Dear John,

2022 has been a tumultuous year for America and the world, but thanks to the support of people like you, MPAC has been able to do its part in defending democracy, standing for justice, and advocating for positive policy change in Washington. This year alone, we honored journalists, pushed back against toxic political narratives, hosted numerous forums and events, and made sure our community was seen and heard on Capitol Hill and in the White House.

Here are just a few of our accomplishments from this year:

• Ajit Sahi and Dr. Arfa Sherwani took a stand as journalists against an Indian government that has continually put Muslim minorities in the crosshairs. We were proud to honor both of them with the Voice of Courage Award for their relentless pursuit of truth in the face of certain backlash. 

• In response to recent racially motivated crimes inspired by The Great Replacement Theory, MPAC published The Great Enrichment Counternarrative, conveying how immigrants are playing an essential role in the continued growth and success of America. As part of that report, we created specific policy recommendations to ensure our pluralistic society remains vibrant. Additionally, we worked with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, the Biden Administration, and collaborated with civil society to ensure hateful ideology never becomes law.

• MPAC and four partner organizations hosted the first-ever National American Muslim Policy Conference (NAMPC) in our D.C. office. This groundbreaking event allowed American Muslim organizations and leaders to convene in a midterm election year to review new data on American Muslim political trends, discuss the latest in national and international politics with experts in media, government, and policy, and share our communities’ policy priorities with lawmakers. 

• The insurrection on January 6th, 2021 showed the fragility of our democracy. In support of one of our goals, the preservation of our democratic ideals and institutions, we held a year-long series of events called The Democracy Forums. They were held around the country starting in Washington, D.C. and included events in Atlanta, Washington, Houston, Sacramento, and Chicago. Throughout the series, we brought together experts and lawmakers to discuss how we all can work toward the preservation of our system of governance.  

• President Salam Al-Marayati attended the #UnitedWeStand Summit at the White House, coming together with a diverse group of national organizations to take a stand against hate. 

• Throughout the year, we hosted both in-person and virtual conversations on how best to advance legislative initiatives. Including, last month, when we held a briefing on Capitol Hill to promote a bill to honor the victims of hate crimes in the days following 9/11, who were targeted because they were Muslim or perceived to be Muslim. Most recently, we worked directly with lawmakers to create a dedicated prayer space in the Capitol. That initiative was signed into law as part of the Omnibus spending bill.       

• Alongside partners, MPAC regularly convened the American Muslim Elected Officials Network (AMEAON), ensuring that American Muslim political leaders are consistently meeting to organize, strategize, and push forward our shared vision for a better America. 

• In addition to our policy work, MPAC co-hosted a series of events throughout the year focused on the professional development of American Muslims working in the government, public service, or those who are interested in advancing their careers.

The above is just a snapshot of what we worked on this year– and it was all possible because of MPAC supporters like you. 2023 is quickly approaching, and with it new challenges for American Muslims across the country. For 35 years, MPAC has been on the frontlines – but there’s still so much more to accomplish. Make a contribution now to ensure our communities have an organization in Washington that is fighting for them.  

Happy holidays, and happy new year. 

Sincerely, 

Mohammad H. Ali
Director of Policy and Government Relations
MPAC