Kazim Ali, 18, is an Eastvale resident and a 2018 graduate of the Muslim Youth Leadership Program. Ali, a film student and a freelance photographer, has nothing but praise for the program. He recently participated in a brief question-and-answer session.
Q: Why did you sign up for MYLP?
A: “MYLP was recommended to me by one of my dad’s friends. He sent over a flyer. My dad sent it to me and asked would I be interested. I said ‘Yeah, this looks interesting.’ I had never heard of it and my friends had never heard of it, so I thought it was a cool, new opportunity. As a result, I applied to it. If you’re looking at MYLP, I would definitely recommend it. It was by far one of my favorite two days of that whole summer.
Q: What did you learn?
A: “It’s just an amazing experience where you meet so many people and you meet so many great advisors that you can always stay in contact and get to know better over time. I definitely recommend it and you should definitely apply.”
MYLP is an intensive, four-day retreat in Sacramento designed to introduce American Muslim high school students to the areas of community organizing, advocacy and law – avenues that shape public opinion and public policy.
The deadline for applications is 11:59 p.m. Sunday, May 19. Youth across the state are encouraged to apply at https://ca.cair.com/mylp