WASHINGTON – Hundreds of Muslim delegates from different American states are lobbying efforts for the coming National Muslim Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill in Washington next April 18.

“With a dynamic legislative agenda, American Muslims are positioned to advocate for core social justice issues that will benefit all Americans, regardless of faith or background,” Robert McCaw, chairman of the US Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO) Advocacy Day steering committee, said in a statement released by The Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) on Wednesday, March 16.

The second event, planned on Monday, April 18, will be attended by some 300 delegates from more than 20 states.

It is sponsored by USCMO, a coalition of leading national and local American Muslim organizations.

Muslim delegates are expected to meet with a third of the House of Representatives and almost half of the Senate.

National Muslim Advocacy Day delegates will promote a legislative agenda in support of equality and social justice, and will outline the domestic priorities of the American Muslim community.

These priorities include supporting resolutions recognizing and condemning Islamophobia as well as addressing American Muslim community concerns regarding the oversight, management and approach of federal Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) programs.

“Muslim Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill continues to empower the American Muslim community to work constructively with their elected officials and staff on Capitol Hill,” USCMO Secretary General Oussama Jammal said.

“It is important that members of Congress have the opportunity to get to know their Muslim constituents on a first name basis.”

The founding members of the USCMO include, American Muslims for Palestine (AMP), Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), Muslim Alliance in North America (MANA), and Muslim American Society (MAS).

Other members include Muslim Legal Fund of America (MLFA), Muslim Ummah of North America (MUNA), and the Mosque Cares (Ministry of Imam W. Deen Mohammed).