CAIR
Event Provides Fun, Encourages
Political Activism
Speakers
during the program |
Santa Clara, CA: The San Francisco
Bay Area office of the Council on American- Islamic Relations
(CAIR-SFBA) held its Third Annual Family Picnic on Sunday,
July 8, at the Baylands Park in Sunnyvale, with more than
600 people in attendance, exceeding the expected number of
guests.
Themed "Know the Issues: Prepare for 2008 Elections",
the event provided an opportunity to the American Muslim community
to have some family fun while becoming educated about the
key issues relevant to the 2008 presidential elections.
Representatives from various political parties presented the
audience with their stance on vital government issues, especially
those concerning the protection of minorities, civil liberties,
diplomacy and foreign policies. Speakers included Steve Preminger,
Santa Clara County Democratic Party Chairman; Brian Darby,
Santa Clara County Libertarian Party Chairman; and Jim Stauffer
from the Santa Clara County Green Party. The Republican Party
was invited but was unable to attend. Several local public
officials were also present.
Community
members at the park |
CAIR-SFBA made available voter
registration forms and encouraged citizens to exercise their
political right to vote. The picnic also included fun and
games, face-painting for children, a clown, lunch, entertainment,
and raffle prizes, with the grand prize being an iPod.
"Our annual picnic is a perfect example of Muslims having
good American fun," said Safaa Ibrahim, CAIR- SFBA Executive
Director. "The educational component allows American
Muslims to exercise their patriotism by becoming better informed
contributing citizens, so people leave having experienced
a day of both education and enjoyment."
CAIR, America's largest Islamic civil liberties group, has
33 chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to promote
justice, enhance understanding of Islam, and empower American
Muslims.
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