The Japanese American Citizens League Pacific Southwest District (JACL PSW) and Nikkei for Civil Rights & Redress (NCRR) in partnership with the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Islamic Shura Council announce the launch of the Bridging Communities program to connect the youth of the Japanese American community to the Muslim American community by celebrating the strengths and differences that bind us as a community.WHAT: Through a series of interactive sessions, 40 high school students will engage in workshops with discussions and group activities as well as visit sites that will allow the participants to fully engage and learn about the Muslim and Japanese cultures. These sessions will focus on topics ranging from ethnic identity, culture/religion, civil rights, and activism.
WHY: Since 9/11 and the start of the Iraq War, Muslim communities throughout the nation have experienced heightened hostility, discrimination, and policies that work against them simply because of their ethnic identity. JACL and NCRR recognize the hostilities and civil rights infringements on Muslim communities as those that were similarly forced upon Japanese Americans during WWII. The joint effort of both communities will heighten awareness through education to the youth.
WHERE: Sites include the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, Little Tokyo, a mosque in Orange County, and Manzanar.
WHEN: Four Saturday Sessions in Spring 2009: 2/21/09, 3/14/09, 4/4/09, 4/25/09
Applications for the program will be available in December and will be accepted until January 31, 2009. Applications and more information can be found at www.jaclpsw.org
