vibrant future for Islam and Muslims in America. Your contribution makes that happen. Give to our year-end campaign for your tax-deductible and zakat-eligible donation today!
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Founded in 1988, the ** Muslim Public Affairs Council ([link removed])
improves public understanding and policies that impact American Muslims by engaging our government, media, and communities.

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