Communicating with Congress
Getting Involved Locally
Letter to the Editor
Reacting to Anti-Muslim Hate Crimes
Rights as an American Muslim
100
What is a lobbyist?
A lobbyist is a person who tries to influence legislation.
100
Why should Muslims be involved in their communities?
Individuals who get involved with their local communities earn the respect and understanding of their neighbors Mutual respect is key to gaining support in times of need
100
How can you increase your chances of publications?
Keep your letter to no more than 150-250 words. State the PURPOSE of the letter in 25 words or less. Address the letter to “The Letters Editor.”
100
True or False: If you believe a hate crime has been committed, you should not contact the police right away, you should assess the situation first.
FALSE: you should contact the police and file a report
100
In all situations, how should you respond?
**Remain calm **Write down and document as many details as possible; Names, dates, details of the event **Contact CAIR
200
How should you address your correspondence?
The Honorable (last name)
200
What is Outreach?
Outreach is an effort by individuals in an organization or group to connect its ideas or practices to the efforts of other organizations, groups, specific audiences or the general public.
200
What other media outlets can you contact with similar techniques as writing a letter to the editor?
television & film producers as well as radio personalities
200
How can you contact CAIR?
Email CAIR at info@cair.com or call 202-488-8787. Inform CAIR even if you believe it is a ‘small’ incident.
200
True or False: You should have a lawyer present if approached by federal law enforcement agencies.
TRUE: It is your right and may help your cause to have a lawyer present
300
How should you begin a letter to a congressman? How should you end it?
**STATE YOUR PURPOSE IN THE FIRST PARARAPH** If the letter pertains to a particular piece of legislation, identify it accordingly, e.g., House Bill: H.R. ___, Senate Bill___ **CLOSE BY REQUESTING ACTION** Ask for a change in policy or for a vote to be taken
300
What are 2 ways to get involved locally and 2 ways to get involved politically?
LOCALLY - **Introduce yourself to your neighbors of all faiths, races and ethnicities. **Join school organizations like the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) **Donate materials or host events about Islam to the local public and school libraries. **Host civic events for the public such as blood drives and health fairs at your local mosque... POLITICALLY - **Make sure that you are registered to vote in local, state and national elections. **Submit an opinion piece to your newspaper about an issue of local importance. **Get yourself and your mosque involved in local issues affecting all Americans. **Schedule local and national officials to speak about community issues at your local mosques.
300
What are some credible references you can offer to others?
www.cair.com, www.mpac.org, www.mana-net.org, www.isna.net, www.masnet.org
300
Who are some influential people or groups with whom you should get in contact?
**Outreach programs **Congress **Media Outlets
300
List at least 3 of your rights as a student
YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO **inform others about your religion.  **wear religious clothing.  **organize student-led prayer on campus. **be excused from school for religious holidays.  **be excused from class discussions or activities that you find religiously objectionable. **form an extracurricular Muslim student group.
400
Who are the senators of VA?
Senator Jim Webb; Senator Mark Warner
400
Explain the difference between Proactive and Reactive responses. Which is a better choice of action?
PROACTIVE Responses (better choice)- **Take extra thought and consideration **Reflect on the best outcomes for everyone **More effective in seeking positive outcomes **Forward thinking to avoid future conflicts REACTIVE Responses - **Heavily influenced by emotion **Often irrational and unfair **Can provoke greater conflict
400
List 2 tips on writing an effective letter
**React quickly to news of the day, negative coverage or views you support. **If possible, have the letter in the hands of an editor on the same day. **If possible, speak on behalf of a local organization in which you are involved. **Pick one main topic and focus only on that one issue. **Be authoritative.
400
What are some appriopriate responses to hate crimes? List at least 4
**Act quickly, **document the incidient, **contact CAIR, **mobilize community support, **take action, **stay on top of the situation, **announce results, **get in touch with influential people
400
What section of the 1964 Civil Rights Act provides protections at work? What are those rights?
Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act guarantees your right to: **Reasonable religious accommodation.  **Fairness in hiring, firing, and promotions.  **A non-hostile work environment. **Complain about discrimination without fear of retaliation. 
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