Program areas at CAIR
Civil rights and advocacy - counsels, mediates and advocates on behalf of muslims and others who have experienced religious discrimination, defamation or hate crimes. The department works to protect and defend the constitutional rights of american muslims, thereby supporting the rights of all americans.
Media Relations - works with local and national media to ensure an accurate portrayal of islam and muslims is presented to the american public. The foundation monitors local, national and international media, in part to challenge negative stereotypes, but also to applaud and encourage positive representations of islam and muslims. Over the years, the foundation has become a respected and credible source for journalists and other media professionals. The foundation also offers an email list designed to be a source of information and news for the american muslim community.
Outreach and support - the foundation attends muslim and non-muslim events to educate the community about the work of the foundation. Additionally, the foundation works with and provides training to affiliate chapters to help strengthen the work of the foundation's mission nationwide by advocating for american muslims across the country who have experienced discrimination, defamation, or hate crimes.
Government affairs - conducts and organizes lobbying efforts on issues related to islam and muslims. The department monitors legislation and government activities and responds on behalf of the american muslim community. The foundation's representatives have testified before congress and have sponsored a number of activities designed to bring muslim concerns to capitol hill. The foundation issues action alerts as a means of generating a grassroots response to critical political, social and media-related issues.
Islamophobia/research and advocacy - conducts empirical research studies on subjects relevant to the american muslim community, including gathering and analysing data for the annual civil rights report. The north american muslim resource guide: muslim community life in the united states and canada (routledge) is a product of the research department.