The Council on American-Islamic Relations Pennsylvania (CAIR-PA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), grassroots civil rights and advocacy group.

• Board & Executive Committee
• Staff
• Mission & Focus
• Who We Are
• Facts About CAIR
• History of CAIR-PPennsylvania
• Chapter Annual Report
• Testimonials
• What They Say About CAIR

Mission and Vision

CAIR’s vision is to be a leading advocate for justice and mutual understanding.

CAIR’s mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

Core Principles

• CAIR PA supports free enterprise, freedom of religion and freedom of expression.
• CAIR PA is committed to protecting the civil rights of all Americans, regardless of faith.
• CAIR PA supports domestic policies that promote civil rights, diversity and freedom of religion.
• CAIR PA opposes domestic policies that limit civil rights, permit racial, ethnic or religious profiling, infringe on due process, or that prevent Muslims and others from participating fully in American civic life.
• CAIR PA is a natural ally of groups, religious or secular, that advocate justice and human rights in America and around the world.
• CAIR PA supports foreign policies that help create free and equitable trade, encourage human rights and promote representative government based on socio-economic justice.
• CAIR PA believes the active practice of Islam strengthens the social and religious fabric of our nation.
• CAIR PA condemns all acts of violence against civilians by any individual, group or state.
• CAIR PA advocates dialogue between faith communities both in America and worldwide.
• CAIR PA supports equal and complementary rights and responsibilities for men and women.

About Us

The Council on American-Islamic Relations Pennsylvania (CAIR PA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), grassroots civil rights and advocacy group. CAIR is America’s largest Islamic civil liberties group, with regional offices nationwide and in Canada. The national headquarters is located on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C.

Since its establishment in 1994, CAIR has worked to promote a positive image of Islam and Muslims in America. Through media relations, lobbying, education and advocacy, CAIR puts forth an Islamic perspective to ensure the Muslim voice is represented. In offering this perspective, CAIR seeks to empower the American Muslim community and encourage their participation in political and social activism. In addition to being a volunteer-based organization, CAIR-Pennsylvania employs full time staff to coordinate and accomplish tasks in the following areas:

Civil Rights Work
CAIR’s Civil Rights Department 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
CAIR’s Communications Department works in conjunction with local and national media to ensure an accurate portrayal of Islam and Muslims is presented to the American public. CAIR 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, CAIR has become a respected and credible source for journalists and other media professionals.

Action Alerts and CAIR Newsletter
In an effort to empower the American Muslim community, CAIR issues “Action Alerts” as a means of generating a grassroots response to critical political, social and media-related issues. These alerts have produced overwhelming results and have made a significant impact in bringing about change. CAIR also offers an email list designed to be a source of information and news for the American Muslim community. Subscribers to the CAIR newsletter list receive news releases and other materials dealing with American Muslim positions on issues of importance.  To subscribe to CAIR-Pennsylvania’s Newsletter, visit: pa.cair.com/mailing-list/

Research
CAIR’s Research Department conducts empirical research studies on subjects relevant to the American Muslim community, including gathering and analyzing 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.

Internships
CAIR offers internships to students or other interested individuals who wish to gain experience in media relations, political activism or civil rights work.

CAIR Publications
CAIR offers a variety of publications that address the needs and rights of American Muslims. These publications include guides for employers, educators, healthcare providers, and law enforcement. CAIR also produces practical handbooks and resource materials for the Muslim community. CAIR’s Research Department publishes an annual report on the status of American Muslim civil rights, which serves to document hate crimes and discrimination cases reported to CAIR’s Civil Rights Department.

Education: Conferences, Seminars and Workshops
CAIR organizes regular conferences and training seminars for government and law enforcement agencies, media professionals and the academic community. These events are designed to present easily accessible and accurate information about Islam and Muslims. CAIR’s TeamWorks sensitivity and diversity training workshop is offered to employers, educators and organizations as a proactive approach that highlights relevant Islamic practices and offers suggestions for religious accommodation. CAIR also provides training for the Muslim Community and activists in areas such as media relations, public speaking and civil rights.

Voter Registration
In order to increase Muslim participation in the political arena, CAIR and its chapters regularly sponsor voter registration drives across the country.

Outreach and Interfaith Relations
Each year, groups representing people of all faiths visit CAIR offices to learn more about Islam and Muslims in America. Through these visits, as well as other interfaith initiatives, CAIR strives to educate others about Islam while building strong relationships with other faith communities.