Arab American Community Meeting Addresses Upcoming Election

posted on: Jun 26, 2008

Leaders and representatives from various Arab and Muslim American community organizations met yesterday to discuss strategies for the upcoming local and national elections.

The purpose of the meeting was to lay the foundation for an organized effective plan of action regarding the campaign season. Representatives and activists who participated in the gathering discussed issues of interest and concern related to the 2008 election, specifically, the Presidential election.

The meeting’s participants agreed that the candidates running for Presidency should meet directly with the Arab American and Muslim American leadership, and grant the Arab American and Muslim American community, both locally and nationally, the opportunity to engage with the candidates directly.

In addition, the attendees agreed to further promote the community’s participation in the election process and stress the importance of every vote. It was agreed upon that there should be aggressive efforts at all levels to push voter registration, and a plan of action should be implemented to ensure a high voter turnout

The meeting also addressed the “One Voice” initiative, a new campaign that focuses on mobilizing and organizing the Arab American community by creating a communication medium that will keep individuals informed on issues that affect them. The initiative began with a kick-off event at last week’s International Arab Festival, where volunteers successfully signed over 550 community members who showed an interest in making their voices heard as Arab Americans.

“Our community is fired up and ready to go,” stated Imad Hamad, ADC Michigan Regional Director and Senior National Advisor. “We are fully prepared for this election. We are working diligently to ensure that the Arab American vote is an educated and informed vote, and we will not accept anything less than equal treatment and equal participation during the course of this process.”

This meeting served as the first of several meetings, which will be held periodically as the November elections approach.

Source: ADC Detroit