Mission and Vision

CAIR-NJ actively engages with the media to ensure that a fair and accurate portrayal of Islam and Muslims is presented to the American public. This is accomplished through media appearances, press conferences, opinion editorials and letters to the editor. In addition, CAIR-NJ provides training to community members, media professionals, and employers. Media professionals are engaged In discussions about working with the Muslim community, with the purpose of helping to create an environment where fair and balanced journalism can thrive. The Muslim community is educated on working with the media to assert their rights and respond with confidence when met with requests for interviews.

Protecting the rights of New Jersey’s Muslims is at the core of CAIR-NJ’s mission. We work vigorously to educate on behalf of community members experiencing discrimination and remedy cases through in-person negotiations, from filing charges of discrimination, letter writing, and referrals to our attorney referral network. Cases range from employment, public accommodation and school discrimination, to hate crimes and governmental religious/racial profiling.

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

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is a 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, government relations, education and advocacy, CAIR-NJ puts forth an Islamic perspective to ensure the Muslim voice is represented. In offering this perspective, CAIR-NJ seeks to empower the American Muslim community and encourage their participation in political and social activism.

CAIR-NJ’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.

CAIR-NJ’s Governmental Affairs Department conducts and organizes lobbying efforts on issues related to Islam and Muslims. The department is active in monitoring legislation and government activities and then, responding on behalf of the American Muslim community. CAIR representatives have testified before Congress and have sponsored a number of activities designed to bring Muslim concerns to Capitol Hill.

CAIR-NJ’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.

In an effort to empower the American Muslim community, CAIR-NJ 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-NJ’s e-mail lists receive news releases and other materials dealing with American Muslim positions on issues of importance.

CAIR-NJ’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.

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

CAIR-NJ 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-NJ’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-NJ’s Civil Rights Department.

CAIR-NJ 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-NJ’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-NJ also provides training for the Muslim Community and activists in areas such as media relations, public speaking, lobbying, and civil rights.

In order to increase Muslim participation in the political arena, CAIR and its chapters regularly sponsor voter registration drives across the country. To register to vote, visit our website.

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