In this series, you can get to know the CAIR-Sacramento Valley team that’s defending your civil rights and immigrants’ rights, empowering youth, and fighting for justice for all.
First up, meet Programs & Outreach Coordinator Oussama Mokeddem!
What inspired you to work for CAIR-SV?
As someone who was raised in the Sacramento community, I grew up with exposure to many of the organizations that work on behalf of the people in the area. Coming from a family with a strong social justice background, I took a specific interest in CAIR at a very young age. My experience as a volunteer and intern at CAIR Sacramento Valley left a good impression on me and inspired me to take a strong stance against injustice. After graduating with my Bachelors degree, I noticed that CAIR-SV was taking things to the next level and couldn’t miss out! I wanted to take what I learned throughout my undergraduate career and apply the knowledge I gained to the increasing need in our community at large.
What do you hope to help CAIR-SV accomplish in the future?
As someone who is invested in developing educational foundations, I hope to help CAIR-SV establish concrete curricula and guidelines for all of our flagship programs, such as the Muslim Youth Leadership Program and Muslim Game Changers Network. On top of that, I hope to establish new programs that focus around educating people – especially the young people, so that we as a community can establish proactive approaches, rather than reactive ones.
What moment working in social justice had the greatest impact on you in the past year?
During an anti-bullying campaign presentation I gave at a local Sunday school, I had the chance to have a discussion with some very bright Middle/High School students. While talking to them, I noticed how bright and insightful they were, because of some of the ideas they provided me with for anti-bullying campaigns. It showed me that sometimes simply surveying the groups that are subject to these injustices will yield very positive results. We often overcomplicate the field of civil rights, getting into the politics. But, things like this reel us back in and remind us that it’s all about the people we serve.
If you could describe yourself or your motto in one sentence, what would it be?
It’s all part of the experience.
What is your favorite hobby outside of work?
Playing basketball.
What’s your favorite food?
I’m a carbovore.
What’s the last book you read?
“The Souls of Black Folk” by W.E.B. Du Bois.
Favorite area coffee shop?
Pachamama.
Need info on our overall programs or internships, volunteering and youth events? You can contact Oussama at omokeddem@cair.com.
