About
Our Mission
Our mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower Muslims residing in Washington.
Who We Are
CAIR Washington is a grassroots advocacy and civil rights organization based in Seattle that serves the Muslim community across Washington state. Our purpose is to defend the civil liberties of Muslim Washingtonians no matter where they live or their level of income. We do this by 1) providing free legal services to Muslims who’ve been discriminated against because they are Muslim, 2) working to combat Islamophobia and bigotry through education and storytelling, and 3) empowering our community to be politically and socially engaged while shaping laws and policies that impact us.
CAIR Washington is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and a chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a grassroots civil rights and advocacy group. CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties group, with regional offices nationwide and in Canada.
Values
Justice
CAIR Washington is, first and foremost, concerned with justice. At our core, we are a civil rights organization that fights for Muslims in Washington state who have been discriminated against, harassed, or attacked because they are Muslim. Our sense of justice guides everything we do. Justice means we believe that everyone – regardless of their faith, race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity – deserves fair and equal treatment. CAIR Washington is an organization founded by and for Muslims in our state. Our shared identity and experiences as Muslims are an integral part of our organizational identity. As Muslims, we are called to prioritize and value justice. The Quran, the sacred scripture of Islam, considers justice to be a supreme virtue.
Inclusion
Muslims are incredibly diverse, and we strive to include all of Washington’s Muslims in our work. Whether you are an immigrant, refugee, or Washington-born and raised, Somali, Cham, Afghan, Black, South Asian, or of another background, live in King County, Eastern Washington, or elsewhere, we are here for you. We often work in interfaith coalitions, with elected officials of various parties, and for accountability in law enforcement while maintaining relationships with local departments. We work against hate and in solidarity with other movements fighting for a more just world.
Grass roots
Our work is responsive and community-led. CAIR Washington believes deeply in the power of community. We know that if it wasn’t for our supporters, dedicated staff, volunteers, community partners, and allies, our work would not be possible. It is the thousands of regular, everyday people who believe in the work we do and take action on our behalf that make the difference. People power is the most fundamental power.