Make Your Voice Heard: An MLK Day Youth Advocacy Workshop

On 14th January 2017 by Mark Walters

Are you concerned about the dramatic increase in Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate crimes in the US? Do you want to send a message that bigotry and discrimination have no place in our communities? Do you want to learn how to use your voice and your personal story to make positive change? If so, join us for a Youth Advocacy Workshop!

The event is open to all youth in 6th-12th grade. The workshop will be facilitated by Aneelah Afzali from MAPS-AMEN (American Muslim Empowerment Network), staff from Kids4Peace, and other interfaith and media leaders.

This four-hour workshop will empower youth with the tools to speak out publicly against Islamophobia, with a particular emphasis on using media to tell positive personal stories.

• Hour 1. Introductions; sharing of concerns about the current climate in the US; background on rise of Islamophobia in the US; the importance of speaking up and using media to tell our stories
• Hour 2. Media training workshop — Learn how to write an effective letter to the editor or op-ed; work with mentors to write your story to combat Islamophobia
• Hour 3. Sharing of personal stories; debrief; committing to next steps
• Hour 4. The event will conclude with a youth press conference to share the experience with local media.

Register here.