​(EDMOND, OK, 6/18/14) – Beginning Friday June 20, the Oklahoma chapter of Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OK) will host its 6th annual Muslim Youth Leadership Symposium (MYLS) at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond. The MYLS program, which continues through June 22, will focus on developing today’s young leaders to be social and community activists with the goal of working towards a better Oklahoma.

WHAT: 6th Annual Muslim Youth Leadership Symposium (MYLS)
WHEN: June 20-22, 2014
WHERE: University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, OK
PROGRAM: Media are invited to Saturday, June 21 workshops and talent show 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; June 22 mock debate at Oklahoma State Capitol 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
CONTACT: Adam Soltani, Executive Director CAIR Oklahoma, 405-248-5853 asoltani@cair.com

SEE: Muslim Youth Leadership Program Detailed Schedule
http://www.cairoklahoma.com/blog/myls_2014_final_program_schedule.html

The weekend symposium will consist of a full day of workshops and team-building exercises, a talent show, and will conclude with a mock legislative debate in the House Chambers of the Oklahoma State Capitol building led by Senator Constance Johnson.

“The Muslim Youth Leadership Symposium is a weekend long, fun-filled crash course in civic engagement, interfaith cooperation, and community leadership that is widely anticipated every year by our great state’s young Muslim community,” said CAIR-OK Development Coordiantor Thomaira Babbit.

“Our program aims to equip the Sooner State’s future cultural and interfaith liaisons, social and civil rights advocates, and champions of inclusivity with the necessary tools and skills such as critical thinking, active listening, mediation, and professional etiquette that will set them up for future success in their academic, professional, and community involvement pursuits.”

In its sixth year of operation, MYLS aims to empower Oklahoma Muslim youth to reclaim the image of Islam in the mainstream through positive social activism. This year’s symposium included workshops that promote social justice, coalition building, grassroots organizing, public speaking, and debating legislation. Featured speakers at this year’s event include former Oklahoma State Representative Shane Jett, ACLU Legal Director Brady Henderson, and more!

SEE: Muslim Youth Leadership Symposium 2014 program page
http://www.cairoklahoma.com/event/muslim_youth_leadership_symposium_2014.html
SEE: Muslim Youth Leadership Symposium 2013 photo gallery
http://www.cairoklahoma.com/gallery/myls_2013_muslim_youth_leadership_symposium.html

The 60 MYLS participants have been selected through an application process from across the state of Oklahoma to participate in this year’s program.

CAIR-Oklahoma is a chapter of America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialog, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

Follow CAIR-Oklahoma on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/cairoklahoma
Like CAIR-Oklahoma on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/cairoklahoma
Visit CAIR-Oklahoma on the web:
www.cairoklahoma.com

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CONTACT: CAIR-OK Executive Director Adam Soltani, 405-248-5853, asoltani@cair.com; CAIR-OK Development Coordinator Thomaira Babbit, 405-326-0239, tbabbit@cair.com