| About the American Islamic Congress |
|
The American Islamic Congress (AIC) is a civil rights organization promoting tolerance and the exchange of ideas among Muslims and between other peoples.
Mission:
AIC is a non-religious civic initiative challenging increasingly negative perceptions of Muslims by advocating responsible leadership and ‘two-way’ interfaith understanding. As Muslim-Americans, thriving amidst America's open multicultural society and civil liberties, we promote these same values for the global Muslim community. We are not afraid to advocate unequivocally for women's equality, free expression, and nonviolence - making no apologies for terrorism, which primarily claims Muslim lives. See our Statement of Principles.
 Founded after September 11:
Our organization grew out of the ashes of September 11. In late 2001, a diverse group of young Muslim Americans incorprated AIC as a 501(c)(3) non-profit and non-partisan organization. We opened an office in New Haven, Connecticut, and began publishing editorials, speaking to interfaith audiences, and reaching out to public officials.
In our first year, we produced several handbooks to help the public - both Muslim and non-Muslim - navigate the post-9/11 climate in America. These include Responding to Hate Speech: A Citizen's Guide; A New Guide for Muslim Interfaith Dialogue; and a Teachers Guide on Islam and September 11.
Today AIC operates offices in Washington, Boston, Cairo, and Basra. Our leaders have published editorials in top newspapers; testified to Congress; provided sensitivity training to law enforcement and members of the armed forces; run workshops on nonviolent reform for young Middle Eastern activists; and spoken at dozens of universities and civic institutions. For specifics details, see our Milestones.
 Award-Winning Work:
AIC has received Dialogue on Diversity’s Liberty Award, the National Liberty Museum’s Interfaith Bridging Award, and the Los Angeles County Commendation. Our staffers have also been recognized with awards, including an “Ambassador of Peace” commendation from the Inter-religious International Peace Council, as well as a certificate from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Our campaigns have received grants from foundations across the spectrum, including the United States Institute of Peace, Working Assets, the Cato Institute, and the Bradley Foundation.
Leaders Taking Action:
AIC employs over 10 full-time staffers - all in their 20s and 30s - in the US and the Middle East. "Passionate about moderation," our young leaders represent a new emerging generation willing to promote a cutting-edge agenda despite personal risk.
As a non-religious initiative, AIC is open to people of all faiths, promoting diversity within our own organization. Our supporters, staff, and board of directors unite diverse religious, academic, political, and humanitarian leaders, including non-Muslims. Over 10,000 supporters - from extremely diverse backgrounds - have participated in our campaigns.
|