CAIR-CHICAGO’S LATEST
Featured Projects
Since day one, CAIR-Chicago’s guiding light has been our trademark organizational model of “Professional Muslim Activism.” This model combines corporate standards, in all aspects of our technical work, with the Islamic values of human care and social justice into a proactive treatment of the issues. CAIR-Chicago focuses on vital local projects that are sustainable, measurable, and dedicated.
What We Do
Civil Rights
CAIR-Chicago’s extensive work and advocacy has a direct impact on preserving civil rights of American Muslims – relief for the victims, improving policies to accommodate religious practices and eliminate discriminatory measures, and empowering individuals and institutions to protect their rights.
Media Relations
CAIR-Chicago organizes press conferences and issues dozens of press releases and media advisories annually to ensure that Muslim perspectives on vital issues and current events are represented in the mainstream media.
Community & Gov Outreach
CAIR-Chicago aims to educate and build bridges between Muslims and diverse communities, establish partnerships with other organizations, and bolster CAIR-Chicago’s ability to serve its constituents in Chicago’s Muslim communities.
Our Team
Our 2024 Interns
CAIR-Chicago’s team is a dedicated group of staff, interns, and volunteers.
We are committed to being active in our communities and accessible to the people we serve.
STAND UP AGAINST ISLAMOPHOBIA
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RESULTS ORIENTED: CAIR-Chicago in Numbers
CAIR-Chicago continues to be our community's only institutional civil rights defense and advocacy organization in Illinois and the NW Indiana region.
Why CAIR-Chicago?
CAIR-Chicago is the only specialized, full-time non-profit organization in the city of Chicago working to represent the Muslim community in the courthouse and the newsroom, that is in the legal arena in terms of its civil rights, and on the airwaves in terms of its public image.
To defend civil rights, fight bigotry, and promote tolerance.
Mission
Vision
To attain equal opportunity for, and normalize the image of, Muslims in America.
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Key Issues
We advocate and educate against bigotry, hate and prejudice targeting Muslims on the mere basis of their faith.
There is no media conspiracy, but selective and/or de-contextualized reporting that conflates aberrational representations of Islam/Muslims with the normative ones contribute to public “miseducation.”
“The best way to fix our image, is to fix our reality.”
Recognitions
CAIR-Chicago is dedicated to facilitating change around us and empowering the community to be agents of change nationwide. We work with local and national leaders to ensure the protection of rights for all Muslim Americans.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson
“Over the past 17 years, CAIR-Chicago has over 5,000 civil rights complaints, educated, and empowered the Muslim community, graduated over 900 interns, coordinated interfaith and intercultural initiatives, led workshops and hosted international delegations from every continent”.
US Senator Dick Durbin
“You defend the civil rights of your constituents, encourage their political empowerment, and make strides to foster dialogue about cultural awareness and understanding. I applaud your commitment to promoting tolerance and understanding”.
U.S. Congressman Andre Carson
“Each of us plays an important role in promoting mutual understanding and equal justice, but, to be effective, our community must demonstrate consistent, strategic and unified engagement on the local and national level”.
U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth
“CAIR-Chicago has been a constant leader in continuously fighting against injustice and discrimination to protect the civil rights and dignity of all Americans”.
U.S. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar
“Thankfully, CAIR and its Chicago chapter over the past several years have fought back against this rising tide of anti-Muslim and empowered the Muslim community and others to fully participate in American civic life”.
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CEASEFIRE IN GAZA NOW!
OUR FILMS
MOMENTUM
CAIR-Chicago celebrated its 20th Anniversary Gala on October 27th, 2024 marking two decades of service to the American Muslim community of greater Chicago. The event’s theme, "Momentum", honored our organization's journey while emphasizing the enduring strength CAIR-Chicago brings to its advocacy efforts.
The evening featured a powerful film produced by the CAIR-Chicago Communications Department and edited by Nilüfer Kaya, capturing CAIR-Chicago’s impactful journey and commitment to defending civil rights, combating bigotry, and fostering understanding.