About Us

Overview

The Houston Chapter of CAIR-Texas is a nonprofit civil rights and advocacy organization dedicated to promoting justice and mutual understanding. As part of the nation’s largest Muslim civil liberties organization, the Houston Chapter operates alongside other Texas affiliates in Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio. Through its grassroots efforts, the chapter works to protect civil rights, address discrimination, and empower American Muslims to actively participate in political and social activism.

The Houston Chapter of CAIR-Texas promotes a positive image of Islam and Muslims through media relations, government affairs, education, and advocacy. Its work includes challenging negative portrayals of Islam, advocating for Muslim concerns in legislative spaces, and addressing Islamophobia. The chapter’s civil rights department provides legal assistance to individuals facing discrimination or hate crimes. At the same time, its media and government affairs teams engage with journalists and policymakers to ensure balanced representation and community participation.

The Houston Chapter of CAIR-Texas also focuses on community empowerment and youth development. It organizes voter registration drives, fosters interfaith dialogue, and supports leadership programs to equip American Muslim youth with the tools to engage in civic and political life. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the chapter relies on tax-deductible donations to continue its mission of advocating for justice and fostering inclusion in a diverse society.

Core principles

1. Advocate for Liberty: The Houston Chapter of CAIR-Texas supports free enterprise, freedom of religion, and freedom of expression.
2. Protect Civil Rights: The Houston Chapter of CAIR-Texas is committed to protecting the civil rights of all Americans, regardless of faith.
3. Support Positive Domestic Policies: The Houston Chapter of CAIR-Texas supports domestic policies that promote civil rights, diversity, and freedom of religion.
4. Oppose Unjust Policies: The Houston Chapter of CAIR-Texas opposes domestic policies that limit civil rights, permit racial, ethnic, or religious profiling, infringe on due process, or prevent Muslims and others from fully participating in American civic life.
5. Just Allyship: The Houston Chapter of CAIR-Texas is a natural ally of groups, religious or secular, that advocate for justice and human rights in America and around the world.
6. Bolster Beneficial Foreign Policies: The Houston Chapter of CAIR-Texas supports foreign policies that help create free and equitable trade, encourage human rights, and promote representative government based on socio-economic justice.
7. Support Islam: The Houston Chapter of CAIR-Texas believes the active practice of Islam strengthens the social and religious fabric of our nation.
8. Condemn Violence: The Houston Chapter of CAIR-Texas condemns all acts of violence against civilians by any individual, group, or state.
9. Encourage Interfaith Dialogue: The Houston Chapter of CAIR-Texas advocates for dialogue between faith communities both in America and worldwide.
10. Foster Equality: The Houston Chapter of CAIR-Texas supports equal and complementary rights and responsibilities for men and women.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is a grassroots civil rights and advocacy group. CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties organization, with regional offices nationwide. CAIR’s national headquarters are on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. The Houston Chapter of CAIR operates alongside other Texas affiliates in Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio.

Since its establishment in 1994, the Houston Chapter of CAIR-Texas has worked to promote a positive image of Islam and Muslims in America. Through media relations, government relations, education, and advocacy, the Houston Chapter of CAIR-Texas puts forth an Islamic perspective to ensure the Muslim voice is represented. In offering this perspective, the Houston Chapter of CAIR-Texas seeks to empower the American Muslim community and encourage their participation in political and social activism.

Civil Rights Work

The Houston Chapter of CAIR-Texas’ civil rights department counsels, mediates, and advocates on behalf of Muslims and others who have experienced religious discrimination, defamation, or hate crimes. We work to protect and defend the constitutional rights of American Muslims, thereby supporting the rights of all Americans.

Government Affairs

The Houston Chapter of CAIR-Texas’ government affairs department conducts and organizes lobbying efforts on issues related to Islam and Muslims. We monitor legislation and government activities and respond on behalf of the American Muslim community. Our representatives have testified before Congress and sponsored activities designed to bring Muslim concerns to Capitol Hill.

Media Relations

The Houston Chapter of CAIR-Texas’ communications department works with local and national media to ensure an accurate portrayal of Islam and Muslims is presented to the American public. We monitor local, national, and international media, challenging negative stereotypes and applauding positive representations of Islam and Muslims. Over the years, we have become a respected and credible source for journalists and media professionals.

Action Alerts

In an effort to empower the American Muslim community, the Houston Chapter of CAIR-Texas issues action alerts to generate a grassroots response to critical political, social, and media-related issues. These alerts have produced overwhelming results and made a significant impact in bringing about change. We also offer an email list as a source of information and news for the American Muslim community. Subscribers receive news releases and other materials related to American Muslim positions on important issues.

Research

CAIR’s research team conducts empirical research studies on subjects relevant to the American Muslim community, including gathering and analyzing data for the annual civil rights report. The North American Muslim Resource Guide: Muslim Community Life in the United States and Canada (Routledge) is a product of the research department.

Internships

The Houston Chapter of CAIR-Texas offers internships to students or other interested individuals who wish to gain experience in media relations, political activism or civil rights work.

CAIR-Houston Publications

CAIR-Houston offers various publications that address American Muslims’ needs and rights through our Washington DC, headquarters. These publications include guides for employers, educators, healthcare providers, correctional facilities, and law enforcement officials. CAIR-Houston also has Qurans in English and Spanish available for all members of the public upon request.

Education: Conferences, Seminars and Workshops

CAIR-Houston organizes regular training seminars for government and law enforcement agencies, media professionals, and the academic community. These events are designed to present easily accessible and accurate information about Islam and Muslims. CAIR provides diversity training workshops to employers, educators, and organizations as a proactive approach highlighting relevant Islamic practices and offering suggestions for religious accommodation. CAIR also provides training for the Muslim community and activists in media relations, public speaking, lobbying, and civil rights.

Voter Registration

In order to increase Muslim participation in the political arena, CAIR-Houston regularly sponsors voter registration drives across the country. To register to vote, visit our website.

Outreach and Interfaith Relations

Each year, groups representing people of all faiths visit CAIR offices to learn more about Islam and Muslims in America. Through these visits, as well as other interfaith initiatives, CAIR strives to educate others about Islam while building strong relationships with other faith communities.