Overview
Emerging leaders seek to mentor the next generation of Muslim American civic leaders by connecting them to and training them with expert practitioners in the field. The program selects a class of Emerging Leaders in each of Emgage’s state chapters once a year. The program includes three components, whereby recruits are offered in-person and/or virtual sessions on storytelling, civic engagement and organizing, policy, and politics. The program will include a day in the field, allowing participants to door-knock and canvass with the support of expert organizers, as well as a Policy Advocacy Day, where participants will be provided with the opportunity to meet directly with legislators at their local City Hall or Capitol Building.
Trainees learn from Emgage staff, board members, and outside experts on topics including how to mobilize voters, organize communities, U.S. foreign policy, and effective advocacy. Alongside the trainings, Emerging Leaders have an opportunity to participate in Emgage activities ranging from organizing community events to meeting with elected officials to researching policy topics. The goal of the program is to combine in-class instruction with real-world experience in the civic space. Upon completion of the program, Emgage may offer qualified participants internship, fellowship, or employment opportunities, depending on the needs of the organization.
What are Leaders preparing for?
The Emerging Leaders program includes three (3) components:
- In-Class Education & Training
- Organizing Day
- Policy Advocacy Day
In-Class Education & Training
In-Class Education & Training includes in-class lessons and discussions on four topics: Storytelling, Civic Engagement & Organizing, Politics, and Policy. Participants will learn about the “hows” and “whys” of civic engagement, how to navigate the political landscape, and best practices for establishing policy change. Participants will leave equipped with the knowledge of how to build coalitions and establish change. Follow the curriculum below to guide your program.
In-class education and training will require a minimum of two full days (preferably a weekend program, on Saturday/Sunday).
Organizing Day
Organizing Day will be held in the field, allowing participants to door-knock and canvass with the support of expert organizers. Participants will experience direct engagement with members of their community as they mobilize voters, provide educational resources, and advocate for civic engagement. Organizing Day is ideally held before your Get Out The Vote period for the primary or general election.
Policy Advocacy Day
Policy Advocacy Day will provide participants with the opportunity to meet directly with legislators at their local City Hall or Capitol Building. Participants will advocate for policy priorities that matter most to Muslim Americans with the support of seasoned policy advocates. Policy Advocacy Day could serve as your Muslim Capitol Day.
Want to get involved?
Please apply to the program here.
And, feel free to write to the point of contact for your state for any questions:
- Florida: Alejandra Permuy, apermuy@emgageusa.org
- Michigan: Jaime Churches, jchurches@emgageusa.org
- New York Metro: Heba Khalil, hkhalil@emgageusa.org
- Pennsylvania: Geeda Al-haffar, galhaffar@emgageusa.org
- Texas: Jida Nablusi, jnabulsi@emgageusa.org
- Virginia: Mohamed Gula, mgula@emgageusa.org
