(SACRAMENTO, CA, 8/6/2018) – The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the largest Muslim advocacy and civil rights organization in the United States, completed its 14th annual Muslim Youth Leadership Program (MYLP) at the State Capitol in Sacramento.
The four-day program began Thursday, Aug. 2, and concluded Sunday, Aug. 5. MYLP is an intensive retreat in Sacramento designed to introduce American Muslim high school students to the areas of media, law and government – avenues that shape public opinion and public policy.
More than 40 high school students from across the state participated in workshops on community organizing, leadership development and public speaking.
The participants, who have shown exemplary leadership skills in their own communities, participated in a mock legislative session, serving as legislators as they debated public policy issues and prepared bills to be presented on the State Capitol Assembly floor.The mock legislative session allowed participants to gain a deeper, practical understanding of how bills are reviewed and laws are passed in the California legislature.
“It was truly one of the greatest experiences,” said one participant.
CAIR Sacramento Valley Executive Director Basim Elkarra and Assemblyman Ken Cooley were among the keynote speakers this year.
“We are so grateful to be able to offer such an in-depth, hands-on learning experience for our youth,” said Basim Elkarra, Chair of CAIR California’s Muslim Youth Leadership Program (MYLP). “It is our goal for participants to return home and empower their peers and community members.
“With so many students passionate about making a difference, the future looks bright!”
Nearly 500 California students have participated in MYLP since its first conference in 2005. Many of the program’s graduates have moved on to become community activists and have taken on groundbreaking leadership roles.
CONTACT: CAIR-SV Executive Director Basim Elkarra, 916-289-3748 or belkarra@cair.com
